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Fatigue To Abdominal Pain, Common Symptoms Of Appendix Cancer

Appendix cancer, a rare malignancy originating in the appendix, a small organ near the beginning of the large intestine, poses a unique challenge to medical practitioners and patients alike. Due to its infrequent occurrence and subtle initial symptoms, the disease often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages.

Here we will explore the common signs and symptoms of appendix cancer to raise awareness about the condition and emphasise the importance of recognising these warning signs.

Signs to keep in mind:

Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: One of the primary symptoms of appendix cancer is persistent abdominal pain and discomfort. This pain may initially present as mild and vague, often mistaken for indigestion or gas. As the tumor grows, the pain intensifies and becomes localised in the lower right side of the abdomen, where the appendix is situated. This pain may worsen with movement or pressure.

Unexplained loss of Appetite and weight: Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of various cancers, including appendix cancer. The tumor's presence and growth can interfere with the body's normal metabolic processes, leading to a loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss.

Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent fatigue and weakness can be symptoms of appendix cancer. As the disease progresses, the cancer cells consume the body's energy reserves, leading to overwhelming tiredness and a lack of stamina.

Nausea and Vomiting: Appendix cancer can cause persistent nausea and vomiting, which are often attributed to gastrointestinal issues. If these symptoms persist, it is essential to consider the possibility of an underlying cancerous condition.

Changes in Bowel Habits: Unexplained changes in bowel habits can be indicative of appendix cancer. Patients may experience alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation or notice changes in stool consistency. Blood in the stool (haematochezia) or black, tarry stools (melena) may also be observed, suggesting possible bleeding from the tumor.

Abdominal Swelling and Mass: As the tumor in the appendix grows larger, it may lead to the development of an abdominal mass or lump. This swelling is typically painless and can be felt during physical examination. In some cases, the mass may cause visible abdominal distension.

Ascites: In advanced stages of appendix cancer, the tumor can cause the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, a condition known as ascites. Ascites may lead to abdominal distension and discomfort.

While appendix cancer is relatively rare, it is crucial to be aware of the warning signs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, may contribute to overall health and potentially reduce the risk of various cancers.

Early diagnosis allows for a broader range of treatment options and a better chance of a successful outcome. So, keep in check these signs and work towards getting yourself screened on time.

Lower Abdominal Pain: Symptoms, Causes And Diagnosis

When it comes to lower abdominal pain, there is a plethora of possible causes. Some of the more common causes include the following.

Trapped Gas

Trapped gas often occurs as part of the process of digestion, says Dr. Crawford. As we eat, we swallow air, and as food travels through the digestive tract, bacteria work to break down carbohydrates, producing gas as a byproduct. The result of this process are gasses that can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms: Pain from trapped gas is acute and can occur anywhere in the abdomen, causing belching, bloating, a distended stomach and flatulence. Typically, people feel better once they've passed the gas, says Dr. Crawford. Gentle movements like walking, yoga stretches, light abdominal massaging, lots of water and calming teas may all help to soothe gas-related abdominal pain, advises Dr. Méndez.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Approximately 10% to 15% of adults in the U.S. May be living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), according to the American College of Gastroenterology) . A disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, says Aniruddh Setya, M.D., a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Kidz Medical Services in Hollywood, Florida.

Because other GI conditions need to be ruled out by a gastroenterologist before a true diagnosis of IBS can be made, IBS is called a diagnosis of exclusion, explains Dr. Méndez. While the true cause is unknown, IBS is thought to arise from a dysregulated gut-brain communication, which results in hypersensitivity in the intestinal organs and altered muscle contraction in the GI tract, she adds.

Symptoms: Pain from IBS is chronic and occurs in the lower abdomen. Symptoms of IBS often include abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and bowel changes including constipation, diarrhea and loose stool. Common triggers are stress and certain foods, like dairy and fermentable sugars, says Dr. Setya. Treatments range from dietary control to medications designed to control the altered bowel pattern or the pain, adds Dr. Crawford.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that describes two disorders involving chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, says Dr. Méndez. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that these two conditions—Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis— may impact as many as 3 million people in the U.S.

Crohn's disease can cause inflammation and irritation anywhere along the intestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, but it is most commonly found in the last part of the small intestine and the colon, says Dr. Crawford. If left untreated, the condition can cause deep ulcers and scarring in the intestinal lining along with abscesses, fistulas (abnormal connections between two organs) and anal fissures.

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers along the lining of the large intestine and rectum, explains Dr. Méndez. Unlike Crohn's, inflammation is present only in the innermost layer of the lining of the colon and rectum, but if left untreated, it may result in a small hole in the lining, says Dr. Crawford.

Symptoms: Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are chronic conditions, are similar and include frequent diarrhea, lower abdominal cramping and pain, bloody stools, fever, weight loss, fatigue and night sweats, says Dr. Méndez. Treatment for these chronic conditions may include medication, bowel rest or surgery.

Constipation

If you have infrequent bowel movements that are difficult or painful to pass, you're likely experiencing constipation, says Dr. Setya. The condition, which is usually brought on by dietary triggers, insufficient hydration and stress, often occurs in individuals without an identifiable underlying cause, he continues. And it's common—Dr. Méndez says constipation is the most frequent digestive complaint among her patients.

Symptoms: Constipation can be either acute or chronic, and usually causes pain and discomfort in the lower abdominal region. Symptoms of acute constipation include having three or less bowel movements in a week, hard, lumpy stools that can be difficult to pass and feeling like not all of your stool has passed. Bleeding may occur if the delicate anal tissue tears, says Dr. Setya. Lifestyle changes like drinking more water, eating more fiber and getting more exercise often help resolve constipation, but if constipation persists or becomes chronic, it's important to be evaluated by a doctor.

Diverticulitis

Chronic constipation from a diet low in fiber is believed to cause diverticula, or small, sac-like structures, to form inside of the colon. This condition is known as diverticulosis. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it's called diverticulitis and is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 60, says Dr. Méndez.

Symptoms: Acute diverticulitis is commonly felt on the left lower abdomen and may be ongoing and present for several days, says Dr. Méndez, and it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever and constipation.

Urinary Tract Infection

When bacteria accidentally enters the urethra, this can cause an infection of the urinary tract, or UTI.

Symptoms: Urinary tract infection symptoms include a strong need to urinate, pain or burning in the lower pelvis, and burning while passing only small amounts of urine, says Dr. Méndez. "The urine may also be foul-smelling and appear oldly colored (cloudy or reddish-pink if blood is present)," she continues. These acute infections are treated with a course of antibiotics.

Kidney Infection

A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a type of UTI that can become serious, requiring IV antibiotics, says Dr. Ivanina. It starts in the bladder and travels upward, infecting one or both of the kidneys.

Symptoms: Symptoms of this acute infection may include flank (side) pain, back pain, fever with chills (bad enough to cause shaking), nausea and vomiting, says Dr. Ivanina.

Kidney Stones

Concentrated deposits of salts and minerals that form in your kidneys and pass through the urinary system are called kidney stones, says Dr. Ivanina. These stones can get lodged in the urinary tract and cause a backup of urine in the kidney, bladder or urethra, which can cause infection and pain.

Symptoms: Symptoms of this acute condition may cause sharp, severe pain in the back, side, abdomen, and groin that comes in waves as well as discolored, foul-smelling urine and a change in urinary frequency, says Dr. Ivanina. Nausea, vomiting, fever and chills can also occur, she adds.

Appendicitis

The appendix is a small, tubular-like structure that extends into the cecum of the colon, explains Dr. Crawford. Normally, mucus, cells and bacteria travel freely from the appendix into the cecum, but when a blockage occurs, inflammation of the appendix can result. Appendicitis is serious. It's important to get to the ER if you think you are experiencing symptoms, as it often requires surgery, says Dr. Setya

Symptoms: Acute appendicitis symptoms include right lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever, says Dr. Setya. At first, the pain may be centered near the belly button, but as the inflammation progresses, it will migrate to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, he says. Severe pain can come on suddenly.

Chest Pain: 11 Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options

Chest pain may indicate a number of health conditions.

Heart Attack

Coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when blood flow to the arteries is compromised by a narrowing and hardening of the arteries, can cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack), and chest pain is one of many potential symptoms of this medical event. "Chest discomfort due to CAD is usually diffuse (widespread) and difficult to localize," explains Dr. Jean. "It's also worse with exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest."

Pericarditis

Pericarditis occurs when the pericardium, a two-layer structure of tissue that surrounds and protects the heart, becomes inflamed due to an infection, a heart attack, certain medications, heart surgery or an injury or medical condition. The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it function appropriately, and if it becomes inflamed, it may rub against the heart.

Pericarditis commonly causes chest pain similar to that of a heart attack, says Alexandra Kharazi, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at CVTS Medical Group Inc. In San Diego and author of The Heart of Fear, a book about her experiences as a surgeon.

Angina

Angina occurs when the heart isn't getting the blood volume it needs, often resulting in chest discomfort or pain. As well as feeling pain in the chest, some people with angina experience pain in other parts of the body, such as the shoulder, neck, jaw, arms or back, as well as sensations like pressure or squeezing in the chest similar to indigestion. Angina becomes serious when symptoms don't dissipate when a person is resting, an indication that they need urgent care.

Aortic Dissection or Rupture

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the wall of the aorta, the heart's main artery, gets bigger. As the tear grows, blood starts to flow between the layers of the wall of the blood vessel. The tear can also inhibit blood flow to important branches of the aorta, potentially leading to additional symptoms like stroke, abdominal pain or leg pain and weakness, according to experts. Chest pain experienced during an aortic dissection or rupture is usually sharp and sudden and may have a stabbing or ripping quality. The discomfort usually occurs below a person's breast bone initially but often moves into the back or shoulder blades.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when the valves in the heart stop working properly because they're damaged or because of an underlying health condition. While many people with heart valve disease don't experience symptoms, some may experience chest pain and heart palpitations, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot from another part of the body breaks loose and enters the lungs, where it blocks blood flow and inhibits oxygen flow through the body. Chest pain caused by a pulmonary embolism can mimic that of a heart attack, and the condition can be fatal. Certain populations are at a higher risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, including anyone with a prior history of the condition, people who are inactive for long periods of time and those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, COVID-19, lupus, interstitial lung disease and some cancers. Smoking, pregnancy, and medications containing estrogen can also increase a person's risk.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GER, occurs when the contents of a person's stomach rise into their throat, causing heartburn and indigestion that may manifest as chest pain. Acid reflux is usually temporary but may become gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition.

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes intermittent airway inflammation, potentially leading to chest tightness or pain, breathlessness, wheezing and coughing.

Musculoskeletal Pain or Costochondritis

Sometimes chest pain can stem from the muscles and structures of the chest. For instance, costochondritis occurs when the cartilage between a person's ribs and their sternum becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain. Musculoskeletal chest pain may also stem from the body's muscles or bones, referred pain from other areas of the body or traumatic injuries to the chest, such as broken ribs.

Anxiety or Stress

A number of anxiety and stress conditions can result in chest pain. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder can all cause a feeling of chest pain, often as a result of stress or navigating stressful situations.

Chest Infections

A wide range of infections may cause chest pain, including pneumococcal disease and acute bronchitis. These conditions are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughs, fevers and difficulty breathing. COVID-19 may also lead to chest pain in some cases.

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