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Potential ovarian cancer?

Dayna-Leigh
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The last few months I've been experiencing sharp pain it started in my lower right side of my stomach by hip I just thought it was nothing until it kept happening. Anyways back in March it was really bad that I was vomiting so went to GP suspected appendicitis so rushed to A&E (drama) still at A&E thought suspected appendicitis had an operation for this turned out my appendix is health anyways they send blood in my abdomen and put it down to a ruptured ovarian cyst. No follow ups or referrals nothing. About a month later pain is back again and I've noticed it's around ovulation go to see my GP and has ultrasound but everything looks healthy referred to gynaecology but they tell me to just get the copper implant and I'll be fine. It's now October and the pain is still happening it's more than just when I ovulate and it's on both sides. I also have other symptoms which they haven't taken into account E.g float, feeling full really quick really bad indigestion and heartburn my bowel movements are all over the place. Gp is refused to do CA125 blood test as she believes I just need to have the copper implant also. 
 

Can I request referral and have this check before it's too late? I know ovarian cancer is one of the missed and there is a family history of ovarian and breast cancer in the family.

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    Sorry but your GP is failing in their duty of care in refusing to do a simple blood test! I would speak to the practice manager. I'm sure the ultrasound would have shown if you had cancer however and from person experience you can suffer constant pain from ovulating as I had it for years. It could well be that your other symptoms are due to stress. If you tried the coil and your issues resolve then the problem would be sorted so I can understand why they are advising that course of action.

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    Insist on the Ca125 test..mention the family history of ovarian & breast cancer to your GP. Once they hear of genetic risk, they will probably take it more seriously. I had bad digestion and I've just had a dermoid ovarian cyst removed. I kept being fobbed off for ages so be assertive! Go to a different GP if you still get nowhere. I think an ultrasound would be a good idea- my ultrasound picked up the ovarian cyst and finally made the GP take me seriously. Until they see it in the scan, they don't fully believe you. I feel like there's unconscious bias within the health system whereby women's health issues are often minimised and dismissed, particularly by male GPs. Is your GP male or female? I've found female healthcare professionals much better tbh..I shouldn't generalise but they are more understanding & empathetic of gynaecological issues. 

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    Hi ive just been found to have a complex cyst and my Gp gave me a blood form for the ca125 blood test which i had done on Thursday so waiting for the results of that. I refuse to see the main Dr at the practice as he rude and abrupt. Like has been suggested i would speak to the practice manager. I have sisters who have had breast cancer and luckily the Dr im seeing now is on the ball. Wishing you all the very best

  • Offline in reply to Gracesmum

    My bilateral complex ovarian cysts were found during a colonoscopy, l have pain on the left so they are being excised 16 Oct, my referral was through the colorectal dept , my go didn't know l had been referred to gynea ! Or that l was having surgery . 
     

  • Offline in reply to Alfieisastar

    I hope it all goes well for you. They couldn't see my right Ovary because of bowel gas so I'm guessing they might want to do another ultrasound to have another look? 

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms you are having and appreciate the worry they are causing you.

    Unfortunately no one on the forum can diagnose you or tell you what the matter is. As I am sure you are aware symptoms can be caused by an array of different things and sometimes it can take a while to work out what may be going on. However most things have a simple answer and won't be the result of anything as serious as a cancer.

    Try and avoid searching for answers on line as it can lead people to the wrong and often worrying conclusions.

    When cancer is in the family, people often assume that this greatly increases their risk of developing it, but this isn't necessarily so. Although the genes we inherit may influence our risk, this may not be by very much. This is quite a complicated topic and it might be useful to look at our section explaining genes and inherited cancer risk at this link. If you are worried about your risk of breast or ovarian cancer do tell them which family members have been affected so they can assess your risk. they may be able to put your mind at rest or can refer you for genetic testing if they think you fit the criteria for this.

    Your doctor is the best person to assess you and your symptoms and to arrange the most appropriate tests. This may be disappointing to hear but a ca125 blood test may not be that a useful test for you. The ultrasound you had would have viewed your female organs including the ovaries and if anything unusual had been seen then a ca125 may have been carried out. A ca125 is not really used as a stand alone test but is often used in combination with other tests such as an ultrasound to be able to calculate a risk score for ovarian cancer in particular. 

    It seems both the gynaecologist and GP feel the copper implant may benefit you so I don't know if this is something you are going to try but it may be worth some more thought and discussion.

    Whilst you are having other symptoms including indigestion heart burn and change to bowel habits these may not all be linked and may be separate issues. I would encourage you to speak to a GP again and talk through these issues separately so they can assess what other tests may be useful to check these things out for you.

    Do be honest with your GP about how you are feeling and what your greatest fears are.

    I hope you have some more answers soon and start feeling better in yourself.

    Take care

    Naomi

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