Complications due to disease and treatment of ovarian cancer

Any disease that is left untreated or not treated properly will generally lead to complications. Especially in cancer where the cancer cells actively spread to other tissues or organs. So, if a person has ovarian cancer, what complications might occur due to the disease not being treated properly? Come on, find out the answer below.

Complications due to ovarian cancer

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but the common cause of cancer is DNA mutations in cells. This mutation causes the cell's command system in DNA to become damaged, causing the cell to function abnormally. Cells will continue to divide without control and this allows cancer to spread from one area to another quickly.

The spread of cancer cells will eventually make ovarian cancer symptoms worse and cause complications. The determination of complications is not only observed through the symptoms, but also based on the results of medical tests that are not much different from tests for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

According to an old study Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management, complications due to ovarian cancer that commonly occur include:

1. The body is extremely tired

Unusual fatigue is a symptom and a complication of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Nearly 75% of ovarian cancer patients have this condition.

The appearance of severe fatigue is caused by changes in the body due to the presence of cancer cells in the body. Cancer cells can stimulate the body to release cytokine proteins which later trigger fatigue.

Cancer cells that have damaged certain organs, weaken muscles, and change the body's hormone levels also make energy needs even greater, even though most cancer patients cannot meet their nutritional needs (energy fuels) properly.

2. Nausea, vomiting, and chronic constipation

Just as body fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and chronic constipation are also complications of ovarian cancer. The data shows that about 71% of patients experience persistent nausea and vomiting and 49% experience constipation, aka constipation.

3. Swelling (edema)

Edema is swelling of the body due to a buildup of fluid in the tissues. This complication of ovarian cancer occurs due to retaining water or salt that should be excreted by the body.

It could also be a sign of a tumor that is getting bigger or blockage. It is estimated that 44% of cancer patients have this condition.

5. Anemia

Anemia indicates a body condition that is deficient in red blood cells. This condition is one of the complications due to ovarian cancer which continues to spread to the large intestine area.

This can also occur because the cancer cells are rapidly developing so there will be bleeding in the center of the tumor. This condition makes blood levels drop dramatically and causes anemia. Based on data, about 34% of cancer patients have anemia, as one of the complications.

6. Ascites

Ascites is the buildup of excess fluid in the stomach due to pressure from the tumor. Indeed, not all cancers will cause tumors, only certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer. Tumors are formed from cancer cells that continue to divide and accumulate.

About 28% of ovarian cancer sufferers have this condition. The presence of ascites is what makes them experience constant nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

The occurrence of ascites is a sign that the cancer has reached an advanced stage or has spread to areas of the stomach, such as the large intestine. Usually the doctor will recommend surgery to remove the fluid and this procedure is known as paracentesis.

7. Stomach obstruction

Stomach obstruction, also known as abdominal obstruction, affects about 12% of ovarian cancer patients. This condition occurs because a tumor from ovarian cancer has pressed on the intestine. It could also be a sign that a supply of cancer cells has begun to develop around the nerves in the intestine, damaging and stopping the muscles from working.

Your intestine may be completely or partially blocked. This means that the waste from digested food cannot get past the blockage. The diagram shows the intestines and waste from the digestive system. Abdominal obstruction is very common in advanced ovarian cancer.

When stomach obstruction occurs, cancer patients will experience excruciating abdominal pain followed by a full stomach and bloating. They will also vomit and be constipated constantly.

8. Blockage in the bladder

Bladder blockage or bladder obstruction occurs when there is a blockage at the base or neck of the bladder.

This blockage causes problems, such as pain when passing urine, being unable to resist the urge to urinate, and severe stomach pain. This condition occurs when a spreading cancer tumor presses on the bladder. Bladder obstruction is quite rare, only 3% of ovarian cancer patients have it.

Complications due to ovarian cancer treatment

Complications do not only occur due to ovarian cancer, but can also be caused by cancer treatment, one of which is surgical removal of cancer cells. These complications can be mild to life threatening.

The operation causes an open wound that can lead to infection by inviting bacteria to multiply around it. The injured area of ​​the skin can become swollen, painful, and even suppurate. Bleeding can also occur due to ovarian cancer surgery.

Surgery can also cause blood clots. In order to prevent both of these, you are required to clean the wound properly according to the doctor's instructions. Keep the wound dry and clean from sweat and dirt. Blood clots can also be prevented by moving your legs after surgery.

So that the ovarian cancer treatment surgery scars do not bleed, you are required to be hospitalized for approximately 7 days. After that, you are also required to avoid strenuous activities that require the body to move a lot or lift heavy objects. You can resume activities within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.