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What Causes Persistent Abdominal Pain And Weight Loss?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jul 2016

Question: Having some anxiety....For several weeks, sometimes while and after eating I feel sensation on the inside of my upper left shoulder blade - no real pain, just a mild sort of tugging sensation. It can last a couple of hours, or much less. Absolutely no dysphagia or stomach pain...no vomiting or nausea....no weight loss. no discomfort behind breastbone, normal bowel/urine. I can pretty much duplicate the feeling by squeezing the skin behind the shoulder blade or flexing. Not sure, but eating may trigger, but it does feel muscular.. Not sure why eating might trigger muscle. I do have a history of some GERD.
My concern is esophageal or pancreatic cancer. Does this symptom suggest to you any real risk here? I can eat meat, bagel, bread, etc. with no problem swallowing or chest/abdominal discomfort.
Or does it sound more muscular or GERD related?
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I m pleased to assist you.

Yes, it does sound muscular to me.

It is not a symptom of Esophageal or pancreatic cancer.

Dysphagia, painful swallowing, loss of weight are some of the symptoms that suggest the possibility of esophageal cancer.

Abdominal pain, loss of weight and jaundice are some of the symptoms that suggest the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

You do not have any of these symptoms.
So it is unlikely that you have any of these cancers.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (11 hours later)

Thank you Doctor.
A relief to hear from a gastroenterologist that this isn't concerning.

One more question.....any chance the tugging sensation/slight upper back pressure at/near shoulder blade when swallowing could be referred sensations from GERD.

Thanks again.

Andy
Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No need to be concerned about esophageal and pancreatic cancer.

I would repeat -

Dysphagia, painful swallowing, loss of weight are some of the symptoms that suggest the possibility of esophageal cancer.

Abdominal pain, loss of weight and jaundice are some of the symptoms that suggest the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

You do not have any of these symptoms.
So it is unlikely that you have any of these cancers.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
The pressure in the upper back cannot be attributed to GERD. But some individuals do say the pain radiates to the upper back.
Swallowing does not involve trapezius or rhomboid. Though the pain could be muscular, it is not related to swallowing.

Regards,
Dr.R.K
Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No need to be concerned about esophageal and pancreatic cancer.

I would repeat -

Dysphagia, painful swallowing, loss of weight are some of the symptoms that suggest the possibility of esophageal cancer.

Abdominal pain, loss of weight and jaundice are some of the symptoms that suggest the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

You do not have any of these symptoms.
So it is unlikely that you have any of these cancers.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (13 minutes later)

Still don't need to be concerned about cancer. Please confirm.

Thanks.

Andy