PharmD Info

I am 47 years female with persistent cough and some unusual growth near the abdominal area with loss of appetite ..Should i get tested for cancer..??

An unusual growth near the abdominal area does not necessarily mean that you have cancer.
For example, Crohn disease or bowel obstruction can cause many tender, sausage-shaped masses anywhere in the abdomen. Similarly, liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) can cause a firm, irregular mass below the right rib cage, or on the left side in the stomach area. However, Cancer of the colon, liver or kidney can also cause a mass almost anywhere in the abdomen.
So, getting a routine physical exam will be the best approach for you and to follow up on the abnormal mass according to your physicians advice. If he/she advice's you to take a cancer screening, it is the best choice to listen to their instructions.

• Having a persistent cough dosen't mean you have cancer, this might be due to cold or acid reflux or even some allergies.
• The USPSTF says that for woman above the age of 45 have average risk of developing cancer and if your family members are diagnosed with cancer then you have a higher risk of getting cancer.
• So it is advisable to talk to your health care provider and get a cancer screening test for your own safety.