These complications may stem from how advanced your cancer is, the therapy you receive, or other factors. Though no one welcomes setbacks, a 2019 study found that women with ovarian cancer would accept a higher risk of complications from surgery in exchange for substantial gains in survival. (2) The good news is that your healthcare providers can work with you to manage many of the complications you might experience. RELATED: Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Complications From Treatments
There are a number of different kinds of treatment for ovarian cancer, each with its own potential complications and side effects.
Complications From Surgery
Surgery is considered the primary treatment option for most women with ovarian cancer. Your doctor will decide which surgical method is right for you based on the stage of your cancer and your overall health. (3) Surgery for ovarian cancer can lead to complications, such as: (3,4)
Infection You have a higher risk of developing an infection after surgery. Symptoms may include fever, chills, sweats, cough, shivering, or swelling or redness around the incision.Vaginal Bleeding After your procedure, you might experience some vaginal bleeding, similar to a light period, typically for a few days to a few weeks.Blood Clots You may be at risk for developing a blood clot in your pelvis or legs. To help prevent this, your medical team will encourage you to get up and walk around as soon as possible after your operation. You may also be given injections to thin your blood or be asked to wear special stockings.Bleeding in the Abdomen or Pelvis You’ll likely lose some blood during surgery, and there’s a small chance you could bleed internally afterward.Leg Swelling If your surgeon removes your lymph nodes, you may experience fluid buildup in your legs or, rarely, in your genital area. Tell your doctor if this occurs.Bladder or Bowel Issues When surgeons operate on the pelvis or abdominal area, there’s a risk of damaging the bladder or bowel.Colostomy Bag or Catheter During ovarian cancer debulking surgery (a technique to remove as much of the tumor as possible), your surgeon may remove part of the colon or bladder. Afterward, you may need to wear a colostomy bag to collect stool or a catheter to remove urine. These fixes are usually temporary.Infertility If you have surgery to remove both your ovaries, you won’t be able to get pregnant. Your doctor can tell you about possible ways to preserve your fertility or other options.Early Menopause Having your ovaries removed during surgery results in menopause if you haven’t already gone through it.
RELATED: Ovarian Cancer: Understanding Genetic Testing
Complications From Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells in your body, is a common treatment for ovarian cancer. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, rashes, and fatigue. Chemo can also lead to short-term or long-term complications, such as:
Anemia This condition is characterized by low red blood cell counts and can cause tiredness and fatigue.Leukopenia Resulting from low white blood cell counts, this complication can raise your risk of infection.Thrombocytopenia The low platelet counts that lead to this condition can lead to easy bruising or bleeding.Kidney Damage The chemo drug cisplatin can affect your kidneys. Your doctor will give you lots of IV fluids to counteract it.Neuropathy Cisplatin, paclitaxel (Taxol), and docetaxel (Taxotere) can lead to nerve damage, which may trigger numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.Hearing Loss Cisplatin can damage nerves to the ear, which can affect hearing.Early Menopause You might experience menopause sooner than you would have without chemo.Infertility Some women aren’t able to become pregnant after receiving chemo treatments.Bone Marrow Damage This side effect is rare, but it can happen. If the damage is permanent, it can lead to a bone marrow cancer, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia.Bladder Problems The medication ifosfamide (Ifex) may cause irritation and bleeding in the lining of the bladder. (6)
RELATED: How to Manage the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Complications From Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It’s not typically used for ovarian cancer, but it could help treat areas where cancer has spread. Side effects are usually temporary and improve after treatment stops. They may include skin changes, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or vaginal irritation (if the pelvis is treated). (7) Radiation that’s directed at the pelvic area may also lead to infertility, according to the American Cancer Society. RELATED: Cancer Treatment Making You Feel Sick? Exercise Can Help
Complications From Targeted Therapy
Some women with ovarian cancer benefit from targeted therapy, a treatment that homes in on specific targets on cancer cells. The therapy can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight gain, taste changes, confusion, or pain affecting the muscles, joints, or belly. Anemia, heart problems, and abnormal liver tests are some possible complications associated with targeted drugs. Rarely, some of these medicines can lead to a blood cancer, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia. (8) RELATED: Should You Use Medical Marijuana, AKA Medical Cannabis, if You Have Cancer?
Common Complications From Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer complications can occur when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Often, it’s hard to know which problems are caused by treatment and which are due to advanced cancer. Some common complications of advanced ovarian cancer include:
Fatigue or Weakness In one study, 75 percent of women reported this symptom. (9)Nausea, Vomiting, or Constipation These are common gastrointestinal side effects.Edema Excess fluid buildup in body tissues can cause swelling in the legs or pelvic area.Anemia Low blood cell counts can be caused by the cancer itself.Ascites These are collections of fluid in the abdominal cavity that are caused by the cancer. Symptoms of ascites may include swelling, bloating, shortness of breath, indigestion, loss of appetite, or worsened fatigue.Bowel or Bladder Obstruction Large tumors may block the intestines or bladder. This can lead to pain and discomfort and may require corrective procedures.Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. It can cause breathing difficulties and other symptoms.Nutrition Issues If you can’t eat on your own because of the side effects of cancer or you’re malnourished, you may receive parenteral nutrition, which involves getting your requirements intravenously (through a vein). (10,11)
RELATED: Diet and Cancer: What You Need to Know — and Eat — to Feel Your Best While Fighting Cancer
How to Cope With Ovarian Cancer Complications
Your healthcare provider can help you handle complications from treatment or the cancer itself. In addition to medical interventions, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and other mind-body therapies may help. (12) Additionally, palliative care, a supportive treatment approach that focuses on managing pain and improving quality of life, may also benefit women who face complications. A palliative care team works with you, your doctor, and your family to provide emotional and spiritual support. The goal is to relieve your symptoms and make you more comfortable. (13)
