Differential Diagnosis for a 46-year-old Female with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tumor recurrence or metastasis: Given the patient's history of stage IV colorectal cancer, the most likely cause of her right lower abdominal pain radiating to her back could be a recurrence or metastasis of the cancer, possibly involving the liver, kidneys, or spine, which are common sites for metastasis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Intestinal obstruction: This could be due to adhesions from her previous surgery or tumor growth causing a mechanical obstruction, leading to abdominal pain.
- Infection or abscess: Post-surgical infections or abscesses, especially in the context of a recent move and potential changes in medical care, could present with abdominal pain and fever.
- Kidney stones: While not directly related to her cancer, the radiating back pain could suggest kidney stones, which are a common cause of severe abdominal and back pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bowel perforation: Although less likely, a perforation of the bowel due to the tumor or previous surgery would be an emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.
- Pulmonary embolism: Cancer increases the risk of thromboembolic events, and a pulmonary embolism could present with sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, or in some cases, abdominal pain if the embolism affects the lung's ability to expand properly.
- Spinal cord compression: Metastasis to the spine could lead to spinal cord compression, presenting with back pain and potentially neurological deficits, which is a medical emergency.
Rare Diagnoses
- Primary or metastatic tumor in the pancreas: Although less common, pancreatic involvement could cause abdominal and back pain.
- Retroperitoneal fibrosis: A rare condition that could cause abdominal and back pain due to the formation of fibrotic tissue in the retroperitoneum.
Recommended Labs and Imaging
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To evaluate for signs of infection or inflammation.
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): To assess renal function and electrolyte balance.
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Given the high likelihood of liver metastasis in stage IV colorectal cancer.
- CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis: With contrast to evaluate for tumor recurrence, metastasis, intestinal obstruction, or other abdominal pathologies.
- CT scan of the chest: If there's suspicion of pulmonary embolism or to evaluate for lung metastases.
- MRI of the spine: If spinal cord compression is suspected based on clinical presentation.
- Urinalysis: To evaluate for kidney stones or infection.
These tests will help narrow down the differential diagnosis and guide further management.