Has pain in the epigastric region for over three years indicate cancer?
Disease description:
Every night, I experience a dull pain in the epigastric region (upper abdomen, just below the sternum) around midnight while sleeping. May I ask: Does having epigastric pain for over three years indicate cancer?
Cancer is unlikely in this case. Persistent pain at this location during prolonged nighttime rest is most commonly caused by an upper gastrointestinal ulcer—either a gastric ulcer or a duodenal ulcer.
We recommend visiting the Gastroenterology Department of a hospital. Based on your symptoms, the physician will arrange further diagnostic tests, such as a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, abdominal color Doppler ultrasound (focusing on the liver, gallbladder, spleen), and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), to establish a definitive diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Adopt a bland diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods.