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Q: Could you please give specific distinctions between the symptoms of colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and an ovarian cyst?
A: Ovarian cysts may be characterized by pelvic pain over the area of the affected ovary, an ovarial mass on physical examination, and its typical presentation on an ultrasound examination (a fluid filled cavity). Although small ovarian cystsfrequently present without any symptoms, larger cysts can present with more appreciable pain. Many of these cysts may be managed by pain medication and by close monitoring of the patient . However, cysts may rupture, thus leading to a marked increase in pain and to bleeding within the abdominal cavity, which then requires surgery. In addition surgery is also required for cysts that do not disappear, cysts that do not simply appear as a simple fluid filled cavity on ultrasound and are compartmentalized (i.e., complex cysts), and cysts present in women around or after the menopause, because of their malignant potential.
Ovarian tumors are usually benign. However, some are malignant. Unfortunately, many women with ovarian tumors (either benign or malignant) do not experience any symptoms or only experience mild abdominal symptoms or pelvic pressure. Women with an advanced ovarian tumor may experience abdominal pain and bloating. In addition, an abdominal mass which may be frequently palpated on physical examination, and there may be fluid present in the abdominal cavity (ascites). An elevated serum CA-125 indicates a higher probability that an ovarian tumor is malignant. An ultrasound imaging examination may frequently differentiate a benign ovarian mass from an ovarian mass which might be malignant. In contrast to simple small cysts, which may be followed for several weeks to see whether they spontaneously resolve, other ovarian masses require surgical evaluation and either only removal of the tumor or total removal of the ovary. Depending on the stage of the tumor (if malignant), follow-up chemotherapy may be necessary.
Colon cancer may have different specific symptoms depending on the precise location of the tumor. These tumors may grow slowly and be present for many years before symptoms appear. Typically, there may be fecal occult blood, which may be detected by fecal occult blood testing. In addition, occult or manifest bleeding may lead to anemia, manifested by tiredness and weakness. Also, abdominal discomfort and pain may be present, which may also be colicky in nature, particularly when the tumor is on the left side of the colon. In addition, a change in bowel habits may be present, with periods of constipation, alternating with periods characterized by more frequent stools or loose stools. Physical examination is frequently normal, except for more advanced disease. The best way of detectingcolon cancer is by performing a colonoscopy. This test consists in the passage of a flexible tube through the anus, which permits visualization by the physician of the wall of the bowel. Treatment consists in surgical resection of the tumor and part of the bowel, as well as chemotherapy depending on the stage of the tumor.
Updated: 05/23/99
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