Understanding the Link Between Ovarian Cancer and Blood Clots
Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease, but many women are unaware of all its potential complications. One serious risk associated with ovarian cancer is an increased chance of developing dangerous blood clots.
Why Blood Clots Form More Easily with Ovarian Cancer
Blood clotting occurs naturally in the body to stop bleeding and allow repair of damaged blood vessels. However, cancer can disrupt this delicate clotting balance and make clots more likely to form abnormally.
In the case of ovarian cancer, tumors in the ovary cause inflammatory proteins to be released into the bloodstream. This activates more clot-stimulating substances and makes blood thicker and more prone to clumping.
Additionally, the cancer itself or ovarian cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy can damage blood vessels or slow blood flow. This sluggish circulation also raises chances of blood coagulating when it shouldn't.
Types of Dangerous Blood Clots
There are two main kinds of blood clots those with ovarian cancer need to be aware of:- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - clots that form deep in leg veins
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - when DVT clots break off and travel to block arteries in the lungs
Both DVT and PE are extremely serious. Symptoms range from leg swelling and pain with DVT to shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and heart palpitations with PE. They require urgent medical care.
Risk Factors for Clotting
Every woman's risk profile is unique, but those recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer should know the most common factors that make blood clots more likely to develop:
- Genetics - family history of abnormal clotting
- Older age - over 50 years old
- Obesity and excess weight
- Sedentary lifestyle with little movement
- Smoking or using oral contraceptives
- History of blood clots, DVT or PE
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- Recent surgery, radiation or hospital admission
- Use of implanted venous access devices like PICC lines or ports
Of course, simply having ovarian cancer in and of itself confers greater vulnerability to blood clot complications. So this is considered a top risk to monitor closely from the point of diagnosis onward.
Preventing Blood Clots in Ovarian Cancer Patients
While the propensity for abnormal clotting is heightened with ovarian cancer, being proactive gives patients their best fighting chance against developing dangerous DVT or PE events.
Treatment Precautions
Doctors caring for ovarian cancer patients factor clotting risk into their surgical plans and post-operative protocols. Preventative measures around operations when immobility is higher can include:
- Early ambulation
- Compression socks or pneumatic pumps
- Administering thinner blood medication
Anticoagulant drugs help prevent clotting complications during hospital stays too. Some oncologists also prescribe them for a short time after surgery or periodically throughout chemotherapy as well.
Lifestyle Changes
Proactive lifestyle tweaks provide enduring protection against abnormal clot formation. Ovarian cancer patients should:
- Exercise regularly with walking, swimming or low-impact activity
- Lose weight if BMI indicates obesity
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids daily
- Quit smoking immediately if a smoker
- Avoid oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
Nutritional Strategies
Dietary modifications provide blood-thinning benefits too. Foods to emphasize more include:
- Leafy greens - spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
- Garlic, onions, leeks
- Fruits like berries and cherries
- Cold water fish high in omega-3s
- Spices - turmeric, ginger, fenugreek
Additionally, those undergoing ovarian cancer treatment should stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol which can dehydrate and thicken blood.
Complementary Approaches
Research shows acupuncture, meditation and massage help circulate blood more actively. Yoga promotes flexibility and lymphatic drainage too. All can be beneficial additions to decrease DVT/PE risk for ovarian cancer patients.
Detecting and Treating Blood Clots
Even with excellent precautions taken, ovarian cancer patients can still experience sudden clotting issues. That's why knowing signs of DVT/PE and acting quickly is vital.
Signs of Concern
Symptoms that should spark an urgent call to one's oncologist include:
- Sudden swelling or skin discoloration in one leg or arm
- Leg or arm that feels much warmer compared to the other limb
- Unexplained calf, leg or arm pain
- Racing heart rate, chest tightness/pain, difficulty breathing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
- Coughing up blood or ongoing shortness of breath
Testing and Diagnosis
Doctors use several methods to check for clots if DVT/PE is suspected such as:
- Ultrasound to visualize blood vessels in legs/arms/lungs
- Blood tests checking clotting indicators
- CT scan with intravenous contrast dye
- Ventilation/perfusion lung scan
These allow precise clot location identification so appropriate treatment can begin rapidly.
Medical Interventions
Hospitalization for intensive anticoagulant therapy is standard for confirmed DVT/PE. Additional measures include:
- Blood thinners - heparin, Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto
- Clot-busting drugs like TPA
- Surgical clot removal if severe blockage
- IV fluids, oxygen therapy
- Compression stockings
Doctors also analyze overall cancer treatment plans including chemo dosing, post-surgical timelines and activity recommendations in light of any thrombotic events.
Living Well Despite Increased Clotting Risks
Navigating an ovarian cancer diagnosis is challenging enough without compounding blood clot worries. Yet awareness and preventative diligence offer reassurance.
By taking proactive steps daily alongside one's oncology team, the heightened risk of DVT and PE can often be well-controlled. This allows dwelling in the present moment to enjoy precious time with loved ones - blood clots be damned!
FAQs
Why does ovarian cancer increase blood clotting risks?
Ovarian tumors trigger inflammatory processes that activate substances that make blood thicker and more likely to abnormally clot. Surgery and chemotherapy also damage blood vessels and slow circulation, contributing to clot formation.
What lifestyle changes can help prevent blood clots?
Exercising regularly, losing excess weight, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and eating a nutrient-rich diet with leafy greens, berries and omega-3s can all help prevent dangerous blood clots from developing.
How are blood clots actually diagnosed?
If blood clots like DVT or PE are suspected, doctors can confirm a diagnosis via medical imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, ventilation/perfusion scans or MRI to visually locate clots in legs, arms, lungs or other areas.
What emergency signs should I watch for?
Seek urgent medical care if experiencing sudden leg/arm swelling or pain, racing heart, chest tightness, coughing blood, trouble breathing, or other symptoms that may indicate a developing blood clot.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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