Differential Diagnosis for LUQ Abdominal Pain with Bloating and 20 lb Weight Gain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastric cancer or gastric lymphoma: This could explain the weight gain due to decreased appetite or early satiety, and the LUQ pain due to the tumor's location. Bloating could be related to gastric outlet obstruction or decreased gastric motility.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Although GERD typically presents with heartburn and regurgitation, some patients may experience abdominal pain and bloating. Weight gain could be related to decreased mobility or increased caloric intake.
- Peptic ulcer disease: A peptic ulcer could cause LUQ pain, and weight gain might occur if the patient is taking high-calorie antacids or experiencing decreased mobility due to pain.
- Functional dyspepsia: This condition is characterized by chronic or recurrent upper abdominal pain or discomfort, which could be accompanied by bloating and weight gain due to decreased appetite or food avoidance.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pancreatic cancer: Although less common, pancreatic cancer can present with LUQ pain, weight loss (or gain due to fluid accumulation), and bloating. It is essential to consider this diagnosis due to its high mortality rate if left untreated.
- Splenic infarction or rupture: These conditions can cause severe LUQ pain and may be accompanied by weight gain due to decreased mobility or increased fluid accumulation. They require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Gastric volvulus: A rare condition where the stomach twists abnormally, causing LUQ pain, bloating, and weight loss (or gain due to fluid accumulation).
- Intestinal obstruction: Although more commonly associated with small bowel obstruction, a large bowel obstruction could cause LUQ pain, bloating, and weight gain due to decreased bowel movements and fluid accumulation.
- Abdominal lymphoma: A rare condition that can cause LUQ pain, weight gain, and bloating due to lymph node enlargement and fluid accumulation.