What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss, Loss Of Appetite And Referred Pain?
I should mention that I no longer have my gallbladder and my fear of this is it being something cancerous or deadly. My GI doc says that it isn’t cancer but he’s only run labs specific to the pancreas, which he noted a low Amylase count.
Would pain like this, that increases when eating heavy fatty foods, sitting, and is relieved my applying pressure be indicative of something cancerous, or is it maybe just a minor pancreatic or kidney issue?
Im trying not to worry but this has been ongoing for a while.
I am considering more than one reason.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
The pain in upper abdomen which increases on sitting and enhances on heavy fatty food and relieved by applying pressure is not at all indicative of any type of cancer - and particularly when the problem is going on for some months without any other signs like unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, referred pain or so.
Please give some additional information for me to assist you further:
- Where exactly is the pain? You may please mention whether on the lowest rib or below it. You may also post a photograph with marker on the spot/area of pain?
- Does it pain if you put up pressure on it with pointed finger - (yet as you have mentioned) relieved by applying pressure may be with flat of palm?
- Does the pain increase every time you consume fatty foods?
- What is the type of pain? Burning/dull/ twisting ....
- Any investigations like Ultrasound, CT scan, and upper GI Endoscopy?
- Liver function tests particularly Alkaline phosphatase and GGT?
- The immense pain occurred immediately after taking fatty food or say after half or an hour after consuming?
- Any referred pain to the back or so?
Please give details as the detailed history sometimes helps for a proper diagnosis or at least leads to the further investigations and proper management.