Does Bloated Feeling In The Back Of Rib Cage Indicate Pancreatic Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Question: Whats the likelihood that this is pancreatic cancer? Im 27 years old, female, no health issues other than hypothyroidism controlled with 50mcg levothyroxine daily. Ive had this bloated feeling in my back just below my rib cage on the left side. Sometimes it will go up to my left shoulder, sometimes wrap around my left side, and sometimes be in the front of my upper left abdomen. I dont have any other symptoms, no fatigue, no weight loss, no visable jaundice or pale floating stools. I had a urine dip at my OBGYN yesterday (not pregnant) and he said there is no bladder infection or blood in my urine. He also felt my abdomen and pounded on my back where my kidneys are and said that everything seems normal. How likely is this to be pancreatic cancer? I know im young for the disease, but im super scared. No personal or family history of any type of cancer. Scared. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be Pancreatic carcinoma

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcaremagic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms

Going by description of your symptoms it is unlikely to be Pancreatic carcinoma. Following are the reasons

1. Pancreatic carcinoma usually occurs in individual above 50 years of age . You are too young
2. No other risk factors present
3. Pancreatic carcinoma usually presents with Biochemical disturbance like Jaundice . Pain or other vague discomfort is last feature to appear.

As your physician has evaluated you and your reports are normal there is no cause for concern. Your symptoms more fit into acid peptic disease based on bloating feeling. Trial of a antacid will be helpful.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Thank you, doctor, for your reassurance. I appreciate it more than words can say! So try tums maybe? Or would you suggest something else? And I take my levothyroxine in the morning, before breakfast. When should I take an antacid?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take it after breakfast

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

I am glad to know you are relieved.You can definitely try Tums. You can take it after the breakfast and just before retiring to bed at night.
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.
God bless you.

Regards
Deepak

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E