A related discussion,
upper right pain was started.
A related discussion,
upper right pain was started.
I have also been experiencing upper right pain just under my ribs, and your comments were very helpful. Now I know that I should let my docotr know....thanks everyone!
Christina,
I'm NOT a doctor, but it sounds like gallstones. I had very similar symptoms when I had gallstones(during pregnancy). It is excruciatingly painful. I went to the E.R. numerous times before I was diagnosed. The physicians did x-rays and didn't see anything(and said it was probably heartburn...lol). Upon ultrasound it was obvious that I had gallstones. Anyway, if you are in excruciating pain, you need to see your doctor to see exactly what the problem is. Just my opinion.
I have been experiencing increased pain on my upper right side for months, accompanied by excruciating mid (under ribs) and upper back pain (extending under shoulder blades).
Blood, urine, X-rays, and ultrasounds have shown nothing but a slightly fatty liver. I am taking Darvocet for the pain, but find that the nausea, fatigue, and pain in my lower abdomen are beginning to interfere with my ability to function at work. The pain on my right side is concentrated around the area where my gall bladder is located, extending around under my arm, and stabbing through to my back under my shoulder blade.
The pain is not relieved by bowel movement, and increased gas (much more than normal -- even associated with IBS/or lactose intolerance) have become a problem as well. Please advise.
Thank you,
Christina
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
To answer your questions:
1) There are several types of CT scans available for the kidney. It can either be a full abdominal/pelvic CT, which can evaluate other organs, or it can be a renal spiral CT scan which are five millimeter thick cuts are obtained from top of the kidneys to the bladder base. The spiral CT scan would be the more limited of the two (i.e. more focused on the kidney). I am not sure which type of CT scan you had performed.
2) Not necessarily. Depending on the type of malignancy, it can present as either constant or intermittent pain depending on the size and location of the tumor.
3) Common causes of right upper quadrant calcification would include renal calculi, calcified gallstones, calcified gallbladder, calcified granulomas within the liver and, less likely, calcified visceral artery aneurysms. The so called "porcelain gallbladder" (i.e. calcifications of the gallstone due to chronic inflammation) is associated with gallbladder cancer.
4) Without examining you, I cannot comment on whether these calcifications are cancerous or not. Cancer may be present whether you have abdominal symptoms or not.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.