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What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain?
Question: I am a 37 year old female 5'7 and weigh 122 lbs. I do not smoke or drink. I've been experiencing mild upper abdominal pain mid left that I sometimes feel in my back. All bloodwork and digestive enzymes were normal in addition to a normal complete abdominal ultrasound. What could be causing this dull pain? Sometimes it's worst at night causing me to toss and turn.
Brief Answer:
Peptic ulcer can be the case.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Such pain is quite characteristic for an ulcer located in the stomach. You may also have some nausea or lack of appetite. Foods intake can trigger the pain.
It is very common that ultrasound and all blood work comes negative in case of ulcers. So your next step is a gastroscopy.
You should also avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee (very important) and alcohol.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Peptic ulcer can be the case.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Such pain is quite characteristic for an ulcer located in the stomach. You may also have some nausea or lack of appetite. Foods intake can trigger the pain.
It is very common that ultrasound and all blood work comes negative in case of ulcers. So your next step is a gastroscopy.
You should also avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee (very important) and alcohol.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you! I've read so much online that the pain could also be related to pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Do you think I'm clear if such things because of bloodwork and ultrasound? I do have some trouble with reflux at times.
Brief Answer:
Its not pancreas issue.
Detailed Answer:
I am sure that you have found the information about the pancreas because the pain sometimes radiates to the back. Please note that pancreas pain radiates to the back on both sides. And is very strong. Especially if we think about acute pancreatitis. It gives unbearable pain. So for sure you can be sure its not pancreatitis. Blood work would not be negative.
If its about pancreas cancer, ultrasound and blood work can not rule it out. CT can somehow do this. But in case of small tumor, even CT can miss it. The truth it that its very hard to detect early pancreas cancer. But the good thing is that early pancreas cancer does not hurt at all. Usually only large tumors (those seen in ultrasound) give pain. So you can rule the cancer out as well.
Stomach is the reason. Not pancreas. Gastroscopy should confirm that.
Its not pancreas issue.
Detailed Answer:
I am sure that you have found the information about the pancreas because the pain sometimes radiates to the back. Please note that pancreas pain radiates to the back on both sides. And is very strong. Especially if we think about acute pancreatitis. It gives unbearable pain. So for sure you can be sure its not pancreatitis. Blood work would not be negative.
If its about pancreas cancer, ultrasound and blood work can not rule it out. CT can somehow do this. But in case of small tumor, even CT can miss it. The truth it that its very hard to detect early pancreas cancer. But the good thing is that early pancreas cancer does not hurt at all. Usually only large tumors (those seen in ultrasound) give pain. So you can rule the cancer out as well.
Stomach is the reason. Not pancreas. Gastroscopy should confirm that.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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