Concerns Following Occupational Cancer Screening as a Firefighter
Greetings! I'm a 32-year-old woman, standing at 56 inches and weighing 140 pounds. I don't smoke or use any tobacco products, maintain a fairly healthy diet, exercise four times each week, and drink socially. My medical regimen includes Adderall 20 XR, which I have been taking for nearly a decade to manage ADHD, as well as Gabapentin 300 mg—a more recent addition due to troubling night sweats. I've dedicated almost 8 years of my life to firefighting. Recently, within the past year, I experienced intense night sweats that soak my bedding and hair, coupled with a flushing rash triggered by heat or direct sunlight exposure. Additionally, I've noticed a strong sensitivity to cold temperatures, and my feet often turn cyanotic when they get particularly chilly. For some time now, I've sought answers regarding my symptoms from my primary care physician and a dermatologist. So far, the explanation I've received is that I might be dealing with a sun allergy and simply overheat at night, despite undergoing several tests that have yielded normal results. Last week, my fire department offered an occupational cancer screening for firefighters, but I was devastated to learn that my results were abnormal. The most alarming finding was a 3.83 cm mass on my spleen, along with nodules on my thyroid and an elevated white blood cell count. The blood work results indicated the following abnormalities: - Elevated white blood cell count, with a normal range being 6-10 - Epithelial cells exceeding 10, which is considered abnormal - WBC esterase showing a +1 result - Low alkaline phosphatase at 37 - High iron levels at 182 The screening suggested that I undergo a CT scan, which I am currently working on scheduling, though it might take a few weeks to arrange. In the meantime, I’m searching for insights into what these findings could mean, as I feel anxious about the implications of the mass on my spleen. Thank you for any guidance you can provide!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 8:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your health concerns; it’s understandable to feel anxious given the situation. Let's break down your findings and next steps.
Main Points:
- You have a mass on your spleen, thyroid nodules, and abnormal blood test results, leading to anxiety and uncertainty.
- You are awaiting further evaluation through a CT scan, which is crucial for understanding the abnormal findings.
Explanation:
-
Mass on the Spleen: A mass can have various causes, including benign (non-cancerous) conditions, but it’s important to rule out any serious issues (e.g., tumors or infections). The CT scan will provide more clarity on the nature of this mass.
-
Thyroid Nodules: Many thyroid nodules are benign and not cancerous, but they often require monitoring. Your healthcare team may suggest follow-up tests based on their size and characteristics.
-
Abnormal Blood Work:
- Elevated white blood cell count: This can indicate inflammation or infection, but it may also be associated with other conditions.
- Epithelial cells increased: This could suggest irritation or inflammation, often needing further investigation.
- Alkaline phosphatase and iron levels: Elevated iron might need further evaluation, especially as it can be associated with different health issues.
Next Steps:
-
Prioritize Scheduling the CT Scan: This will provide essential information about the spleen mass and help guide next steps. Follow up with your healthcare provider if needed to expedite this process.
-
Record Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including the timing of your night sweats, flushing rash, and any changes in your overall health. This information can be valuable for your doctors.
-
Stay Informed but Stay Calm: While it’s natural to feel anxious, try to focus on what is known rather than what is unknown. Education about your symptoms and findings can empower you.
-
Support and Communication: Consider reaching out to support groups or forums related to occupational cancer and firefighters. Sharing experiences may lessen anxiety and help you gather insights.
-
Manage Your Anxiety: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Regular exercise can also be beneficial for mental well-being.
Conclusion:
Your health concerns are valid, and taking proactive steps in scheduling your CT scan is essential. While awaiting the results, focusing on symptom documentation and coping strategies can help manage your anxiety. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for any support or questions as you navigate through this period. I'm here for any further guidance you may need!
Related Questions
Understanding and Preventing Fainting Episodes During Flights
I’m a 28-year-old male, weighing 135lbs, living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and tachycardia, which keeps my resting heart rate between 100 and 118 beats per minute. I've discussed this with my physician, but he hasn't shown much concern. I do have an appointment with a cardiologist scheduled for later this month for reassurance. Recently, hotter weather has significantly worsened my MS symptoms, leading me to consider that as a possible reason for my fainting episodes. However, during my recent flight, I experienced something quite alarming. I have nerve impairment and muscle weakness in my legs, which can lead to falls, but I’ve never fainted before. I had a decent breakfast at the airport about an hour prior, slept well, and hadn’t overexerted myself; apart from my usual discomfort, I felt reasonable. My partner and I boarded the plane, and shortly after takeoff, we encountered turbulence. I distinctly remember feeling dizzy and saying, "I feel dizzy," before losing consciousness and collapsing onto my partner’s lap. When I regained awareness, I felt lethargic, and my legs were unresponsive; my arms were tingling and beginning to feel numb. Despite my efforts to sit upright, I experienced another wave of turbulence and pressure changes a few moments later, feeling nauseous and lightheaded, followed by blurred vision and a heavy head. I lost consciousness again briefly, becoming limp. Throughout the rest of the flight, I leaned against my partner, trying to keep my head low, but since disembarking, I’ve felt uncomfortable and utterly drained. What might this suggest? I am uncertain whether I should contact my doctor or neurologist or if I should simply dismiss it. The thought of fainting during future flights terrifies me, particularly if I were alone and could have fallen onto a stranger. What strategies can I employ to avoid this situation altogether?
Inquiry About Brain MRI Results
Greetings! I'm seeking some advice regarding an MRI scan of my brain and orbits, conducted with and without the use of contrast. This was prompted by persistent pain in my right eye, which has been ongoing for just over a month. The outcomes indicated that everything appeared normal, with the solitary exception of a "left maxillary mucous retention cyst or polyp." While I believe I can identify that in other MRI images, I've also noticed something on my right side that raises my concern. I'm uncertain whether this is typical or potentially significant. Here's a bit about me: I'm a 27-year-old female with hypothyroidism and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). At present, I am taking levothyroxine and propranolol. In addition, I've been applying steroid eye drops to my right eye twice daily for the past two and a half weeks. I have a follow-up appointment with the neuro-ophthalmologist who requested the MRI in the coming weeks. Any insights you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I apologize if my questions seem trivial. Thank you in advance!
Seeking Answers for Persistent Rash and Swollen Foot in My 64-Year-Old Husband
My husband, aged 64, has been grappling with an incessant itchy rash for the past three months, accompanied by slight swelling in one of his feet. He manages health issues with medications for high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and diabetes. Interestingly, he worked close to the World Trade Center site from September 11, 2001, through 2007, but I’m unsure if this detail is pertinent. Additionally, he has a long history of heavy alcohol consumption, primarily preferring beer and Jack Daniel’s. The itchiness began around three months ago, initially localized to his back. After about two weeks, a rash emerged, predominantly affecting his legs, with some spread to his arms and upper back, but sparing his face and neck. We’ve eliminated potential triggers by reviewing his products—there has been no change in soap, shampoo, or laundry detergents, nor in his medication regimen. After persistent scratching, the rash became visible and began to itch as well. A visit to our primary care physician led to a prescription for prednisone, antihistamines, and a topical cream aimed at alleviating the itching and rash symptoms, but there was no improvement. Two weeks ago, the same physician reached out to a dermatologist to expedite my husband’s consultation. The dermatologist performed a punch biopsy, and although we received the results this past Monday, they yielded no definitive explanation for the rash. This morning, the dermatologist ordered blood tests, although I didn’t see the specifics of the tests. When I returned home from work tonight, my husband expressed concern about some swelling in one of his feet, mentioning he would go to the emergency room should it worsen. He is feeling utterly miserable, having managed to avoid the bar for three days now, which is a small victory. What could be causing this issue? Is there a possibility that the blood tests might clarify whether he’s dealing with an autoimmune condition or an adverse reaction to long-standing medications?
Swelling After a Sting? Possible Infected Hair?
Age: 24, Height: 5'6", Weight: 240 I reside in Hotville, Alabama, where I work outdoors. Recently, I experienced a hornet sting on my right leg, specifically on the inner thigh. Initially, it was quite painful but subsided, leaving only occasional itching. However, I am now noticing a significant lump forming on my left upper thigh. It itched for about a day, but it seems to be increasing in size! I plan to visit the doctor tomorrow for a professional opinion, but I’m open to any suggestions or insights in the meantime. I attempted to inspect it with tweezers, thinking it might be a tick bite, but all that did was cause some bleeding, and I didn’t find a tick at all.
Understanding the Vaginal Incision in Salpingectomy Procedures
Today, I underwent a salpingectomy along with the removal of the Mirena IUD. Following the procedure, I was left with incisions on both sides of my pelvis and a midline cut situated beneath the umbilical area. Upon using the restroom during my recovery, I experienced discomfort while urinating. When I inquired about this, the nurse informed me that there was indeed a vaginal incision made during the surgery. I’m a 30-year-old woman weighing 136 pounds and I take 50mg of nortriptyline on a daily basis. This has led me to wonder about the necessity of the vaginal incision, especially as I believed the operation was solely laparoscopic and performed abdominally.