Constipation as a Symptom in Ovarian and Vaginal Cancers: Causes and Connections

Constipation, defined as difficulty in passing stools less than three times per week, can be a significant concern for patients with ovarian and vaginal cancers. This symptom, often accompanied by hard, dry stools and reduced stool quantity, is commonly associated with cancers involving the pelvic organs.

Constipation in Ovarian Cancer

Dr Pruthviraj MO, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Varthur, explains that nearly 60% of patients with ovarian cancer experience constipation, particularly in advanced stages where the intestines are involved. This can lead to alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. According to Dr Pruthviraj, tumors in the pelvic region can either penetrate into the intestines or exert significant pressure on them, impairing the normal peristaltic movements that help move bowel contents through the digestive tract. As a result, the bowel may become obstructed, leading to the buildup of hard stools.

Additionally, constipation in ovarian cancer patients can arise as a side effect of treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. Surgical procedures may cause adhesions—scar tissue that forms between tissues and organs—which can interfere with normal bowel function. Similarly, chemotherapy can impact the intestinal lining, contributing to motility issues and constipation.

Constipation in Vaginal Cancer

Similarly, vaginal cancers, particularly those affecting the posterior vaginal wall, can lead to bowel disturbances. Dr. Sneha Rajiv, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, highlights that tumors located near the rectum and anal canal can exert pressure on these structures, making bowel movements more difficult. This proximity to the rectum can exacerbate pressure effects and result in constipation. In such cases, the physical presence of the tumor near critical parts of the digestive tract leads to disruption in the normal passage of stool.

Additional Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Dr Sneha Rajiv further explains that constipation isn’t the only bowel-related symptom patients with ovarian and vaginal cancers may face. Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe bloating, and abdominal distension, are significant symptoms to monitor. She emphasizes that these changes, especially when combined with unintentional weight loss, should raise concern and prompt medical evaluation.

The interplay between cancerous tumors and surrounding organs is crucial in understanding these symptoms. As Dr Rajiv notes, tumors can infiltrate nearby tissues, disrupting intestinal motility and causing mechanical blockages. This interference can lead to alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea, creating a pattern of bowel disturbances that reflect the cancer’s progression.

The Need for Medical Attention

Both Dr Pruthviraj and Dr Rajiv agree that any persistent changes in bowel habits, especially in individuals at risk for or diagnosed with ovarian or vaginal cancers, should be evaluated by a medical professional. The presence of constipation or other bowel symptoms may indicate the tumor’s impact on surrounding organs, necessitating prompt medical attention and intervention.

In summary, constipation is a common and often debilitating symptom in patients with ovarian and vaginal cancers, particularly as tumors grow and exert pressure on nearby structures like the intestines. Understanding the underlying mechanisms, such as tumor infiltration and pressure effects, can help in recognizing the significance of these bowel changes in the context of cancer.