Unexplained Abdominal Swelling
Q: I am a thirty-year-old woman and have had lower abdominal
swelling on my left side for three months. I have had a pelvic ultrasound and
was told nothing was wrong with my ovaries. The swelling is increasing;
it is noticeable because it protrudes over a scar I have from a kidney surgery
I had when I was two. The scar is itching from the stretching but only
on the left side. What further tests should I ask my doctor to conduct?
--J.T.
Dr. Donnica: A complete physical exam is the most important "test"
here (including another pelvic and rectal exam). That should guide any
subsequent tests. I would recommend that you return to your physician and explain
that the swelling is increasing. Another ultrasound may be indicated, but there
are other choices based upon the clues s/he gets from the physical exam.
This brings up an important point: Sometimes, a problem is simply not evident
on the first visit, but as the condition progresses, it may become easier to
diagnose.
Good luck!
Donnica L. Moore, MD
President, DrDonnica.com
Created: 10/5/2002 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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