Bowel blockage from cancer or surgery?

Mom had surgery in August for stage 3 ovarian cancer (took out everything including part of her intestines, part of colon, spleen, lymph nodes). Still has pain to this day (every two hours) and dr said (from ct and contrast) that it is a bowel blockage from the cancer. But even after two treatments, still has pain and blockage....could it actually be from the surgery? I would assume they would know the difference but I'm just worried.

Bowel blockage from cancer or surgery?
I don't know if you have seen the CT or not, but ask the doctor if he will explain the scan to you. Usually you can see what they are referring to, especially if it is disease causing the blockage.





It's hard to tell from your comments but I assume that your mother did not undergo cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic chemoperfusion? There appears to be benefit for some patients who undergo this treatment. Go to Entrez PubMed


to find research on this treatment for ovarian cancer:


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query...





http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query...





If anything, this might be a treatment to look into further. Much depends on the overall health of your mother and her ability to withstand this treatment.





As far as your current situation, you could ask for a seond opinion. But your doctor is probably right.
Reply:I assume the doctor knows what's going on after seeing her scans--which I'm sure she's had. If he says it's from the cancer, then it is. Does she have a colostomy bag or did the give her an anastomosis?
Reply:With ovarine cancer, tumor causing intestinal obstruction is common. Stop worrying needlessly.
Reply:Any bowel blockage is cause for concern. It CAN be caused by a tumour, scar tissue, volvus, hernia, or adhesion. I would definitely insist on a surgical consult.
Reply:Not sure. But here is some encouraging latest news:





US scientists crack entire genetic code of breast and colon cancers





Research on cancer and the genetic code looks like it may at long last produce real breakthroughs





For more info, visit:


http://www.librarynews.info/


http://www.medical-research-study-direct...


http://www.medical-research-study-direct...


http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/


http://www.san-diego-dentist.us


http://www.san-diego-plastic-surgery-cos...


http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.inf...