Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer Metastasis to the Ovaries

When cancer has spread, it is said to have metastasized. Colon cancer that has metastasized to the ovaries may cause a variety of symptoms, or it may not cause any symptoms at all. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific and mimic those of many other more common conditions, including digestive and bladder disorders.” Colon cancer may also spread to the lymph nodes, bones, lungs and liver. There are particular signs and symptoms that the cancer has spread to the ovaries.

Abdominal Discomfort

• Patients with colon cancer that has spread to the ovaries may have already been experiencing pain, fullness or bloating in the abdomen from the colon cancer and may not realize the cancer has spread. Patients may also experience persistent indigestion, gas or nausea as well as changes in bowel habits, such as constipation. One may lose their appetite or quickly feel full after a meal.

Pelvic Discomfort

• Women may experience pain during intercourse, lower back pain and general pelvic discomfort. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients may also experience changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate as well as changes in menstruation (more bleeding, much less bleeding or erratic bleeding).

Changes in Energy or Mood

• Ovarian cancer may cause a lack of energy, depression or mood changes. Discuss these symptoms with your oncologist as well as your therapist as they are clear signs that the body is undergoing internal changes not readily apparent.

Weight Changes

• Patients with ovarian cancer may experience unexplained weight loss or gain. Cancer may cause loss of appetite even after completion of radiation treatments. In its most advanced form, cancer may be manifested as cachexia, which attacks the muscles through extreme weight loss and malnutrition.

Fever

• According to the American Cancer Society, “Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread from where it started." Fever indicates that your body is fighting an infection which may denote auto-immune symptomatology. Contact your oncologist immediately for a full work-up.