Suggest Remedy For Itching And Burning Pain In The Stomach

Posted on Tue, 14 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 6 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 51 year old female. I changed my diet a few years ago and removed gluten. My bowels changed to being longer and thinner. At some point the shape also changed to thin and a bit triangular. About 2 months ago I had my first case of hemorrhoids? Itching and burning but no pain. They seem to be more. external. I have a lot of outer irritation...like my movement is irritating. A couple of times I have had bright red blood. For a couple of days the movements themselves seemed to ooze blood, but that has cleared up. After birth of my son 17 years ago, I lost some bowel control. Lately though, occasionally, I seem to have bowel leakage like diarrhea. I have no pain except the occasional twinge like a period cramp, but I am post menopausal for several years. I am in the process of scheduling a colonoscopy. My question is, could this possibly be an ovarian cysts? My sister at 44 has ovarian cancer, and my grandmother died from ovarian cancer. Does the colonoscopy seem like the right track to be on?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief answer....you would require other tests to diagnose ovarian cyst or cancer.
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
It is good that you are going to get colonoscopy done but this would be able to tell only about inner side of colon and tell about the presence of colorectal cancers and other colonic problems.
Colonoscopy would no way tell any thing about ovarian cysts or cancer.
Your some of the symptoms like cramps in abdomen,irritating bowel movements,occasional diarrhoea or constipation do match with symptoms of ovarian cysts but you will have to get a pelvic examination done by a gynecologist and imaging studies like ultrasound abdomen and CT or MRI abdomen done to make the diagnosis of ovarian cyst or cancer.
In addition blood tests like elevated levels of CA - 125 give a strong suspicion of ovarian cancers.
In my opinion you must consult a gynecologist for examination and relevant tests to rule out ovarian cysts or cancer since you have a very strong family history of ovarian cancers.
I hope it helps however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (21 hours later)

Thank You!

I failed to mention bloating that comes and goes, but never seems to go completely. My normal waist is about 34in but it goes up to 38 in. I have a very short waist, but the bloating iseems lower. Also my bowel is no longer well formed but seems put together and fuzzy. The stool is soft and loose but never hard. The leaking I mentioned as diarrhea is a very small amount, and is not the norm.
My diet is very clean...no wheat or processed foods.

I do not have insurance, and obviously do not want to just go and get every test, so I am trying to find the best direction to start in.

Do the symptoms I have mentioned at all sound like anal cancer, I have no risk factors for that except for an autoimmune thyroid issue which I am treating with diet. Would the colonoscopy pick up on anal cancer? I have done a self exam and nothing seems amiss.

If it is something like diverticulitis, will that show up on the colonoscopy?

Does it sound like anything else to you?

If it were your daughter, where would you have her start if finances were a big issue? Of course you are not responsible for my medical choices, but I do want to make informed choices.
Thank You, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)

Dear XXXXXXX
Good to hear back from you.
I have read your response and feel very moved.
I can very well imagine the plight of people who really have medical problems as well as financial issues also.
I would want you to carry on with colonoscopy which would reveal all types of colorectal cancers,if present.
As far as your doubts regarding ovarian cyst or cancer is concerned,it would be better if you are physically examined by a gynecologist and get a simple abdominal ultrasound done.
This would remove the doubts or shall act as stage to go ahead with other investigations,if required.
I hope it helps.Feel free to post any further query,if you wish.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)

Ok I have a colonoscopy set in two weeks. If those results come back normal, then I will see a gynecologist.
Last questions.
1. Does this sound more like a colon issue or an ovarian issue to you?
2. Is there a chance that this is just polyps?
3. Is my lack of pain, except for the .05 twinges of cramp like pain in my side, a good indicator that if it is cancer, I have caught it early?
4. You didn't respond to my questions about anal cancer and diverticulitis, so can I assume that you see them as being unlikely?
Thank You, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (16 minutes later)

Hello,
I will reply you point by point.
1...It is very difficult to say anything because some symptoms mimic both conditions but still I feel that you may be having just hemorrhoids and rest everything should come clean.
2...May be or may not be
3...degree of pain doesn't co relate with stage of the cancer.
4...I don't think so.
I think you must relax and hopefully everything would come clean.It is my gut feeling that you are perfectly normal.
Best of luck
Thanks

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar