What Causes Right Sided Flank Pain?

Posted on Tue, 13 Jan 2015

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

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I suffer from pain in my right flank and around the belly button area. The pain is quite sharp but very intermittent - I often go for weeks without noticing it but it always returns. i mostly notice the flank pain when I move in a particular way. About 3 months ago, my dr ordered an abdominal CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy and colonoscopy. All normal. I have a simple cyst on my liver but The dr does not appear very concerned about it. Should I have another CT scan as the pain has increased? When I google the symptoms (ridiculous, I know), I get a lot of result discussing colon cancer. Is it possible that I can have a tumour that was not picked up? Perhaps small bowel cancer? I don't have any other abdominal symptoms except constipation which is very normal for me. I appreciate your assistance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms related to constipation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

All the symptoms you are experiencing are due to constipation.

As long as you have done colonoscopy and/or upper endoscopy and Ct scan and they resulted negative, there is nothing to worry about tumors in small or large bowel.

For the moment, I advise to :
- keep well hydrated
- take more foods high in fiber content
- take lactulose and laxatives
- take long walks

To imorove bowel movements.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj