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Pain in the stomach area is known as epigastric pain. The sources of such pain, which is often described as dull and gnawing, are:
1- the stomach: gastritis (inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach) produces continuous pain. Gastric ulcer produces pain that is relieved by eating and is sometimes associated with vomiting blood (hematemesis) in case the ulcer is oozing blood. Ulcers usually result from an infection with bacteria called helicobacter pylori. Less likely it could be more serious entities like gastric cancer (chronic heavy smoking,family history of stomach cancer , and chronic helicobacter infection increase the likelihood of cancer)
2- the duodenum: the first section of the small intestines. Can have an ulcer. Pain worse after eating.
3- the pancreas: inflammation is the ducts in the pancreas are blocked by stones. Also if chronic alcoholism. Pancreatic cancer less likely.
4- liver and gall bladder: hepatitis (liver infection) due to a virus or due to prolonged exposure to medications. Gall bladder blockage with stones with secondary inflammation. Cancer also less likely.
To know which one of these conditions of precipitating your pain, you need to be examined by a physician, do tests (like complete blood count, breath test to rule out helicobacter pylori, liver and pancreas enzymes if needed, probably an endoscopy with biopsy, ultrasound if liver or gall bladder disease is suspected).
1- the stomach: gastritis (inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach) produces continuous pain. Gastric ulcer produces pain that is relieved by eating and is sometimes associated with vomiting blood (hematemesis) in case the ulcer is oozing blood. Ulcers usually result from an infection with bacteria called helicobacter pylori. Less likely it could be more serious entities like gastric cancer (chronic heavy smoking,family history of stomach cancer , and chronic helicobacter infection increase the likelihood of cancer)
2- the duodenum: the first section of the small intestines. Can have an ulcer. Pain worse after eating.
3- the pancreas: inflammation is the ducts in the pancreas are blocked by stones. Also if chronic alcoholism. Pancreatic cancer less likely.
4- liver and gall bladder: hepatitis (liver infection) due to a virus or due to prolonged exposure to medications. Gall bladder blockage with stones with secondary inflammation. Cancer also less likely.
To know which one of these conditions of precipitating your pain, you need to be examined by a physician, do tests (like complete blood count, breath test to rule out helicobacter pylori, liver and pancreas enzymes if needed, probably an endoscopy with biopsy, ultrasound if liver or gall bladder disease is suspected).
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