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Can Leukemia Cause Pain In Rib?
Question: In September 2023, I had a Dx of subacute thyroiditis. It has mostly run its course, although my TSH is still slightly elevated. Since then, I’ve had a number of other unusual clinical and laboratory issues. My AST and ALT have been elevated since my workup for the thyroiditis (they go up and down, but ALT is always higher than AST. Current value is ALT 104, AST 55, with a reference range of 40.) I have had a normal abdominal ultrasound and normal abdominal CT w/contrast.
Additionally, I have had pain in my lower rib and side lower ribs since at least November 2033. At first it was only on the right side, and involved some tenderness (like a bruise) if I pressed on certain parts—especially if I sleep on that side. Recently, for a few weeks or so, I’ve felt it on the left side as well.
Other lab work is completely normal. CBC conducted on February 27, 2024 is completely normal. Normal red and white counts, normal platelet counts. Normal CRP and normal ESR.
No fever.
My specific question relates to leukemia. As I’ve heard that this can manifest with bone pain, my concern was raised that the rib pain could be caused by that.
Can I find some reassurance in that it’s been months since the rib pain started, and I have a completely normal CBC? In other words, if the pain were due to a leukemia, this is enough time for some CBC abnormality to develop?
Additionally, I have had pain in my lower rib and side lower ribs since at least November 2033. At first it was only on the right side, and involved some tenderness (like a bruise) if I pressed on certain parts—especially if I sleep on that side. Recently, for a few weeks or so, I’ve felt it on the left side as well.
Other lab work is completely normal. CBC conducted on February 27, 2024 is completely normal. Normal red and white counts, normal platelet counts. Normal CRP and normal ESR.
No fever.
My specific question relates to leukemia. As I’ve heard that this can manifest with bone pain, my concern was raised that the rib pain could be caused by that.
Can I find some reassurance in that it’s been months since the rib pain started, and I have a completely normal CBC? In other words, if the pain were due to a leukemia, this is enough time for some CBC abnormality to develop?
Brief Answer:
Hello dear. There is nothing to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your query. So the most common cause for rib pain is likely costochondritis or an inflammation of the tendons and small muscles associated with ribs, which subsides on its own in due course of time or sometimes can persist.
Leukemia or blood cancers almost always present with anemia, very low or high white cell counts, and low platelet count, and the common manifestations are fatigue, laziness, repeated infections, and bleeding tendencies along with enlargement of nodes. These symptoms may present in isolation or as a combination. Bone pain is a less common symptom and, in the absence of other clinical and blood abnormalities, should never lead to the anticipation of blood cancer.
There is nothing to worry about.
Feel free to ask further.
regards.
Hello dear. There is nothing to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your query. So the most common cause for rib pain is likely costochondritis or an inflammation of the tendons and small muscles associated with ribs, which subsides on its own in due course of time or sometimes can persist.
Leukemia or blood cancers almost always present with anemia, very low or high white cell counts, and low platelet count, and the common manifestations are fatigue, laziness, repeated infections, and bleeding tendencies along with enlargement of nodes. These symptoms may present in isolation or as a combination. Bone pain is a less common symptom and, in the absence of other clinical and blood abnormalities, should never lead to the anticipation of blood cancer.
There is nothing to worry about.
Feel free to ask further.
regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks very much Doctor. I appreciate your thorough response. For additional background, I’m a 38 year old male.
Can it be seen as a “good” sign that some of this lower rib pain (on the right side) began 3+ months ago and that 3+ months later, the CBC is normal? In other words, this would likely be sufficient time for a leukemia that causes bone pain to manifest in the blood labs?
Thank you again for your time.
Can it be seen as a “good” sign that some of this lower rib pain (on the right side) began 3+ months ago and that 3+ months later, the CBC is normal? In other words, this would likely be sufficient time for a leukemia that causes bone pain to manifest in the blood labs?
Thank you again for your time.
Brief Answer:
There is nothing bad at all.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. So, bone pain if at all appears in leukemia should be a sign of advanced disease and not early and must manifest in blood counts. You seems perfectly ok, nothing to worry.
Thanks and regards
You can ask further if any more queries.
There is nothing bad at all.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. So, bone pain if at all appears in leukemia should be a sign of advanced disease and not early and must manifest in blood counts. You seems perfectly ok, nothing to worry.
Thanks and regards
You can ask further if any more queries.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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