Heidi Godoy, M.D. , a gynecologic oncologist practicing with Women’s Cancer Care Associates and affiliated with St. Peter’s Hospital, appeared on WTEN/News10 to discuss primary peritoneal cancer (PPC). A relatively rare cancer, PPC is similar to ovarian and fallopian cancers. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.
From the story:
PPC, ovarian and fallopian cancer is most often diagnosed during stage 3 in women, says Dr. Godoy. Early warning signs like gastrointestinal problems, abdominal bloating, and constipation are often not correlated with PPC, ovarian or fallopian cancer says Dr. Godoy as well as the National Cancer Institute.
Because early symptoms of PPC, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancer often look like gastrointestinal or urinary problems, an extended amount of time can go by from the time the symptoms began to the time of a cancer diagnosis. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Symptoms of PPC/ovarian/fallopian tube cancer
- Pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Urinary urgency or frequency.
- Difficulty eating or feeling full.
- A lump in the pelvic area.
- Gastrointestinal problems such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
*Source: National Cancer Institute
Treatment for will put PPC and fallopian tube cancer into remission but it’s not uncommon for the disease to come back within months or years. The Foundation for Women’s Cancer says the prognosis for women who do have a recurrence is not promising and that a lengthy remission can often mean other recurrences.
Click here to watch WTEN’s report.
