Ovarian cancer presents a unique challenge to patients because symptoms usually do not appear until the disease reaches its later stages. Currently, no reliable screening tests exist to detect ovarian cancer early.
If you worry about developing ovarian cancer or have any new symptoms, a doctor might start an examination by discussing your medical history and that of your immediate family. When you are tested for ovarian cancer, your physician may feel for any masses or fluid in the abdomen.
If your physician finds anything suspicious, they may order several other tests, such as imaging studies. Imaging used for the detection of ovarian cancer can include a CT scan, an MRI, or a transvaginal ultrasound. While imaging tests can confirm the presence of a mass or masses, they cannot confirm whether a mass proves cancerous. If palpitation and/or imaging tests detect any tumors, a biopsy can reveal whether cancer cells occur in the body. A blood test can also detect the presence of cancer in the body.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Without reliable screening tests, you can only listen to your body and get any potential symptoms of ovarian cancer checked as soon as possible, especially if you have a family history of ovarian cancers.
According to the American Cancer Society, early cancer of the ovaries may not cause any symptoms at all. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can also result from other much less serious conditions, further complicating early detection. If you notice any symptoms at all, getting tested for ovarian cancer can lead to an earlier diagnosis and, possibly, increased life expectancy.
Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
- Bloating
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Urinary urgency
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Fatigue
- An upset stomach
- Back pain
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer may apply in your case, so check for any new or worrying symptoms right away. Some risk factors for developing the disease include fertility treatment, difficulty becoming pregnant, or having taken hormone therapy after menopause.
Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder
A multitude of cosmetic and personal care products contain talcum powder to absorb moisture and prevent skin friction, including baby powder. In its natural form, talcum powder may contain asbestos, a well-known and studied carcinogenic. Some body powder products have tested positive for traces of asbestos.
Although some studies remain inconclusive, according to the National Cancer Institute, women who have used talcum powder over an extended period of time may live at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than those who have not. The powder may induce inflammatory responses in the ovarian tissue due to irritation, which may play a role in the development of cancers.
Since asbestos has a long latency period between exposure and the development of diseases, you may only see the effects of the use of talcum powder much later.
If you have developed ovarian cancer that you suspect resulted from the use of talcum powder, you may hold a talcum powder company responsible for your suffering. Johnson & Johnson received multiple lawsuits by plaintiffs that claimed talcum powder caused their cancer. A recent class action resulted in Johnson & Johnson having to pay $37.2 million to customers who successfully related their use of the company’s products to their ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.
Have you or a loved one suffered from ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after a history of using talcum powder? You may wish to speak to a talcum powder lawyer to find out whether you could file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Holding a multinational company such as Johnson & Johnson accountable can prove challenging, since it requires a great deal of research, evidence, and careful preparation. Having legal counsel on your side may help to build a case against a large company that may have a team of lawyers and endless resources at their disposal for fighting any claims.
You may receive compensation not only for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other cancer-related expenses, but also for noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free consultation to find out more about talcum powder lawsuits. Call us at (800) 794-0444.
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