Symptoms and Pains-Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian cancer symptoms have some overlap, which is why some woMen with endometriosis worry about the risk of developing ovarian cancer. But before you jump to conclusions lets take a look at the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer.

Symptoms and Pains-Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms and Pains-Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

---

Symptoms and Pains-Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms and Pains-Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

During your monthly period, your uterine wall is shed, and appears as bloody discharge. This is actually a remnant of the endometrium, in layers of muscle and blood "designed to support an embryo. If the egg your body releases every month is not fertilized, hormones signal your uterus to shed the uterine lining.

For endometriosis sufferers, endometrial tissue similar to the uterus lining is found in areas outside of the uterus. This migrating endometrial tissue adheres tosurrounding organs, causing inflammation and scar tissue to form, resulting in you feeling severe pain, usually at the same time as your Menstrual cycle.

This rogue endometrial tissue not only effects the organs found in the pelvic cavity, but also can migrate and attach itself to the bladder, bowel, intestines and colon. In rare cases endometrial lesions have been found in the lungs, spine, and brain and on the skin.

Endometriosis, however, is not cancer.

Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, entails the formation of cysts on your ovaries. These cysts are often benign, and can be removed by surgery if they are detected early.

However, if they start moving to other parts of the body, ovarian cancer can become malignant.

Fluctuations orabnormalities in hormonal levels in your body most likely causes both endometriosis and ovarian cancer. According to studies, women with endometriosis are also more likely to develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.

So, what are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Severe, disabling pain in the abdominal area that gets worse over time can be the first sign of endometriosis.

Other symptoms will include, but are not limited to:

Vomiting

Nausea

abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles, including bleeding or spotting in between periods

painful urination

painful bowel movements

painful sexual intercourse

heavy menstrual periods

back pain during menstruation

infertility or difficulty conceiving.

Compare theseto the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Like endometriosis, women with ovarian cancer will experience pain, although this will manifest at first as a sense of heaviness in the pelvic area.

Other signs of ovarian cancer will include:

vaginal bleeding

abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles

progressive but unexplainable back pain

increased weight gain around the abdomen

inexplicable weight gain or loss

vomiting

nausea

bloody stool

loss of appetite

increased urination

excessive or increased hAir growth

increased fluids lining the lungs

sometimes even positive readings on pregNancy tests even if the affected woman is not pregnant.

Symptoms and Pains-Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer