What Causes Mild Intermittent Pain In The Middle Of Upper Abdomen?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

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

Mon, 1 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Could this be pancreatic cancer? 27 year old female. No family history. Upper left quatdrant pain. Feels close to the surface and is almost in the middle upper abdomen. X3 weeks, mild and comes and goes feels almost like a "pinching". Appetite is decreased a little, more drowsy then normal, but im getting over a cold too. I had an abdominal ultrasound back in January, but that was 11 months ago. That was for something not related, but they didnt fond anything wrong. What are the chances this is pancreatic cancer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
hi and welcome

Detailed Answer:
Chances are negligible and this is the last diagnosis to think of. Pancreatic cancer has nonspecific symptoms but usually pain is located in back ,there is weight loss,jaundice and more constant pain. Also,it is extremely rare in your age. Many other causes can lead to your symptoms and most of it is benign and self limiting. Usually gastritis,herb,galbladder stones,ibs can cause it.Also some hernias or neuromuscular pain as well. I suggest to do ultarsounf again and gastrosopy if you can,watch for your diet,avoid stress,exercise and everything will be fine.feel free to ask.Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (4 minutes later)

Thank you. I do have an 8mm gallstone. I didnt have it removed because I only had one gallbladder attack and the surgeon said we can take it, or wait and see. I chose to wait and see. This pain doesnt seem like the gallbladder attack though. I dont have any other pancreatic cancer symptoms you mentioned.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:
Well galbladder attack may be felt in epigastrium or even in left side. Also small gallbladder srltones may break and get stucked in pancreatic duct and cause pancreatitis. But you would have some other symptoms in this case. I suggest to try with easier diet,when pain occur take spasmolytic ,if it helps then this is probably gallbladder or intestinal colic. If not,then you should check your stomach and duodenum

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