Women's Stomach Cancer Metastasis To The Pelvis: Symptoms And Treatment Options

Stomach cancer that spreads to the pelvic area in women can cause a variety of symptoms, including bloating, lower abdominal pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and difficulty with bowel movements. One of the unique aspects of gastric cancer in women is its tendency to metastasize to the ovaries, which are considered a specific target organ for this type of cancer.

Many women discover the issue when they notice a large mass in the lower abdomen or experience symptoms related to fluid buildup in the abdomen. Bloating is often one of the first noticeable signs, and imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans may reveal a large ovarian tumor. In such cases, doctors typically suspect an ovarian tumor initially, but further investigation may trace the origin back to the stomach.

In some cases, the primary gastric tumor may be small and overlooked, while the ovarian metastasis becomes apparent first. Besides ovarian involvement, cancer cells can also spread through the abdominal lining—a process known as peritoneal seeding. The pelvis, being the lowest part of the abdominal cavity, is often where these cancer cells settle and grow.

When tumors develop in the pelvic region, they can press against the rectum from the outside, potentially causing bowel difficulties. For patients with isolated ovarian metastasis, surgical removal of the affected ovary combined with systemic treatments can be effective. These treatments may include chemotherapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach can significantly improve outcomes for women facing gastric cancer with ovarian involvement. It's important for patients and physicians to consider the possibility of gastric origin in cases of unexpected ovarian masses, especially when accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.