Colon Cancer Chemotherapy:
As one of the treatment options for colon cancer, chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. The drugs either kill the cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be administered orally, injected into a vein, or placed directly in an area of the body. When used to treat people with colon cancer, chemotherapy may cause side effects, including an increased risk of infection, hair loss,An Overview of Colon Cancer Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for colon cancer uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken orally or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body. This is called systemic chemotherapy. When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity (such as the abdomen), the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas. This is called regional chemotherapy.
Chemoembolization of the hepatic artery may be used for colon cancer treatment when the cancer has spread to the liver. This involves blocking the hepatic artery (the main artery that supplies blood to the liver) and injecting anticancer drugs between the blockage and the liver. The liver's arteries then deliver the drugs throughout the liver. Only a small amount of the drug reaches other parts of the body. The blockage may be temporary or permanent, depending on what is used to block the artery. The liver continues to receive some blood from the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood from the stomach and intestine.
The way the colon cancer chemotherapy is administered depends on the stage of colon cancer being treated.
Side Effects Associated With Colon Cancer Chemotherapy
Side effects associated with colon cancer chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs used and the dose. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly, especially:
•Blood cells. These cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When drugs affect blood cells, patients are more likely to get infections, bruise or bleed easily, or feel very weak and tired.
•Cells in hair roots. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss. The hair grows back, but sometimes the new hair is somewhat different in color and texture.
•Cells that line the digestive tract. Chemotherapy can cause poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Many of these side effects can be controlled with drugs. nausea, vomiting, and lip sores.
Showing posts with label Treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Treatment. Show all posts
Treatment
Treatment
Health care professionals specializing in pelvic cancers at UCSF Medical Center will discuss all available therapies with you and make recommendations based on the stage of your disease, age and the overall condition of your health.
Surgery — Surgery to remove the cancerous growth is the primary method for diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer.
Radiation Therapy — This treatment uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is a localized treatment, which means that it works to attack cancer cells in one area. The radiation may come from a large machine, which is called external radiation, or from radioactive materials placed directly into the ovaries, called implant radiation. Some patients receive both types of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy — Drugs to kill cancer cells are most often used when ovarian cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A patient may receive just one drug or a combination of drugs in cycles. Chemotherapy may be given by injection into a vein or orally. It is a systematic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the body in the bloodstream
Health care professionals specializing in pelvic cancers at UCSF Medical Center will discuss all available therapies with you and make recommendations based on the stage of your disease, age and the overall condition of your health.
Surgery — Surgery to remove the cancerous growth is the primary method for diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer.
Radiation Therapy — This treatment uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is a localized treatment, which means that it works to attack cancer cells in one area. The radiation may come from a large machine, which is called external radiation, or from radioactive materials placed directly into the ovaries, called implant radiation. Some patients receive both types of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy — Drugs to kill cancer cells are most often used when ovarian cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A patient may receive just one drug or a combination of drugs in cycles. Chemotherapy may be given by injection into a vein or orally. It is a systematic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the body in the bloodstream
pancreatic cancer:stages and treatment
If the doctor finds pancreatic cancer, the patient will have more tests to find out if the cancer has spread from the pancreas to the tissues around it or to other parts of the body. This process of testing is called staging, and it helps the doctor plan the patient’s treatment. The following stages are used to describe exocrine cancer of the pancreas:
Stage I: Cancer is found only in the pancreas itself and not in other organs.
Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the duodenum or bile duct, but has not entered the lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby organs.
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, and colon, that are near the pancreas, but it has not spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, or colon, that are near the pancreas or to places far away from the pancreas, such as the liver or lungs.
Recurrent: The cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the pancreas or in another part of the body.
Islet cell cancers of the pancreas are usually grouped into three stages: those occurring in one site within the pancreas; those occurring in several sites within the pancreas; and those that have spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas or to distant sites.
Surgery may be used to take out the tumor. A doctor may take out the cancer using one of the following operations:
Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): In this procedure, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and some of the nearby tissues. Enough of the pancreas is left to continue making digestive juices and insulin. This is the most common procedure used for removing cancer of the exocrine pancreas
Pancreatectomy: The surgeon removes the whole pancreas, part of the small intestine, part of the stomach, the bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and most of the lymph nodes in the area.
Distal Pancreatectomy: The body and tail of the pancreas are removed. This procedure is most commonly used for islet cell (endocrine) cancer of the pancreas and is rarely used for cancer of the exocrine pancreas.
If the cancer has spread and it cannot be removed, the doctor may do surgery to relieve symptoms. If the cancer is blocking the small intestine and bile builds up in the gallbladder, the doctor may do surgery to go around (bypass) all or part of the small intestine. During this operation, the doctor will cut the gallbladder or bile duct and sew it to the small intestine. This is called biliary bypass.
Surgery or X-ray procedures may also be done to put in a tube (catheter) to drain bile that has built up in the area. The catheter may drain through a tube to the outside of the body or it may go around the blocked area and drain the bile to the small intestine. In addition, if the cancer is blocking the flow of food from the stomach, the stomach may be sewn directly to the small intestine so the patient can continue to eat normally.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Most anticancer drugs are injected into a vein (IV) or a muscle; some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body to kill cancerous cells. It is generally given in cycles: A treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on.
The use of biological therapy (using the body’s immune system to fight cancer) is being tested for pancreatic cancer. Biological therapy searches for ways that the cancer tissue is different from normal pancreas tissue, and tries to get the body to fight the cancer. It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against disease. Biological therapies are sometimes called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy
Stage I: Cancer is found only in the pancreas itself and not in other organs.
Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the duodenum or bile duct, but has not entered the lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby organs.
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, and colon, that are near the pancreas, but it has not spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to organs, such as the stomach, spleen, or colon, that are near the pancreas or to places far away from the pancreas, such as the liver or lungs.
Recurrent: The cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the pancreas or in another part of the body.
Islet cell cancers of the pancreas are usually grouped into three stages: those occurring in one site within the pancreas; those occurring in several sites within the pancreas; and those that have spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas or to distant sites.
Surgery may be used to take out the tumor. A doctor may take out the cancer using one of the following operations:
Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): In this procedure, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and some of the nearby tissues. Enough of the pancreas is left to continue making digestive juices and insulin. This is the most common procedure used for removing cancer of the exocrine pancreas
Pancreatectomy: The surgeon removes the whole pancreas, part of the small intestine, part of the stomach, the bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and most of the lymph nodes in the area.
Distal Pancreatectomy: The body and tail of the pancreas are removed. This procedure is most commonly used for islet cell (endocrine) cancer of the pancreas and is rarely used for cancer of the exocrine pancreas.
If the cancer has spread and it cannot be removed, the doctor may do surgery to relieve symptoms. If the cancer is blocking the small intestine and bile builds up in the gallbladder, the doctor may do surgery to go around (bypass) all or part of the small intestine. During this operation, the doctor will cut the gallbladder or bile duct and sew it to the small intestine. This is called biliary bypass.
Surgery or X-ray procedures may also be done to put in a tube (catheter) to drain bile that has built up in the area. The catheter may drain through a tube to the outside of the body or it may go around the blocked area and drain the bile to the small intestine. In addition, if the cancer is blocking the flow of food from the stomach, the stomach may be sewn directly to the small intestine so the patient can continue to eat normally.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Most anticancer drugs are injected into a vein (IV) or a muscle; some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body to kill cancerous cells. It is generally given in cycles: A treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on.
The use of biological therapy (using the body’s immune system to fight cancer) is being tested for pancreatic cancer. Biological therapy searches for ways that the cancer tissue is different from normal pancreas tissue, and tries to get the body to fight the cancer. It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against disease. Biological therapies are sometimes called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy
"the most common symptom of ruptured ovarian cyst is PAIN"
Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
The keyword for ruSymptoms of the ruptured ovarian cyst are similar to the regular ovarian cyst symptoms. The most common symptom of both of them is pain.
A woman with an ovarian cyst will often notice pelvic pain which is constant, dull and aching. She may also experience pain during other daily activities, such as during or immediately following sexual intercourse.
Pain may also be felt when passing a bowel movement or during regular daily activities such lifting, bending or reaching.
Other more intense activities such sports and physical activity may also induce pain.
A woman with a ruptured ovarian cyst may experience pain associated with their menstrual cycle - in particular, pain may escalate just prior to or just after the menstrual period.
You should seek immediate medical attention when you start experiencing severe, persistent pain in the abdomen or pelvis, particularly if it is associated with worrisome symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, light-headedness or fainting, and clamminess.
If a rupture occurs with internal bleeding or a severe twist of the ovary, meptured ovarian cyst symptoms is pain
The keyword for ruSymptoms of the ruptured ovarian cyst are similar to the regular ovarian cyst symptoms. The most common symptom of both of them is pain.
A woman with an ovarian cyst will often notice pelvic pain which is constant, dull and aching. She may also experience pain during other daily activities, such as during or immediately following sexual intercourse.
Pain may also be felt when passing a bowel movement or during regular daily activities such lifting, bending or reaching.
Other more intense activities such sports and physical activity may also induce pain.
A woman with a ruptured ovarian cyst may experience pain associated with their menstrual cycle - in particular, pain may escalate just prior to or just after the menstrual period.
You should seek immediate medical attention when you start experiencing severe, persistent pain in the abdomen or pelvis, particularly if it is associated with worrisome symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, light-headedness or fainting, and clamminess.
If a rupture occurs with internal bleeding or a severe twist of the ovary, meptured ovarian cyst symptoms is pain
ovarian cancer treatment methods
Treatment methods
Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results. Most women have surgery and chemotherapy. Rarely, radiation therapy is used.
Cancer treatment can affect cancer cells in the pelvis, in the abdomen, or throughout the body:
Local therapy: Surgery and radiation therapy are local therapies. They remove or destroy ovarian cancer in the pelvis. When ovarian cancer has spread to other parts of the body, local therapy may be used to control the disease in those specific areas.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be given directly into the abdomen and pelvis through a thin tube. The drugs destroy or control cancer in the abdomen and pelvis.
Systemic chemotherapy: When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein, the drugs enter the bloodstream and destroy or control cancer throughout the body.
You may want to know how treatment may change your normal activities. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical and personal needs.
Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each woman, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, your health care team will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to help you manage them.
You may want to talk to your doctor about taking part in a clinical trial, a research study of new treatment methods. Clinical trials are an important option for women with all stages of ovarian cancer. The section on "The Promise of Cancer Research" has more information about clinical trials.
Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results. Most women have surgery and chemotherapy. Rarely, radiation therapy is used.
Cancer treatment can affect cancer cells in the pelvis, in the abdomen, or throughout the body:
Local therapy: Surgery and radiation therapy are local therapies. They remove or destroy ovarian cancer in the pelvis. When ovarian cancer has spread to other parts of the body, local therapy may be used to control the disease in those specific areas.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be given directly into the abdomen and pelvis through a thin tube. The drugs destroy or control cancer in the abdomen and pelvis.
Systemic chemotherapy: When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein, the drugs enter the bloodstream and destroy or control cancer throughout the body.
You may want to know how treatment may change your normal activities. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical and personal needs.
Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each woman, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, your health care team will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to help you manage them.
You may want to talk to your doctor about taking part in a clinical trial, a research study of new treatment methods. Clinical trials are an important option for women with all stages of ovarian cancer. The section on "The Promise of Cancer Research" has more information about clinical trials.
ovarian cysts:types,symptoms&treatment
Types
Functional cysts:Some, called functional cysts, or simple cysts, are part of the normal process of menstruation. They have nothing to do with disease, and can be treated. There are 3 types, Graafian, Luteal, and Hemorrhagic. These types of cysts occur during ovulation. If the egg is not released, the ovary can fill up with fluid. Usually these types of cysts will go away after a few period cycles.
Graafian follicle cyst:
Main article: Follicular cyst of ovary
One type of simple cyst, which is the most common type of ovarian cyst, is the graafian follicle cyst, or follicular cyst.
Corpus luteum cyst:
Main article: Corpus luteum cyst
Another is a corpus luteum cyst (which may rupture about the time of menstruation, and take up to three months to disappear entirely).
Hemorrhagic cyst:
A third type of functional cyst, which is common, is a Hemorrhagic cyst, which is also called a blood cyst, hematocele, and hematocyst. It occurs when a very small blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, and the blood enters the cyst. Abdominal pain on one side of the body, often the right side, may be present. The bleeding may occur quickly, and rapidly stretch the covering of the ovary, causing pain. As the blood collects within the ovary, clots form which can be seen on a sonogram.Occasionally hemorrhagic cysts can rupture, with blood entering the abdominal cavity. No blood is seen out of the vagina. If a cyst ruptures, it is usually very painful. Hemorrhagic cysts that rupture are less common. Most hemorrhagic cysts are self-limiting; some need surgical intervention. Even if a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, in many cases it resolves without surgery. Patients who don't require surgery will experience pain for 4 - 10 days after, and may require several days rest. Studies have found that women on tetracycline antibiotics recover 25% earlier than the majority of patients, a surprising correlation found in 2004. Sometimes surgery is necessary. such as a laparoscopy ("belly-button surgery" that uses small tools inserted through one or more tiny slits in the abdomen).
dermoid cyst:
Main article: Dermoid cyst
Endometrioid cyst:
Main article: Chocolate cyst of ovary
An endometrioma, endometrioid cyst, endometrial cyst, or chocolate cyst is caused by endometriosis, and formed when a tiny patch of endometrial tissue (the mucous membrane that makes up the inner layer of the uterine wall) bleeds, sloughs off, becomes transplanted, and grows and enlarges inside the ovaries.
Pathological cysts:
The incidence of ovarian carcinoma (malignant cancer) is approximately 15 cases per 100,000 women per year.
Other cysts are pathological, such as those found in polycystic ovary syndrome, or those associated with tumors.
A polycystic-appearing ovary is diagnosed based on its enlarged size — usually twice normal —with small cysts present around the outside of the ovary. It can be found in "normal" women, and in women with endocrine disorders. An ultrasound is used to view the ovary in diagnosing the condition. Polycystic-appearing ovary is different from the polycystic ovarian syndrome, which includes other symptoms in addition to the presence of ovarian cysts, and involves metabolic and cardiovascular risks linked to insulin resistance. These risks include increased glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is associated with infertility, abnormal bleeding, increased incidences of pregnancy loss, and pregnancy-related complications. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is extremely common, is thought to occur in 4-7% of women of reproductive age, and is associated with an increased risk for endometrial cancer. More tests than an ultrasound alone are required to diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Symptoms:
Some or all of the following symptoms may be present, though it is possible not to experience any symptoms:
Dull aching, or severe, sudden, and sharp pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs; pain may be constant or intermittent -- this is the most common symptom
Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen
Breast tenderness
Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period.
Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting
Change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy
Weight gain
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Infertility
Increased level of hair growth
Increased facial hair or body hair
Headaches
Strange pains in ribs, which feel muscular
Bloating
Strange nodules that feel like bruises under the layer of skin
Treatment:
About 95% of ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous.
Treatment for cysts depends on the size of the cyst and symptoms. For small, asymptomatic cysts, the wait and see approach with regular check-ups will most likely be recommended.
Pain caused by ovarian cysts may be treated with:
pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or narcotic pain medicine (by prescription) may help reduce pelvic pain.NSAIDs usually work best when taken at the first signs of the pain.
a warm bath, or heating pad, or hot water bottle applied to the lower abdomen near the ovaries can relax tense muscles and relieve cramping, lessen discomfort, and stimulate circulation and healing in the ovaries.Bags of ice covered with towels can be used alternately as cold treatments to increase local circulation.
combined methods of hormonal contraception such as the combined oral contraceptive pill -- the hormones in the pills may regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent the formation of follicles that can turn into cysts, and possibly shrink an existing cyst. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1999c; Mayo Clinic, 2002e)
Also, limiting strenuous activity may reduce the risk of cyst rupture or torsion.
Cysts that persist beyond two or three menstrual cycles, or occur in post-menopausal women, may indicate more serious disease and should be investigated through ultrasonography and laparoscopy, especially in cases where family members have had ovarian cancer. Such cysts may require surgical biopsy. Additionally, a blood test may be taken before surgery to check for elevated CA-125, a tumor marker, which is often found in increased levels in ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated by other conditions resulting in a large number of false positives.
For more serious cases where cysts are large and persisting, doctors may suggest surgery. Some surgeries can be performed to successfully remove the cyst(s) without hurting the ovaries, while others may require removal of one or both ovaries.
Functional cysts:Some, called functional cysts, or simple cysts, are part of the normal process of menstruation. They have nothing to do with disease, and can be treated. There are 3 types, Graafian, Luteal, and Hemorrhagic. These types of cysts occur during ovulation. If the egg is not released, the ovary can fill up with fluid. Usually these types of cysts will go away after a few period cycles.
Graafian follicle cyst:
Main article: Follicular cyst of ovary
One type of simple cyst, which is the most common type of ovarian cyst, is the graafian follicle cyst, or follicular cyst.
Corpus luteum cyst:
Main article: Corpus luteum cyst
Another is a corpus luteum cyst (which may rupture about the time of menstruation, and take up to three months to disappear entirely).
Hemorrhagic cyst:
A third type of functional cyst, which is common, is a Hemorrhagic cyst, which is also called a blood cyst, hematocele, and hematocyst. It occurs when a very small blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, and the blood enters the cyst. Abdominal pain on one side of the body, often the right side, may be present. The bleeding may occur quickly, and rapidly stretch the covering of the ovary, causing pain. As the blood collects within the ovary, clots form which can be seen on a sonogram.Occasionally hemorrhagic cysts can rupture, with blood entering the abdominal cavity. No blood is seen out of the vagina. If a cyst ruptures, it is usually very painful. Hemorrhagic cysts that rupture are less common. Most hemorrhagic cysts are self-limiting; some need surgical intervention. Even if a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, in many cases it resolves without surgery. Patients who don't require surgery will experience pain for 4 - 10 days after, and may require several days rest. Studies have found that women on tetracycline antibiotics recover 25% earlier than the majority of patients, a surprising correlation found in 2004. Sometimes surgery is necessary. such as a laparoscopy ("belly-button surgery" that uses small tools inserted through one or more tiny slits in the abdomen).
dermoid cyst:
Main article: Dermoid cyst
Endometrioid cyst:
Main article: Chocolate cyst of ovary
An endometrioma, endometrioid cyst, endometrial cyst, or chocolate cyst is caused by endometriosis, and formed when a tiny patch of endometrial tissue (the mucous membrane that makes up the inner layer of the uterine wall) bleeds, sloughs off, becomes transplanted, and grows and enlarges inside the ovaries.
Pathological cysts:
The incidence of ovarian carcinoma (malignant cancer) is approximately 15 cases per 100,000 women per year.
Other cysts are pathological, such as those found in polycystic ovary syndrome, or those associated with tumors.
A polycystic-appearing ovary is diagnosed based on its enlarged size — usually twice normal —with small cysts present around the outside of the ovary. It can be found in "normal" women, and in women with endocrine disorders. An ultrasound is used to view the ovary in diagnosing the condition. Polycystic-appearing ovary is different from the polycystic ovarian syndrome, which includes other symptoms in addition to the presence of ovarian cysts, and involves metabolic and cardiovascular risks linked to insulin resistance. These risks include increased glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is associated with infertility, abnormal bleeding, increased incidences of pregnancy loss, and pregnancy-related complications. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is extremely common, is thought to occur in 4-7% of women of reproductive age, and is associated with an increased risk for endometrial cancer. More tests than an ultrasound alone are required to diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Symptoms:
Some or all of the following symptoms may be present, though it is possible not to experience any symptoms:
Dull aching, or severe, sudden, and sharp pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs; pain may be constant or intermittent -- this is the most common symptom
Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen
Breast tenderness
Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period.
Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting
Change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy
Weight gain
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Infertility
Increased level of hair growth
Increased facial hair or body hair
Headaches
Strange pains in ribs, which feel muscular
Bloating
Strange nodules that feel like bruises under the layer of skin
Treatment:
About 95% of ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous.
Treatment for cysts depends on the size of the cyst and symptoms. For small, asymptomatic cysts, the wait and see approach with regular check-ups will most likely be recommended.
Pain caused by ovarian cysts may be treated with:
pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or narcotic pain medicine (by prescription) may help reduce pelvic pain.NSAIDs usually work best when taken at the first signs of the pain.
a warm bath, or heating pad, or hot water bottle applied to the lower abdomen near the ovaries can relax tense muscles and relieve cramping, lessen discomfort, and stimulate circulation and healing in the ovaries.Bags of ice covered with towels can be used alternately as cold treatments to increase local circulation.
combined methods of hormonal contraception such as the combined oral contraceptive pill -- the hormones in the pills may regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent the formation of follicles that can turn into cysts, and possibly shrink an existing cyst. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1999c; Mayo Clinic, 2002e)
Also, limiting strenuous activity may reduce the risk of cyst rupture or torsion.
Cysts that persist beyond two or three menstrual cycles, or occur in post-menopausal women, may indicate more serious disease and should be investigated through ultrasonography and laparoscopy, especially in cases where family members have had ovarian cancer. Such cysts may require surgical biopsy. Additionally, a blood test may be taken before surgery to check for elevated CA-125, a tumor marker, which is often found in increased levels in ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated by other conditions resulting in a large number of false positives.
For more serious cases where cysts are large and persisting, doctors may suggest surgery. Some surgeries can be performed to successfully remove the cyst(s) without hurting the ovaries, while others may require removal of one or both ovaries.
Treatment Options for Ruptured Ovarian Cysts:
The treatment you receive for a ruptured ovarian cyst will depend on the severity of your condition when you presented to hospital, the extent of damage caused by the rupture and upon whether or not there were any complications associated with the cystic rupture.
Primary treatment of your condition will be to stabilize your condition, if you have presented in an emergency situation. Doctors will need to assess your airway, breathing and circulation, and may need to start you on intravenous treatment. For very unstable patients, your first diagnostic treatment will include a culdocentesis, to determine the type and extent of fluid in your abdominal cavity.
In most cases of ovarian cyst rupture, whether there have been complications or not, you will be started on antibiotics. In the short term, you may be treated with stronger antibiotics such as Gentamycin or its variants. This drug has a narrow therapeutic window and treatment with this drug will not be extended. You will likely also receive a broad-spectrum penicillin variant as well as a drug such as Metronidazole, which acts against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Treatment may also include a cephalosporin drug, such as Cefotetan, which targets gram-positive cocci bacteria and gram-negative rod bacteria.
In pre-menopausal women, your doctor is likely to want to induce an anovulatory state - that is, to prevent ovulation. This will be achieved using oral contraceptive medication. It is important to use this medication to reduce stimulation of the ovaries, which also reduces the risk of further cysts. Treatment with oral contraceptives is not likely to be permanent, and you can discuss your options for falling pregnant with your doctor.
Of course, since ruptured ovarian cysts are often quite painful, your doctor will want to help you manage your pain. The type of analgesic medication you are given will depend on the other medications you are being given. Acutely, preventing infection is the primary concern, so doctors may change your pain medication as your antibiotic load changes. Typically, you may be started on a higher dose analgesic such as Fentanyl or a barbiturate such as Vicodin. A lower dose codeine derivative, such as Tylenol, will be recommended for mild to moderate pain. Newer analgesics, such as Ketorolac may also be useful therapeutic agents in certain situations.
Once your condition has been stabilized, your doctor may want to continue running tests to understand your condition more fully. You are likely to have regular abdominal examinations, both manual and by ultrasound. Your doctor may need to undertake a laparoscopic or surgical exploration to either diagnose or treat your ruptured ovarian cyst. Surgical management of a hemorrhagic cyst will probably be necessary.
If your treatment has included a surgery, your doctor will speak to you about your post-operative care. There will be things that you will need to do, such as regular foot and leg exercises to prevent blood clots if you are bed bound. You will also be advised not to undertake certain activities, such as use of tampons and sexual intercourse, until your medical team is satisfied with the way that your body has healed following surgery.
After you leave hospital, it is likely that your condition will continue to be monitored over a series of outpatient appointments. These consultations may involve further ultrasonography. You may also need to consult your gynecologist to rule out any underlying malignancy or to talk about how your condition may have impacted on your fertility.
Primary treatment of your condition will be to stabilize your condition, if you have presented in an emergency situation. Doctors will need to assess your airway, breathing and circulation, and may need to start you on intravenous treatment. For very unstable patients, your first diagnostic treatment will include a culdocentesis, to determine the type and extent of fluid in your abdominal cavity.
In most cases of ovarian cyst rupture, whether there have been complications or not, you will be started on antibiotics. In the short term, you may be treated with stronger antibiotics such as Gentamycin or its variants. This drug has a narrow therapeutic window and treatment with this drug will not be extended. You will likely also receive a broad-spectrum penicillin variant as well as a drug such as Metronidazole, which acts against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Treatment may also include a cephalosporin drug, such as Cefotetan, which targets gram-positive cocci bacteria and gram-negative rod bacteria.
In pre-menopausal women, your doctor is likely to want to induce an anovulatory state - that is, to prevent ovulation. This will be achieved using oral contraceptive medication. It is important to use this medication to reduce stimulation of the ovaries, which also reduces the risk of further cysts. Treatment with oral contraceptives is not likely to be permanent, and you can discuss your options for falling pregnant with your doctor.
Of course, since ruptured ovarian cysts are often quite painful, your doctor will want to help you manage your pain. The type of analgesic medication you are given will depend on the other medications you are being given. Acutely, preventing infection is the primary concern, so doctors may change your pain medication as your antibiotic load changes. Typically, you may be started on a higher dose analgesic such as Fentanyl or a barbiturate such as Vicodin. A lower dose codeine derivative, such as Tylenol, will be recommended for mild to moderate pain. Newer analgesics, such as Ketorolac may also be useful therapeutic agents in certain situations.
Once your condition has been stabilized, your doctor may want to continue running tests to understand your condition more fully. You are likely to have regular abdominal examinations, both manual and by ultrasound. Your doctor may need to undertake a laparoscopic or surgical exploration to either diagnose or treat your ruptured ovarian cyst. Surgical management of a hemorrhagic cyst will probably be necessary.
If your treatment has included a surgery, your doctor will speak to you about your post-operative care. There will be things that you will need to do, such as regular foot and leg exercises to prevent blood clots if you are bed bound. You will also be advised not to undertake certain activities, such as use of tampons and sexual intercourse, until your medical team is satisfied with the way that your body has healed following surgery.
After you leave hospital, it is likely that your condition will continue to be monitored over a series of outpatient appointments. These consultations may involve further ultrasonography. You may also need to consult your gynecologist to rule out any underlying malignancy or to talk about how your condition may have impacted on your fertility.
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