Is This Cancer?
Greetings, I'm a 31-year-old woman experiencing persistent discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen, with occasional discomfort in the lower region, a situation that has been ongoing since August of the previous year. During that time, I underwent both an endoscopy and a colonoscopy; the latter turned out fine, but the former revealed grade II external and internal hemorrhoids alongside mild gastritis, with tests showing no presence of H. Pylori. In April of this year, a blood test indicated a ferritin level of 12, while my hemoglobin was at 13.2. However, for the last fortnight, I have been witnessing bleeding with each bowel movement. I had another blood test performed recently, which showed my hemoglobin had decreased to 12.2—a drop of one in just two months. Additionally, I conducted a PT/INR test, yielding results of 13.7 for PT and 1.17 for INR. Notably, my lymphocyte count has been elevated, recorded at 50% and most recently at 47.7%. This culmination of symptoms has left me deeply anxious about the possibility of stomach or colorectal cancer. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or insights you could provide.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 10:01:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concerns about the symptoms and blood test results you're experiencing. While it’s natural to worry about serious conditions like cancer, many factors can contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort and changes in blood values.
Main Points:
Your symptoms—persistent upper abdominal discomfort, bleeding with bowel movements, and low ferritin levels—warrant careful attention, especially with your recent blood work showing a decrease in hemoglobin.
Explanation:
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Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain and bleeding can result from various conditions, including hemorrhoids or gastritis, and not just from cancer. The fact that your colonoscopy came back fine is reassuring. Hemorrhoids could explain both the bleeding and discomfort.
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Blood Tests: Ferritin levels indicate iron stores in your body, and low levels can lead to anemia. It's important to investigate why you're losing blood, hence the drop in hemoglobin and your elevated lymphocyte count, which sometimes signifies increased body response to stress, infection, or inflammation.
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Elevated Lymphocytes: These can be due to many factors, including infections or autoimmune disorders, like lupus or Crohn’s disease, mentioned in your tags. However, elevated lymphocytes alone do not indicate cancer.
Next Steps (Prioritized Actions):
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Monitor Symptoms: Track changes in your abdominal pain and bowel habits. Note the frequency and amount of bleeding, and look for any associated symptoms like changes in appetite or energy levels.
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Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a diet rich in iron (like spinach, legumes, red meat) and vitamin C (which helps absorb iron), as this can help improve your ferritin levels.
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Hydration and Stool Softeners: Ensure adequate hydration and consider stool softeners if you're experiencing significant straining due to hemorrhoids, which may help alleviate some discomfort.
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Follow-up Testing: Since your hemoglobin has dropped and you've had ongoing symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider (although I won't direct you to consult one) about further tests to evaluate the cause of the bleeding or concerns related to your lymphocytes.
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Address Anxiety: It’s normal to feel anxious about these symptoms, but try to focus on gathering information and possible solutions rather than jumping to conclusions. Consider relaxation techniques like mindfulness or yoga to manage stress.
Remember, while I cannot diagnose, listening to your body and advocating for your health is vital. If symptoms worsen or you have new concerns, it’s essential to seek further evaluation.
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