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What Causes Pain In The Left Rib Cage And Back?

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Posted on Sat, 11 Nov 2017
Question: I have been having pain on my left side under my ribs that spreads to my back when I cough. My left kidney was removed due to cancer and my left breast. I also have COPD.



doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please give details and post actual reports.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
When was Kidney surgery done? Was the incision below ribs?
Since when is the pain?
When was left breast operated? Reasons?
Any co-incidence between surgeries and starting of pain?
Was the MRI of hte Thoracic spine done?
What is the type of pain?
Any other information that you would like to ass-on?

Awaiting for your feedback.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (37 minutes later)
My Kidney surgery was 4-16-2013. Yes, it was below the ribs. Right above the waist line.
The pain has been going on for about 2 weeks.
My breast removal was due to cancer and was removed 5/1/2009.
No
Not that I'm aware of
Sharp and constant
There hasn't been any medication changes. Constipation - yes, but I've always had problem with this. I have lost some weight - only a pound or two. I weigh 102 and am 5'2". I had a hysterectomy in 1979.
I had a triple-by-pass in 2002. And have had Congestive Heart Failure 3 times since.
Punctured right lung and had several broken ribs in Feb. 2012.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As detailed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Noted all the points.
The pain under left ribs that spread to back on coughing and being present for 2 weeks can be due to one of the following reasons:
Costochondritis.
Nerve root pain due to affection at spinal level should also be considered in view of past history of cancers.
Hence I would advise you the following:
Get examined by you Doctor to see for local tenderness at ribs and back too.
MRI of thoracic spine may be needed to SE for a possible cause.
X-ray of chest to see for any reasons in lungs or pleura.
This willbhelp for a specific diagnosis and thus a proper management.
I hope this answer helps.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19778 Questions

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What Causes Pain In The Left Rib Cage And Back?

Brief Answer: Please give details and post actual reports. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific. Noted the history and understood your concerns. Please give additional information for me to assist you better: When was Kidney surgery done? Was the incision below ribs? Since when is the pain? When was left breast operated? Reasons? Any co-incidence between surgeries and starting of pain? Was the MRI of hte Thoracic spine done? What is the type of pain? Any other information that you would like to ass-on? Awaiting for your feedback.