No fluid at biopsy?

[tinalouiseUK]

My mum has just had a biopsy for suspected ovarian cancer - the doc seemed certain from blood test and CT scan. Just range the nurse to ask if a drain was put in to alleviate some of the discomfort but she said there was no fluid to drain? Yet the doctor said it was the amount of fluid that made him suspect cancer. I am confucsed and of course deeply worried.

My mum is only 67 and was scheduled for a heart bypass but her swollen abdomen was such cause for concern and discomfot that we got a CT scan. Her CA125 was 1948... but I have read conflicting reports about the accuracy of this test.

What does a lack of fluid indicate? Any help from you would be much appreciated ...I have just found your forum and been reading such wonderful support and consideration as well as a wealth of useful info.

[tinalouiseUK]

Thnaks so much Shelly for taking the time to help - much appreciated. My mum had a hysterectomy (leaving the ovaries) over 30 years ago and this suspected OvCa has only happened in the last 3 weeks.

Her tummy got swollen and she had trouble eating about three months ago (around the time her angina started playing-up) and she was told time and again that she just had IBS. Last week they finally took her seriously when the admittance nurse examined her the day before she was due her heart-bypass.

A CT scan caused concern, followed by the blood test and yesterday she had a needle-biopsy that we will get the results of next week. The consultant had said after the CT scan that he thought it was OvCa because there was "so much fluid" ... and yet they said there was no fluid to drain??

We also will want to look at alternatives to Chemo before committing to anything... so I am wondering if anyone here has looked at or tried anything else?

Thanks again for your insights.

Namaste,
Tina Louise

[hopeshell]

I am sorry to hear about your mom.  I am guessing that your mom had a complete hysterectomy and staging surgery.  Is that right?   He could have drained fluid during her surgery.  She should have had a frozen section completed during her surgery.  Have they not let you know that result?  It seems a shame you are still waiting and wondering if her surgery is complete.  You won't be able to know the final stage until pathology is complete, but the frozen section would have let you know more conclusively if she is facing ovca.  

I am guessing her fluid was handled during her surgery and there is not a current need for a drain.  Yes, there are false positives for the CA-125 and other conditions can also cause a high number.  Your mom's number is very high.   Hopefully, you will be able to get in contact with her doctor and ask him these questions.   I hope it was somehow a mistake and your mom does not have ovca.  It sounds like she is also facing another difficult surgery on her heart.  

Take care,

Shelly