ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMS IN OVARIAN CANCER AND ITS HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the fth common cancer affecting the population and it is a silent killer, as it is diagnosed in later stages. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecic and a screening tool for ovarian cancer is not there. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer is often delayed due to their presentation with vague and nonspecic symptoms. This study tried to evaluate the symptoms in patients with ovarian cancer and correlate them with the type and stage of malignancy. Analyze the type, duration and frequency of the symptomsObjective: in patients with ovarian cancer and to correlate these symptoms with the type of malignancy and stage of the disease. All patientsMethods: admitted to the Gynaecology Department of Government Medical College, Thrissur with suspected ovarian cancer during the study period were recruited and surveyed using a baseline health questionnaire and a symptom index assessment form suggested by Goff et al was used (1). Assessment was then done to look for any correlation between the symptom duration, severity and frequency of symptoms and the type of ovarian malignancy. Fatigue followed by indigestion, increase in abdominal size, abdominal bloating, backache,Results and Discussion- feeling full quickly were the most common symptoms. A mean of 7.6 symptoms out of 23 symptoms enquired about in these women were present for a duration of 1 - 4 months. Abdominal bloating sensation was signicantly increased in patients more than 50yrs of age. A rise in CA125 value was also associated signicantly with fatigue and abdominal bloating sensation. Epithelial ovarian tumors were found to be signicantly associated with indigestion and feeling of fullness quickly. Non epithelial varieties were more often associated with menstrual irregularities and constipation. The symptom index can be used as a screening tool for ovarian cancer. Ignoring early warning symptoms will result inConclusion- late diagnosis of ovarian malignancy and thereby worsen the prognosis for such women.