When to consult a surgeon

dellicate · #1 Aug 8, 2009, 03:05 PM

I am having pain in my back under my left rib cage and there is a small lump. 5 yrs ago I consulted my family doctor about it. She felt it and her diagnosis was that it was consitent with the other muscles and did not feel like a tumor or anything serious.

I am having pain more often now and I am not happy with that diagnosis... and would like to have an x-ray to make sure it is not a tumor. I have a long history of tumors that are usually benign.

My question is, should I go directly to a surgeon to have an x-ray taken? I don't want to pay 2 doctors to tell me I need an x-ray. I know surgeons read X-rays. They can tell me if I have a tumor and they can tell right away if it looks benign or suspicious and what to do.

What is the right thing to do.

Thanks, D

AngelaLynn · Aug 8, 2009, 03:33 PM

Have you Tried going to your Local ER? If the pain is hard to bare, Go to the ER, they will Soon there after X-Ray you, and the Dr. on Call there IF you have a Tumor will Diagnose you

justcurious55 · Aug 8, 2009, 03:34 PM

will your insurance allow you to go straight to a surgeon? with my insurance i always have to see my regular dr and get a referral for any "specialty" dr.

dellicate · Aug 8, 2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Please don't go to the ER. The ER is for life threatening EmERGENCIES OnLY!!!

It could be nothing more than a trigger point, or a sebaceous cyst. Radiologists read X-rays not surgeons.

I would suggest you consult with a surgeon, only if you want it removed.

Whats a trigger point? Is that something that swells ups when I pick up heavy things, because thats pretty much how I got it. When I vacuum or pick up heavy things around the house it acts up a lot.

KeepItSimpleStupid · Aug 10, 2009, 12:13 AM

If you want to get something done ASAP, go to a non-urgent care center. If you have insurance, it might cost the same as a specialist visit.

X-rays won't discover soft tissue damage, but an MRI may.

I'd suggest an urgent care center. Urgent care - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Appointments with surgeons don't generally happen without a referral.

You said usually benign. Eventually you may find one that isn't.



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