The symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian cancer symptoms have some overlap, which is why some women with endometriosis worry about the risk of developing ovarian cancer. But before you jump to conclusions lets take a look at the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer.
During your monthly period, your uterine wall is shed, and appears as menstrual fluid. This is actually a remnant of the endometrium, a layer of muscle and blood designed to support an embryo. If the egg your body releases every month is not fertilized, hormones signal your uterus to shed the uterine lining.
For endometriosis sufferers, endometrial tissue similar to the uterus lining is found in areas outside of the uterus. This migrating endometrial tissue adheres to surrounding organs, causing inflammation and scar tissue to form, and resulting in you feeling severe pain, usually in the run up to and during your menstrual cycle.
This rogue endometrial tissue not only effects the organs found in the pelvic cavity, but also can migrate and attach itself to the bladder, bowel, intestines and colon. In rare cases endometrial lesions have been found in the lungs, spine, and brain and on the skin.
Endometriosis, however, is not cancer.
Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, entails the formation of cysts on your ovaries. These cysts are often benign, and can be removed by surgery if they are detected early.
However, if they start moving to other parts of the body, ovarian cancer can become malignant.
Fluctuations or abnormalities in hormonal levels in your body most likely cause ovarian cancer and encourage endometriosis symptoms to worsen. According to studies, women with endometriosis are also more likely to develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
So, what are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Severe, disabling pain in the abdominal area that gets worse over time can be the first sign of endometriosis.
Other symptoms will include, but are not limited to:VomitingNauseaabnormal or irregular menstrual cycles, including bleeding or spotting in between periodspainful urinationpainful bowel movementspainful sexual intercourseheavy menstrual periodsback pain during menstruationinfertility or difficulty conceiving.
Compare these to the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Like endometriosis, women with ovarian cancer will experience pain, although this will manifest at first as a sense of heaviness in the pelvic area.
Other signs of ovarian cancer will include:vaginal bleedingabnormal or irregular menstrual cyclesprogressive but unexplainable back
painincreased weight gain around the abdomeninexplicable weight gain or lossvomitingnauseabloody stoolloss of appetiteincreased
urinationexcessive or increased hair growthincreased fluids lining the lungssometimes even positive readings on pregnancy tests even if the affected woman is not pregnant.
Because the two illnesses are closely linked, the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer can overlap. If you suspect that you have endometriosis or ovarian cancer, consult with your physician immediately.
If you’ve not already done so, sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that shares other proven methods to help women combat endometriosis at Treating Your Endometriosis. You’ll also find more about the different possible complications such as endometriosis versus ovarian cancer and how get diagnosed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment