Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Loose Motions And Weight Loss
Question: Dear Doctor,
My sister XXXXXXX XXXXXXX age 64 had small stones in her gall bladder for some years which her doctor told her can be remover by surgery, but there is no immediate need. She had lost a few kilos of weight and has occasional bouts of loose motion. So on advice of her Gastro enterologist, she took a blood marker test CA 19-9 which had a reading of 49.86. Immediately she was asked to take further tests including PET scan the report is attached. I would like a medical opinion based on these reports please.
My sister XXXXXXX XXXXXXX age 64 had small stones in her gall bladder for some years which her doctor told her can be remover by surgery, but there is no immediate need. She had lost a few kilos of weight and has occasional bouts of loose motion. So on advice of her Gastro enterologist, she took a blood marker test CA 19-9 which had a reading of 49.86. Immediately she was asked to take further tests including PET scan the report is attached. I would like a medical opinion based on these reports please.
Brief Answer:
Proceed with PET Scan and she may need to remove gall bladder surgically
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what your sister had been experiencing lately.
Based on the history you have shared, and the reports, her tumor marker for some pancreatic malignancy has come raised which may also be raised with biliary tract or liver pathologies like infections or cirrhosis. It's not markedly raised plus the CT scan finding are reasonably good and doesn't alarm any signs of malignancy still for reassurance it's better to have a PET scan to rule out any doubt.
What I couldn't understand was that CT scan has not given details about pancreas and that minute details for pancrease may some times not covered by CT but brief description would have been better. Liver function tests are good and doesn't show any signs of gall stones slipping put and blocking the ducts and that is another good sign. A local examination to look for local tenderness to rule of cholecystitis is recommended and if positive a short course of antibiotics and then surgical removal is recommended.
Wishing her a good recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Proceed with PET Scan and she may need to remove gall bladder surgically
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what your sister had been experiencing lately.
Based on the history you have shared, and the reports, her tumor marker for some pancreatic malignancy has come raised which may also be raised with biliary tract or liver pathologies like infections or cirrhosis. It's not markedly raised plus the CT scan finding are reasonably good and doesn't alarm any signs of malignancy still for reassurance it's better to have a PET scan to rule out any doubt.
What I couldn't understand was that CT scan has not given details about pancreas and that minute details for pancrease may some times not covered by CT but brief description would have been better. Liver function tests are good and doesn't show any signs of gall stones slipping put and blocking the ducts and that is another good sign. A local examination to look for local tenderness to rule of cholecystitis is recommended and if positive a short course of antibiotics and then surgical removal is recommended.
Wishing her a good recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
