no mass?

Hello,

I'm 38 and just had a followup ultrasound on my ovaries to see if a cyst had dissapeared. (it did)  My question is...can you have ovarian cancer with No visible tumor/mass?  I have all the "silent" symptoms and also sooooo much pain with my left ovary and lots of pelvic pain that even spreads down my leg.  I basically feel like I'm about to get my period ALL the time.  I have also lost 20lbs in the past year w/out trying, mostly because it hurts everytime I eat and I live on antigas meds.  The ultrasound did show I have a polyp that wasn't there 3 months ago.  Any info about not having a mass, would be helpful.  Thanks!

Yes, you can have ovarian cancer without a mass.  I did.  My first cat scan showed only "abnormal dense tissue" in the mesentery area. 6 weeks later this dense tissue had spread considerably. I also had a sonogram which showed a normal ovary. Ovarian cancer can also be in the peritenium area solely.

 I suggest that you have a CA 125 and a Cat Scan to make sure everything is normal.

 

Good luck,

Jane

My cancer was primary peritoneal, much the same as Ovarian but there is no mass.  It's more like a rash that covers everything in the peritineum including the uterus, ovaries and peritoneal wall.  Like Ovarian, the symptoms are vague - bloating, tiredness, etc.  Keep looking until they find out what's wrong.  A CT 125 is useful but not everyone has high markers.  Fran Dresher (The Nanny) went to 4 or 5 doctors before she was diagnosed so just keep insisting that they look further.  Good luck.

Hi,

Was your ultrasound just on your stomach or was it also internal (vaginal)?  Fibroids can also cause these problems and can be picked up on ultrasound of the uterus.

I would definately wanta CA125 blood test done.  Even if your insurance doesn't pay.  It might cost about $100.  The problem is that it can be elevated if there other problems going on, like fibroids or endometriosis and some other stuff.  It is supposed to be used to monitor chemo response.  But it is a good starting point and if elevated gives you a direction to look in.  And the other person is right, it is not always elevated with cancer.

Also, you NEED at CT of the pelvis and abdomen.  If you tell your doctor (primary care or GYN)  you are having: fatigue, bloating, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, bowel changes, changes in period and ASK for the CT of both pelvis and abdomen they will order it.  If they don't - CHANGE DOCTORS.  Early treatment can save your life!