Ovarian cancer is often challenging to detect early because its initial symptoms can be vague or easily mistaken for other common conditions. While hip pain is typically linked to orthopedic issues, an ovarian tumor growing within the pelvic cavity can exert pressure or spread, causing discomfort in the hip and surrounding areas. This article explores the biological mechanisms connecting ovarian cancer to hip discomfort, examines accompanying symptoms, and highlights why a persistent ache should prompt a medical evaluation.
Mechanisms Linking Ovarian Cancer to Hip Discomfort
The most direct way an ovarian tumor causes hip discomfort is through mass effect, where the tumor grows large enough to physically press on nearby structures. Since the ovaries are situated deep within the pelvis, a growing tumor can push against the pelvic cavity walls, which house major nerves and muscles connected to the hip and leg. This mechanical pressure causes a persistent, deep ache that feels like it originates in the hip or buttock region.
Tumor growth can specifically impinge upon the obturator nerve, which supplies sensation and motor function to the inner thigh. Compression of this nerve can lead to pain or numbness that radiates down the inner thigh. A tumor can also press on the lumbosacral plexus or sciatic nerve, resulting in radiating pain, or sciatica, that runs from the lower back through the hip and down the leg.
Another mechanism involves the spread of cancer cells to surrounding tissues. Ovarian cancer can metastasize to the pelvic lymph nodes or, though less common, directly to the pelvic bones, including the hip bones. This spread causes destructive changes in the bone or lymph nodes, leading to localized, unremitting pain. Furthermore, advanced ovarian cancer often causes ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. This fluid buildup increases pressure within the abdomen, which can refer discomfort to the lower back and hip area.
Associated Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Hip pain alone is non-specific, but it becomes a greater concern when it occurs alongside other persistent symptoms. These symptoms are often vague, gastrointestinal, or urinary in nature, and they do not resolve with typical remedies. One of the most common signs is persistent abdominal bloating or an increase in abdominal size that is not related to the menstrual cycle or diet.
Patients often report a change in eating habits, such as feeling full quickly or experiencing a loss of appetite. Urinary symptoms are frequent because the tumor can press on the bladder, leading to an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Other general signs include back pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue that does not improve with rest. If hip pain is accompanied by these persistent signs, it warrants further investigation.
Common Non-Cancerous Sources of Hip Pain
The vast majority of hip pain cases are not caused by cancer but stem from common musculoskeletal issues. These conditions are typically mechanical, related to wear and tear, injury, or inflammation. Osteoarthritis is a frequent cause, involving the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint, which causes stiffness and pain that worsens with activity.
Bursitis, the inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, causes localized pain and tenderness. Tendonitis, the inflammation of the tendons connecting muscles to the hip bones, is another frequent cause of discomfort, often related to overuse or strain. Unlike cancer-related pain, which is often constant and progressive, pain from these orthopedic conditions frequently changes with movement, rest, or physical therapy.
Importance of Timely Medical Evaluation
Any new, persistent hip pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medication should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. This is particularly relevant if the pain is deep, constant, and accompanied by persistent abdominal or urinary symptoms. The initial evaluation typically involves a physical examination and taking a detailed medical history to understand the nature and duration of the symptoms.
If a pelvic cause is suspected, a physician may recommend a blood test to check the level of CA-125, a protein that can be elevated in ovarian cancer, though it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. Imaging tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT) scan, are often used to visualize the ovaries, uterus, and surrounding pelvic structures for abnormal masses or fluid accumulation. Prompt evaluation ensures that if a serious condition is present, diagnosis and treatment can begin without delay.