Medical experts at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) have clarified that chest and abdominal pain are not definitive indicators of ulcers. They made this clarification during the specialists’ monthly ‘ground rounds’ at the hospital on Monday.
Dr. Amadi Christian, a Cardiovascular Surgeon, noted that abdominal pain could signify more serious conditions, such as stomach cancer or ovarian malignancy, and emphasized that only an endoscopic test can confirm an ulcer diagnosis. He advised patients to consult a specialist or gastroenterologist for an endoscopy to determine the presence of an ulcer.
Christian warned that misdiagnosis could lead to harmful treatments and delayed diagnoses of life-threatening conditions like stomach cancer. He also discussed the importance of seeking medical advice for unusual symptoms, particularly regarding aortic aneurysm enlargement.
Prof. Nyengidiki Kennedy, a Gynaecological Oncologist, highlighted the similarities between ovarian cancer and ulcer symptoms, stressing the need for accurate diagnoses before treatment. He pointed out that ovarian cancer could be effectively treated with early detection, referencing UPTH’s capability to manage complex cases.
Prof. Datonye Alasia, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in treating complex cases and encouraged other healthcare facilities to adopt similar approaches.