[26M] Experiencing severe exhaustion, loss of appetite, and sharp stomach pains

Patient Description

A 26-year-old male reports extreme exhaustion, loss of appetite for about a week, sharp stomach pains, nausea without vomiting, and constipation. The patient also notes a visible mass in the upper left quadrant, which has been present since it was discovered last year on a CT scan of the left kidney. No tests were done at that time to determine if the mass was cancerous. The patient has been experiencing severe constipation for the last year, which has worsened. There has been a recent weight loss of about 125 pounds over the past two weeks. The patient has a known allergy to penicillin but is not currently on any medications and has no other known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Kidney conditions: The presence of a mass in your upper left quadrant, which was identified as being on your left kidney last year, could be causing some of your symptoms. Kidney conditions can cause symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. They can also cause changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.

    • Treatment for kidney conditions can vary widely depending on the specific diagnosis. It could involve medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.
  • Gastrointestinal conditions: Your symptoms of sharp stomach pain, loss of appetite, and constipation could be caused by a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. These could include conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

    • Treatment for these conditions typically involves dietary changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Cancer: While it's important not to jump to conclusions, the presence of a mass that has grown in size, along with symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and constipation, could potentially be signs of cancer. This is not a diagnosis, but a possibility that should be investigated further.

    • Treatment for cancer can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, as well as the presence of a growing mass, it's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can perform a physical examination and order necessary tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. If you don't already have one, consider finding a gastroenterologist. This type of doctor specializes in conditions affecting the digestive system and could provide valuable insight into your symptoms.
  3. Keep a symptom diary. Write down when your symptoms occur, what you were doing at the time, and anything that seems to make them better or worse. This can help your doctor identify patterns and potential triggers.

What you should look out for

If any of the following occur, seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool or dark, tarry stools
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Sudden, unexplained weight loss
  • Any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What could cause a visible mass in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen?

A visible mass in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen could be due to various conditions, including kidney-related issues such as a tumor or cyst, gastrointestinal problems, or other abdominal masses. It's important to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the cause.


How can extreme exhaustion and loss of appetite be related to kidney conditions?

Extreme exhaustion and loss of appetite can be symptoms of kidney conditions because the kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and balancing electrolytes. When they are not functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, causing fatigue and appetite changes.


What are the potential causes of severe constipation and sharp stomach pains?

Severe constipation and sharp stomach pains can be caused by gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, blockages, or inflammation. Other potential causes include dietary factors, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions that need to be assessed by a doctor.


What are the signs that a mass might be cancerous?

Signs that a mass might be cancerous include rapid growth, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, and systemic symptoms like fatigue and loss of appetite. However, only a medical evaluation, including imaging and possibly a biopsy, can confirm if a mass is cancerous.


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