Patient's question:
I have been feeling unwell recently and suspect I might have pelvic cancer. I would like to know what are the symptoms of pelvic cancer?Doctor's answer:
1. Abdominal Pain: If the tumor has no complications, it rarely causes pain. Therefore, abdominal pain experienced by patients with ovarian tumors, especially when it occurs suddenly, is often due to the torsion of the tumor stalk, occasionally caused by tumor rupture, bleeding, or infection. Additionally, malignant cysts often cause abdominal and leg pain, and the pain frequently leads patients to seek emergency medical attention.2. Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Before the patient detects a lower abdominal mass, the initial symptoms are caused by the weight of the tumor and its movement within the pelvic cavity due to intestinal peristalsis and changes in body position. This movement stretches the tumor stalk and the pelvic infundibulopelvic ligaments, leading to a sensation of fullness and heaviness in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.
3. Menstrual Irregularities: Generally, ovarian cysts, even bilateral ones, do not cause menstrual disorders because they do not destroy all normal ovarian tissue. Some cases of uterine bleeding may not be endocrine-related or may be caused by changes in pelvic blood vessel distribution due to the ovarian tumor, leading to endometrial congestion. Alternatively, menstrual disorders caused by endocrine tumors are often accompanied by other hormonal imbalances. For the sake of your health, it is important to maintain daily preventive measures. If you notice any related symptoms, seek early treatment to ensure a speedy recovery.