It can be challenging and sometimes impossible even for doctors to be certain about appendicitis. The classical presentation of a central abdominal pain which move towards the right lower abdomen may not happen every time.
In general, if you have a pain that is getting worse over time, you should see a doctor immediately. This is to allow your doctor to chart any progress and to decide when to order confirmatory scans and investigations. Depending on the availability and comfort level of the operator, both ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen may be used to confirm the presence of inflammation at the appendix.
Having said that, other causes which mimic appendicitis include inflammation of a diverticulum and right Fallopian tube or ovary for the ladies. If there are an associated fever and localised pain which persist or getting worse, it is always prudent to assume to be one of the above-mentioned conditions until they have been excluded.
- Dr Quan
