Can bloating – or perhaps an uncomfortable sense of fullness inside your belly – be an indication of ovarian cancer?
It’s normal to see some bloating, especially after consuming gassy foods or at about the time of the period. But, persistent bloating that does not disappear is really probably the most common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Bloating that’s associated with ovarian cancer could cause visible swelling inside your abdomen. Your belly might feel full, puffy, or hard. You may even produce other signs and symptoms, like weight reduction.
Continue reading to understand more about the connection between bloating and ovarian cancer, plus other reasons for bloating.
How come ovarian cancer cause bloating?
For those who have ovarian cancer, your bloating is probably brought on by ascites. Ascites happens when fluid accumulates inside your abdomen.
Ascites frequently form when cancer cells spread towards the peritoneum. The peritoneum may be the lining of the abdomen.
They may also develop when cancer blocks a part of your the lymphatic system, which in turn causes fluid to develop since it can’t drain normally.
Bloating is among the first signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer that you might notice, but it’s usually considered an indication of advanced disease.
Other signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
Recognizing early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is essential because earlier diagnosis may improve outlook. However, the condition is frequently available at a late stage once the cancer has spread with other parts of the body.
Around only 20 % of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in early stages.
Besides bloating, ovarian cancer may cause:
- pelvic or belly discomfort
- frequent peeing or trouble urinating
- feeling full after consuming merely a little
- fatigue
- back discomfort
- upset stomach
- acid reflux
- constipation
- discomfort during intercourse
alterations in your period, for example heavy or irregular bleeding
weight reduction
Other reasons for abdominal bloat
While bloating can be a manifestation of ovarian cancer, there are lots of other possible – and much more likely – causes of abdominal bloating. Included in this are:
Gas
A surplus buildup of gas inside your intestines can result in abdominal bloating. Gas is common, but could be uncomfortable if it starts to develop.
Constipation
If you are constipated, you’ve trouble emptying your bowels. Additionally to bloating, constipation can result in:
- infrequent bowel motions
- stomach cramps
- abdominal discomfort
- Ibs (IBS)
IBS is a very common intestinal disorder that induce:
- bloating
- discomfort
- cramping
- diarrhea
- other signs and symptoms
- Gastroparesis
- Gastroparesis is a disorder that leads to a delayed emptying from the stomach.
Additionally to bloat, it can result in a appetite loss, inexplicable weight reduction, and queasiness.
Small intestinal microbial overgrowth (SIBO)
Individuals with SIBO come with an excessive quantity of gut bacteria within their small intestines.
You’re more prone to have SIBO if you’ve had intestinal surgical procedures or have IBS with diarrhea.
The monthly period
A lot of women report feeling bloated throughout their menstrual period or ovulation.
Other signs and symptoms can include:
- cramping
- breast discomfort
- fatigue
- craving for food
- headaches
Additional causes
Other activities might also cause you to feel bloated, for example:
- overeating
- consuming an eating plan full of sodium or sugar
- consuming soda
- putting on weight
- taking certain medications
- Other intestinal disorders may cause stomach bloating, too.
When you should seek help
While persistent bloating is among the at their peak indications of ovarian cancer, research has shown a lot of women don’t see their physician whether they have this symptom.
Actually, market research conducted within the United kingdom found just one-third of ladies visits their physician when they experienced constant bloating.
You need to visit your physician in case your bloating:
- doesn’t disappear
- is severe
- will get worse
- is supported by other signs and symptoms
Bloating that lasts for approximately three days isn’t normal, and is an indication that you ought to visit your physician.
It is also smart to get examined from your physician if you are worried about your bloating or maybe it disrupts your everyday activities.
What tests may be used to identify abdominal bloating?
Should you experience persistent bloating, your physician may want to run some tests to determine what’s happening.
These could include:
An actual exam. Your doctor might examine and tap in your abdomen to sense of fluid, swelling, or perhaps a mass.
Bloodstream tests. Certain diagnostic tests could be purchased to consider abnormal markers, like a complete bloodstream count (CBC) or perhaps a cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test.
Imaging tests. Your physician may order an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to determine within your abdomen or any other parts of the body.
Colonoscopy. This test involves inserting a lengthy tube in to the rectum so that your physician look within your bowels.
Upper endoscopy. Within an endoscopy, a skinny scope is placed to your upper digestive system to check out the wind pipe, stomach, and area of the small intestine.
Stool sample. Excrement analysis may also be completed to help identify certain problems that modify the digestive system.
Other tests. With respect to the suspected cause, your physician might order other tests.
How you can manage abdominal bloating
You can assist prevent or manage bloating by treating the actual condition that’s causing your belly to swell. Your physician may recommend certain changes in lifestyle or medications, based on your diagnosis.
In case your bloating is a result of gas, you might like to avoid particular foods, for example:
- wheat
- onions
- garlic clove
- beans
- milk products
- apples
- pears
- plums
- apricots
- cauliflower
- certain eating gums
Some natural treatments for gas may include consuming peppermint or lavender tea, or using the supplement turmeric. Physical exercise might also enhance your discomfort.
Furthermore, it’s smart to eat slower, which means you don’t swallow an excessive amount of air. Also, attempt to consume smaller sized meals during the day.
Ask your physician about a diet plan to help you feel less bloated.
Treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, like Pepto-Bismol, Beano, or activated charcoal, might help treat bloating that’s brought on by gas. Your physician may also suggest a prescription drugs to alleviate your discomfort.
Strategy to ovarian cancer bloat
For those who have bloating inside your abdomen because of ovarian cancer, treatment like chemotherapy enables you to reduce the fluid buildup and reduce your signs and symptoms.
Your personal doctor could also be in a position to drain a few of the fluid to relieve a number of your discomfort.
Outlook
Bloating is experienced by women too. More often than not, this symptom isn’t associated with cancer, particularly if you do not have other signs and symptoms or only go through it every so often.
In case your bloating becomes persistent, it’s smart to visit your physician.