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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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):
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Cauda Equina Syndrome vs. Sciatica
Age: 39 I have been suffering from lower back pain for the past two months. Sciatica set in about four weeks ago, although it has since diminished; however, I still experience significant tightness in my hamstrings. Since last night, I've noticed a slight numbness and movement in my left leg during urination. I'm wondering if this condition is indicative of Cauda Equina Syndrome, sciatica, or something entirely different. MRI Findings: **Bone Assessment:** The typical lumbar lordosis has straightened. The alignment of the vertebral body is otherwise preserved, demonstrating no signs of acute fractures or subluxations. Observations indicate Modic type II changes present in the endplates around the L4-5 intervertebral disc. Importantly, no concerning abnormalities in the bone marrow signal have been identified, and there are no visible pars defects. **T12-L1:** No notable abnormalities detected. **L1-2:** No significant concerns found. **L2-3:** No significant concerns found. **L3-4:** There are mild degenerative changes in the posterior facet, yet there is no central canal stenosis or narrowing of the neural foramina. **L4-5:** As previously mentioned, there is a broad-based protrusion of the disc accompanied by mild degenerative changes in the posterior facet, which appear more pronounced than in the previous assessment. This suggests slight compression of both traversing L5 nerve roots (more so on the right) and some crowding of the remaining traversing nerve roots. The AP measurement of the thecal sac is 6 mm. There is mild narrowing in both neural foramina. **L5-S1:** Only mild degenerative changes in the posterior facet are present. No stenosis in the central canal or foraminal narrowing is evident. **Conus Medullaris:** The conus terminates at the L1 level and appears to be normal.
Struggles with Rheumatology Care
Greetings, everyone. I’m a 21-year-old woman on a journey to receive a proper diagnosis for ACLE, as suggested by my dermatologist. Unfortunately, my rheumatologist has yet to respond, which is essential for making an official diagnosis. I've made numerous attempts to reach out – leaving messages and calling – but it feels like my concerns are falling on deaf ears, leaving me feeling devastated. While my dermatologist opted not to perform a biopsy on my rash, I arrived prepared with bloodwork and photographs of the rash affecting my face during our visit. He indicated that my bloodwork showed multiple concerning indicators along with my symptoms which warranted starting a treatment like Plaquenil. He mentioned that he would prefer to avoid leaving a mark on my face if possible. The relevant findings from my blood tests include a positive ANA at 1:320, positive anti-smooth muscle antibodies at 1:320 while my liver tests remain normal, preventing a liver biopsy to understand the reason behind these antibodies (as they don’t appear without cause). Additionally, I have a positive result for anti-chromatin at 1.5, which my research indicates is quite specific to lupus, and my C3 protein is now bordering on low. Despite all of this, my rheumatologist seems unmotivated to take further action. The symptoms I’m experiencing are overwhelming. I endure chronic pain in my neck and back, along with persistent joint pain that causes discomfort and popping in my joints, including my knees, elbows, fingers, and even my feet. Recently, my blood pressure has surged, reaching a peak of 140/102 over the past two months, which has compelled me to consult a cardiologist regarding the potential for POTS or other cardiac issues. Currently, I'm wearing a Zio heart monitor for a two-week period. I also have Raynaud’s phenomenon and livedo reticularis, both of which are often associated with lupus or other autoimmune conditions. My symptoms include a malar rash on my face, sensitivity to sunlight, and emerging eye pain, particularly in bright light, which forces me to squint frequently. The heat has become intolerable for me, despite having grown up in Tennessee, as I now struggle with excessive sweating, which one doctor attributed to hyperhidrosis. I've been experiencing dizziness and constant fatigue as well. A perplexing issue is that when I accessed my medical records, there was no mention of ACLE, Raynaud’s, or livedo reticularis, among other symptoms. Why is this happening? My rheumatologist seems to have completely disconnected from our communication. I understand that she has multiple patients, yet it has been a month without even a brief acknowledgment. I feel completely lost and can hardly handle a full 40-hour work week; I genuinely need medication or assistance. What options are available when you feel overlooked by healthcare professionals?
Concerns Regarding Low Sodium Bicarbonate Levels
I am a 30-year-old female, standing 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 200 pounds. My current medications include Imitrex and Adderall, but I have recently discontinued Seroquel. Occasionally, I also use Albuterol as I've been experiencing some shortness of breath. Is further monitoring necessary in this situation? Current lab results show my sodium bicarbonate level is 18 and chloride is at 112, with all other values from my comprehensive metabolic panel falling within the normal range. I have experienced some diarrhea, although I wouldn’t classify it as severe. Additionally, I have been feeling stomach discomfort and nausea, which I attribute to having ceased Seroquel. My diet tends to be quite acidic, and I haven’t been very active, although I am making an effort to exercise more lately. Since I've had a history of kidney stones, I’m unsure if this indicates renal tubular acidosis, or if these issues are more related to my lifestyle choices.
Experiencing Neck Discomfort and Light Headache
Hello everyone, I’m a 21-year-old male and I do not smoke. I’ve been struggling with a persistent discomfort in my neck along with a sensation that my head feels overly heavy. Occasionally, I experience mild nausea, which remains unaffected by my eating habits. The headaches I encounter are not intense; rather, they manifest as a dull ache that spans my scalp and encircles my head at times. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that stretching tends to exacerbate the discomfort, making me reluctant to engage in any stretching exercises. Has anyone here had similar experiences? Could this issue stem from poor posture, or is my anxiety concerning health amplifying my discomfort? I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you! 🙏
Addressing Memory Issues While on Lamictal
Greetings! Let me introduce myself: I'm a 24-year-old woman, Caucasian, standing at 5'8" and weighing approximately 150 pounds. I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and am currently in the process of gradually increasing my dosage of Lamictal to 200 mg, split between 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the evening. Presently, I'm taking 100 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night. Recently, however, I've observed a decline in my memory recall abilities, which has been quite concerning. I am employed as an administrative assistant in an accounting firm, where I also participate in actual accounting tasks. The inability to remember crucial information is adding significant stress, as it hampers my efficiency at work. The sole alteration in my routine has been the introduction of Lamictal. Could this medication be the cause of my memory challenges? If it is, I would like to explore potential remedies or adjustments that may help mitigate this issue, perhaps through dietary changes, supplements, vitamins, or possibly another medication approach. Lamictal has provided me with considerable benefits, and I am hesitant to discontinue its use. Nevertheless, I worry that my memory may continue to worsen as I increase my dosage—today marks my first day at 175 mg. For reference, I've been adjusting my dosage over the past three months.