Ovarian Cancer Flank Pain

An area of the abdomen referred to as the flank, runs along the side of the abdomen from the ribs to the pelvic area. Pain in this region is also referred to as pelvic pain. When a woman experiences pain in this area she should immediately consult with her physician, and discuss the possibilities of ovarian cancer.

Misdiagnosis

• Other conditions that can also cause flank pain besides ovarian cancer include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), kidney stones, spinal arthritis, disc disease, muscle spasms.

Warning Signs

• Severe pain with sharp stabbing sensations in the pelvic area, and pain not related to movement or radiating to the labia in females can indicate a more serious condition. Nausea, vomiting, fever or blood in the urine accompanied with flank pain also indicates a more serious condition.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

• A Kaiser Permanente study indicates that a ratio of 13.0 of women with flank pain requires investigating the possibility of ovarian cancer. Their study shows that women presenting with flank or abdominal pain could indicate the early stages of ovarian cancer. Doctors recommend screening for ovarian cancer when pain is present with menstrual abnormalities or reduced appetite.

Testing for Ovarian Cancer

• A physical exam with a pelvic exam to determine the need of further testing. Other tests include ultrasound, lower GI series, CT scan, CA-125 assay blood test, transvaginal ultrasound and biopsy.

Treatment

• Surgery to treat ovarian cancer includes hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, tumor debulking and lymph node removal. Additional treatments include, Intraperitoneal and IV chemotherapy, Intraperitoneal and external radiation therapy and immunotherapy.