Hello, 42M 5'11' 182. Exercise Regularly. Been Experiencing Discomfort In
Been experiencing discomfort in the Xiphoid area for a few weeks. I have never noticed my Xiphoid before but now it is visible at times and tender to the touch. Upper abdomen discomfort and fullness after certain meals. Appetite ok but not as good as it was.
Blood work was perfect. Ultrasound showed organs fine but showed a " slightly" dilated bile duct.
GI Doc wants to see me for possible MRI.. I am nervous. What would they possibly be looking for that Ultrasound did not show?
Xiphoid process pain possibly due to trauma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I agree completely with your doctor opinion.
The MRI needs to be done to check for possible inflammation of the xiphoid process and possible trauma that may have caused inflammation and the lump.
Also an MRI should be done in order to be sure that a tumor isn't confused as a lump.
The lump and pain you are having is most probably caused by trauma during exercising hard and lifting weights.
Having rest from excessive exercising is needed together with anti-inflammatory drugs.
The appetite may be a bit lower than before because of the pain that is caused after eating due to abdominal extension.
Stay calm and wait for the results of MRI. Take antiinflammatory drugs and have rest.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
What are your thoughts on the " slightly dilated " bile duct. ? Could a gallstone be lodged somewhere else ?
There is no evidence of gallstone.
Detailed Answer:
An ultrasound was done and only a slight dilation of the bile duct is seen but not stones or cysts or other reasons that cause obstruction. So I can't think about a gallstone since it was not mentioned in ultrasound.
You said that blood work was ok and I believe you may have also tested liver enzymes and bilirubin and this two facts together show that you don't need to worry about it and no further evaluation should be done.
Let me know if I can assist you further.