The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive organs that produce eggs during the menstrual cycle. If you develop abnormal cancerous cells within your ovaries, you could be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Symptoms of this condition can include vaginal bleeding, back pain, changes in body weight or gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or bloating. Surgery is the most common form of ovarian cancer treatment and typically involves the removal of the ovaries. If you have undiagnosed or untreated ovarian cancer, you may develop a number of complications as a result of this condition.
Cancer Metastasis
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed during the early stages of the disease. As the stages of this type of cancer progress, the cancer may metastasize. If ovarian cancer metastasizes, explains the National Cancer Institute, cancer cells from the ovaries spread through the blood to other parts of the body. When this occurs, the cancer cells can form tumors in different organs of the body, such as the bones, lungs or liver. Symptoms of cancer metastasis can include pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling or jaundice, depending upon where the cancer cells spread.
Loss of Organ Function
Cancer of the ovaries can interfere with the normal function of the ovaries as well as other organs. As ovarian cancer progresses, the cancer can damage the ovaries and cause abnormal menstrual cycles to develop in some women. This condition can also lead to infertility if the cancer prevents ovarian egg production. If ovarian cancer spreads to other organs in the body, these organs may lose the ability to function normally.
Fluid Accumulation
Fluid accumulation with the lining of the abdomen (ascites) or lungs (pleural effusion) can be a complication of ovarian cancer. A study published in the September 2007 issue of the "Journal of Pain and Symptom Management" examined 421 patients with ovarian cancer and found that at least 28 percent of these women developed ascites and 10 percent developed pleural effusion. Patients with ovarian cancer may also accumulate excess fluid in the extremities, such as the hands or feet.
Intestinal Blockage
As ovarian cancer progresses, the tumors within the ovaries begin to enlarge. An ovarian tumor can protrude into the intestinal tract and prevent the normal flow of waste products through the body. This can cause significant abdominal pain, constipation and bloating. Obstructions of the intestinal tract caused by ovarian cancer can also cause weakness, lack of appetite and blood within the stools.
References
- "Journal of Pain and Symptoms Management"; Complications at the end of life in ovarian cancer; LJ Herrinton, et. al.; September 2007
- Loma Linda University Medical Center: Ovarian Cancer
- Medline Plus: Ovarian Cancer
