Will ovarian tumors cause diarrhea?

Ovarian tumors may cause diarrhea, especially under certain conditions, such as when the tumor compresses the intestines or secretes hormones that cause intestinal dysfunction. Patients are advised to go to a regular hospital for a detailed examination as soon as possible to identify the cause and initiate targeted treatment.

1. Mechanical effects caused by tumor compression

Once an ovarian tumor grows to a certain size, it may cause compression to nearby organs, such as the intestines. In particular, when the nerves around the colon and rectum in the abdominal cavity are affected, intestinal spasms or even diarrhea may occur. In addition, the peristalsis of the intestine may be disrupted due to the interference of the tumor on the surrounding structures, eventually leading to diarrhea or other intestinal symptoms. If this is the cause, imaging examinations such as B-ultrasound, CT or MRI can be used to confirm the location of the tumor and its impact on the intestines, and surgical removal of the tumor can improve symptoms if necessary.

2. Functional disorders caused by abnormal hormone secretion

Some ovarian tumors, such as carcinoids, may secrete hormones that interfere with the normal function of the intestines. For example, carcinoids may secrete hormones that trigger carcinoid syndrome, which manifests as persistent diarrhea, hot flashes, and other symptoms. If such a problem is suspected, it is recommended to complete blood and urine tests to test the corresponding hormone levels. In terms of treatment, somatostatin analogs such as octreotide can be used to inhibit hormone secretion and improve related symptoms.

3. Peritoneal inflammatory response caused by tumor

Ovarian tumors may be accompanied by a low-grade inflammatory response in the abdominal cavity, irritating the intestines and causing symptoms such as diarrhea. This is more common in malignant or larger tumors. If accompanied by other inflammatory symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating, it is recommended to collect ascites samples for cytology to rule out malignant lesions. For inflammatory reactions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics can be used for supportive treatment.

4. Concomitant ascites or drug reactions

Some patients with ovarian tumors may have abdominal effusion, and the stimulation of the effusion may cause changes in intestinal peristalsis and cause diarrhea. Patients with long-term tumor treatment, such as chemotherapy, may also experience diarrhea due to drug side effects. In this case, antidiarrheal drugs such as montmorillonite powder or intestinal probiotics can be used to relieve the discomfort, while regularly monitoring electrolyte imbalance.

Regardless of the specific impact of ovarian tumors, if you experience repeated diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain or other abnormal symptoms, you should go to a regular hospital as soon as possible to clarify the situation through imaging and laboratory tests, and receive scientific and standardized treatment to prevent further deterioration of the disease.