Is having calcification on my son's appendix dangerous, and should he have had surgery? - #29903
Hi my son was recently at the er for belly button bleeding, they did a cat scan and found he has calcification.on his appendix. He has very little pain but he had a fever of 100.6 last night and 99.7 today. He had a surgery consult but they decided not to do the surgery to remove his appendix, they said just watch it. Is having calcification on the appedix dangerous? Should they have done the surgery? He does have a little bit of pain when I press on the right side of his stomach.
How long has your son been experiencing these symptoms?:
- Less than 1 weekHow would you describe the pain when pressing on the right side of his stomach?:
- Moderate — bothersome but manageableHas he experienced any other symptoms besides fever and pain?:
- Loss of appetiteHow often has he had fevers since the ER visit?:
- DailyWhat did the doctors say about the significance of the calcification?:
- It could indicate a problem that needs monitoringHas your son had any previous abdominal issues or surgeries?:
- No previous issues100% Anonymously
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Doctors' responses
Calcification on the appendix, found through an imaging study, can raise questions, but it doesn’t always point to an immediate need for surgery. Calcification itself may suggest past inflammation or the formation of appendicoliths, which are hard deposits that sometimes become a focal point for an appendicitis. However, in the absence of significant symptoms or acute appendicitis, doctors often decide against surgery. If your son’s pain is mild and he’s not exhibiting classic appendicitis symptoms such as severe, constant right lower abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, or elevated white blood cell count, the approach of ‘watchful waiting’ may be appropriate. Nonetheless, his fever and any pain from pressing can still be important. It’s key to monitor this closely, given that conditions like appendicitis can escalate quickly. At home, keep an eye on his fever and any changes in symptoms, like increasing pain, vomiting, or loss of appetite. If his pain worsens, or he develops a high fever and more acute symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, as those changes could suggest a progressing condition that needs straightaway surgical evaluation. Make sure he stays hydrated and avoids any heavy meals or physical activity that could exacerbate potential discomfort. Maintain close contact with your healthcare provider to promptly address any suspicious developments.
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