The management of end stage ovarian cancer symptoms consists of cytoredcutive surgery abided by platinum and taxane based chemotherapy. It is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries that can be treated if detected early. In the majority of the cases it is found that the unusual cells have spread into the organs or tissues of pelvic and abdominal areas of the body. They can metastasize to the lymph nodes or blood also. Once the cancer has spread, a woman is supposed to be at the end stage of the disorder carrying with a number of painful symptoms.
Pain or Ache-Pain is the major symptom of end stage ovarian cancer. It is related to pelvic region of the body but it may create pressure within the abdomen. the pressure or pain may extend to the lower back having a range of dull to severe ache. a woman will experience persistent recurring symptoms.
Urinary Changes-The pain a woman experiences is accompanied with a urinary change. These may vary from woman to woman but a common occurrence is frequency and urgency in urination. Any pressure from an adjacent tumor or a cancerous cell influencing the bladder may decrease the urinary capacity of the organ resulting in a disturbance in the normal function.
Bowel Changes-The end stage of ovarian cancer may cause changes in a woman’s bowel habit. These changes occur due to an obstruction generated by a tumor which results in blocked stool causing constipation. if the stool is left within the colon then liquid is leaked from its composition making the stool become firmer to pass. however, other women may experience loose, thin stools because of the cancer. the disease has an effect on the colon that the stool passes more frequently than normal at a faster rate.
Menstrual Changes-In many cases a woman may have a menstrual change. This develops in having irregular or missed periods but may also have longer, heavier courses.
Digestive issues- a digestive issue is a common problem regarding end stage ovarian cancer. This mainly occurs due to the site of the ovaries and the natural development of the disorder. Since a woman’s reproductive system is closely attached to the digestive tract the cancer begins to affect overall role of the stomach and intestines. the woman may experience nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. In some women a change in the appetite results in minimum hunger or inability to finish meals.
Fatigue and Exhaustion-Exhaustion and fatigue are the two mostly occurring symptoms of end stage ovarian cancer. These symptoms are chronic in nature and don’t illustrate any developments after periods of rest. Infertility is also a symptom associated with ovarian cancer in younger women.
Management of the cancer differs in woman to woman. Each woman will react differently to treatment depending upon the general health situation. if the medical condition permits the woman to opt for surgery then they may undergo for surgical laparotomy with cytoreduction. Chemotherapy will be employed as a supportive treatment.
A change in the bowel habit plays an important role in quality of life and longevity of the patient. Hence, treatment for bowel obstacle is frequently planned cautiously. In terminally ill patients medications are given such as anti-emetics to avoid frequent vomiting and corticosteroids to decrease swelling and edema. Fluids to stop dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and analgesics to ease out the pain are also prescribed. Anti-cholinergic medicine to reduce speed of the peristaltic movements of the digestive system is the remaining treatment option to tackle the end stage ovarian cancer symptoms. Treatment for end stage ovarian cancer is via surgery and chemotherapy excluding radiation therapy.