Abdominal pain is a common issue for patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. There are several reasons why abdominal pain might occur, and it’s possible for multiple causes to be present simultaneously.
Pain from the tumor itself
Ovarian cancer often develops in the abdomen, and tumors can exert pressure on nearby organs such as the stomach, intestines, or bladder. This pressure can result in cramping, a feeling of fullness, or persistent discomfort. Some patients may experience fluid accumulation in the abdomen, known as ascites, which can lead to sensations of tightness, heaviness, or swelling, as well as nausea or breathlessness.
If fluid accumulation is causing pain, your doctor may suggest procedures to drain the fluid, which can provide significant relief. Gentle movement, short walks, stretching, and certain resting postures can also alleviate pressure and improve digestion. Some patients find that applying heat, with approval from their care team, can offer comfort.
Pain from treatment options
The treatment for ovarian cancer can cause some pain, too. Post-surgery healing tissues, scar tissue formation, and irritated nerves can cause soreness or pulling sensations that may last for weeks or even months after the procedure. Chemotherapy can affect the digestive system, resulting in constipation, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. Constipation, in particular, is a common and often overlooked source of abdominal pain during treatment.
Talk with your doctor
It’s crucial not to ignore abdominal pain or attempt to endure it without seeking help. There are numerous ways to manage this discomfort, and relief is achievable. Open communication with your healthcare team is essential. Make sure to inform them about the location of the pain, when it started, and what seems to improve or worsen it. Remember that pain is a legitimate medical concern, not just a complaint. Medications may be prescribed to help, including pain relievers, stool softeners, anti-nausea medications, or treatments for gas.
Ask for palliative care
Supportive or palliative care can be especially beneficial. This type of care focuses on enhancing comfort and quality of life at any stage of cancer treatment, working alongside your oncology team. Specialists in this field are trained to help manage pain and other symptoms, enabling patients to feel better during their treatment.
Abdominal pain during ovarian cancer treatment is common, but it should never be dismissed or minimized. Pain does not mean you are weak, and it does not mean your treatment is failing. It means your body is responding to a serious illness and intensive care. You deserve to be comfortable, heard, and supported. If something feels off, trust that feeling and speak up. With the right information, the right support, and a care team that listens, abdominal pain can often be better understood and better managed, allowing you to focus your energy where it matters most, on healing and living your life.
If you are dealing with abdominal pain or other symptoms during ovarian cancer treatment, you do not have to figure it out alone. Outcomes4Me helps you understand what may be causing your symptoms, what questions to ask your doctor, and what treatment and supportive care options may help. You deserve clear, trustworthy information at every step.
