Pancreatic pain typically begins in the upper abdomen and can radiate to the back or below the left rib cage. It often feels like a sharp, stabbing sensation that comes and goes. It is usually worse after eating a meal, and can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice.
Causes of Pancreatic Pain
Pancreatic pain is usually caused by inflammation or infection of the pancreas. Other causes include gallstones, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, alcohol abuse, and some medications.
Diagnosing Pancreatic Pain
If you are experiencing pancreatic pain, your doctor will likely order tests such as blood work, an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to diagnose the underlying cause.
Treatment of Pancreatic Pain
Treatment of pancreatic pain will depend on the underlying cause. Common treatments include antibiotics for infections, pain medications, and surgery for gallstones or cancer.