Weight Loss and Tests

Recently I have been losing weight.  ABout 10 lbs over 2 months;without really trying.  My doctor ran a battery of blood tests in August trying to determine if I have an autoimmune disorder.  She ran the standard CBC; immunogolbins;TSH; glucose; ANA; Sed rate; creatine; blood timing.  The only thing abnormal was the sed rate.  In the past the ANA has been out of whack but not of late. Additionally I will have unexplained bruising on my legs and arms.  I did see an hemotolagist who ran tests which came back negative.

I deal with fatigue, so she prescribed Provigil.  Are there any other tests she should/could consider to rule out cancer?  I had a colonscopy in 2001 which was normal.  I had a endoscopy in 2000 which was normal.  I have negative Aids test.  I am 42 yrs old and a female.  What suggestions do you have?  I know sometimes "non-textbooks things are missed.  I recently 2 weeks ago had surgery for the removal of scar tissue from a hysterectomy and to remove an ovary which had been resuspended and attached to my abdominal wall.  I am so very tired after that surgery and I am concerned.    

Thank you for your assistance.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Age-appropriate cancer screening tests should be considered.  At your age, I would suggest a PAP smear and mammogram if not done already.  Those tests, in addition to the colonoscopy, would screen for cervical, breast and colon cancer respectively, and in most cases would be an appropriate cancer work-up.  If you are a smoker, you may want to consider some chest imaging to evaluate for lung cancer - although not every doctor would agree with screening for lung cancer.

If the weight loss continues, there are things like lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) that can cause it - and a CT scan would be reasonble if this is suspected.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[WolfM]

I had a very similar situation as you. I am a 30-year old female, lost weight w/o trying for a few consecutive months, bruised easily, lost appetite, stressed out, tired, and had minor surgery which wore me down terribly.  Turns out, I had MONO.  Is this something that was checked into?