"Misdiagnosed for Years: Woman's Stomach Pain Linked to Delayed Colonoscopy"

A womans chronic gastrointestinal symptoms were misdiagnosed for years, ultimately leading to a delayed colonoscopy that revealed significant health concerns, including a possible link to her prior melanoma.

In May 2023, the woman reported gastrointestinal symptoms and unintentional weight loss during a follow-up appointment related to her neck melanoma excised in February 2021.
Despite experiencing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, she was initially misdiagnosed with constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, without being offered a colonoscopy.
Further investigation, prompted by a neck node, involved abdominal ultrasonography and revealed potential gastrointestinal disease requiring urgent medical attention.

Por Qué Es Relevante

This case underscores the critical importance of timely and accurate diagnosis in healthcare, particularly regarding gastrointestinal disease, which can have severe consequences if overlooked. It highlights the need for thorough evaluations, especially for patients with prior cancer diagnoses.