The final stage of ovarian cancer

In the final stages of ovarian cancer, severe weight loss, persistent severe abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, large amounts of ascites, and multiple organ failure may occur.

1. Severe weight loss

Cancer cells consume a large amount of body energy, leading to cachexia. The patient's weight drops sharply by more than 20% in a short period of time, accompanied by severe malnutrition. At this time, it is necessary to supplement calories through intravenous nutritional support, and at the same time, use megestrol acetate dispersible tablets to improve appetite. If necessary, infuse human albumin to correct hypoalbuminemia.

2. Persistent severe abdominal pain

If the tumor invades the peritoneal nerve plexus or metastasizes into the abdominal cavity, pain often requires the combined use of morphine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets and fentanyl transdermal patches, and some patients require peritoneal plexus destruction surgery. When pain occurs, it can be relieved by lying on your side with your knees bent.

3. Intestinal obstruction

Tumor compression or extensive adhesions in the abdominal cavity lead to intestinal obstruction, which manifests as vomiting of fecal matter and stopping of exhaust and defecation. Temporarily fast and leave a nasogastric tube to decompress, and use glycerin enema to stimulate intestinal peristalsis. In severe cases, intestinal stent placement or fistula surgery is required.

4. A large amount of ascites

The abdominal circumference can exceed 100 cm due to the combined effects of obstruction of abdominal lymphatic drainage and hypoalbuminemia. Regular abdominal puncture and drainage combined with local chemotherapy with cisplatin injection, limiting sodium intake to no more than 3 grams per day, and using spironolactone tablets combined with furosemide tablets for diuresis.

5. Multiple organ failure

Extensive metastasis of cancer cells leads to end-stage manifestations such as liver and kidney damage, difficulty breathing, and disturbance of consciousness. At this time, the main focus is on soothing treatment, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, using torsemide for injection to improve edema when necessary, and inhaling oxygen to maintain blood oxygen saturation above 90%.

Terminal care requires keeping the skin clean, turning over every 2 hours to prevent pressure sores, using oral cotton swabs to moisten the mouth, and raising the head of the bed 30 degrees to relieve breathing difficulties. Cooperate with the hospice care team to control symptoms and relieve pain through music therapy and psychological counseling. Family members should make decisions about palliative care and fully communicate with the patient about their wishes.