Hi just wondering what this means. Stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosed but haven’t seen the oncologist yet. What does it mean if ovaries were described as bulky at diagnosis appointment?
I'm sorry to read about your situation. Waiting to see the oncologist after a diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer can be a very worrying time.
Bulky ovaries simply means that the ovaries look larger than normal on a scan or examination. It is a description of their size, not a diagnosis by itself.
It does not mean cancer has spread to the ovaries. There can be several reasons why ovaries appear enlarged. They may contain harmless cysts or other non-cancerous changes, or they may be enlarged because of inflammation or fluid.
However, in someone with bowel cancer, the doctors will want to consider whether the ovaries could be involved and look at the scans carefully.
The oncologist will explain what the scan showed and whether the bulky ovaries are thought to be related to the bowel cancer or something else.
I hope this is of some use. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
It is probably best to ask your team these questions as they are involved in your care. Normally the surgeon would not consider operating if it has spread to the peritoneum but hopefully any drugs given will help to shrink and control the cancer.
Do ask your team these questions. You will hopefully be given the chemotherapy and then scanned regularly to see how well the treatment is working. It can help to make a list of questions so you can have an idea of what will happen over the next few weeks and how you will be monitored. It is important that you let your team know about any side effects you are getting so any symptoms can be well controlled.
If you would like to ring and chat this through with any of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call.
The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
