Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Discomfort In Lower Chest. PET Scans Normal. Presccribed Acid Blocker Pills. Cancer?
Question: I have had continual discomfort in my middle to lower chest for 3 months. I have had 2 PET scans this year for another reason and nothing was shown as abnormal although they may not have been looking in that particular area. I cough up nothing but I do cough a little. I have been presccribed acid blocker pills and have been taking them for 6 weeks with no change. I eat normally with no pain but I have been watching my diet.
Could this be cancer?
Could this be cancer?
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
This discomfort can be related to the mass you have in your lungs. Even if it is not malignant, it can compress some structures and give discomfort. Moreover, there is a possibility of air presence between the lung and chest wall (pneumothorax) due to small lung leakage.
Heart issue like ischemic heart disease can cause such symptom as well. The discomfort or pain is usually present on the left chest side. Sometimes radiates to the left arm or jaw. Shortness of breath can appear.
Such symptom can be also present with stomach and esophagus conditions. It can be acid reflux disease, peptic ulcer, stomach inflammation, or even stomach or esophagus cancer.
I suggest you to visit your doctor and have:
- chest X-ray
- biopsy of the mass in the lung (if it were not completely diagnosed)
- tuberculosis test
- heart ECG and stress test
- gastroscopy
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Thank you for the query.
This discomfort can be related to the mass you have in your lungs. Even if it is not malignant, it can compress some structures and give discomfort. Moreover, there is a possibility of air presence between the lung and chest wall (pneumothorax) due to small lung leakage.
Heart issue like ischemic heart disease can cause such symptom as well. The discomfort or pain is usually present on the left chest side. Sometimes radiates to the left arm or jaw. Shortness of breath can appear.
Such symptom can be also present with stomach and esophagus conditions. It can be acid reflux disease, peptic ulcer, stomach inflammation, or even stomach or esophagus cancer.
I suggest you to visit your doctor and have:
- chest X-ray
- biopsy of the mass in the lung (if it were not completely diagnosed)
- tuberculosis test
- heart ECG and stress test
- gastroscopy
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
