Unusual Symptoms: Could It Be Diabetes or Cancer?

Strange and inexplicable illness? Cancer?

Hello, I currently have some questions regarding health issues:
1.
I have noticed that when I drink from cups or containers that are not washed immediately, many ants come to them, regardless of whether the liquid has a sweet taste or not.
I discovered this in the fourth grade and thought it might be diabetes.
However, throughout my school health checks and hospital urine tests, no such conditions have been found.
I find this very strange.
What could this be?
2.
I often feel something vibrating inside my body (especially in my back) at irregular intervals, similar to a pulse.
Additionally, I sometimes experience sudden swelling in certain areas, which can quickly disappear and then reappear in other locations, usually with only slight pain.
This is most noticeable on both sides of my neck, where I can feel something soft and movable.
Some swellings take a long time to disappear—I'm not sure if they resolve on their own or if it's due to medication or injections.
When I touch them, they feel painful and sometimes resemble bruises.
The most prominent one is on my arm, about the size of a ping pong ball.
I suspect it could be cancer, such as sarcoma or lymphatic abnormalities, which may metastasize, but I don't experience typical cancer symptoms like weight loss.
Despite eating a lot, I remain thin.
A doctor mentioned it might be due to my digestive constitution.
I'm unsure how to improve my digestion and absorption (I do chew my food thoroughly).
If possible, please reply to me soon or let me know where I can find your response.
"My inbox occasionally gets full, so please wait 2-3 days before sending again.
Thank you!"

Nina, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/11/11

Dr. Huang Mingde reply Family Medicine

Thank you for your inquiry.

1.
Regarding your first question, I believe the issue may be that the cup was not cleaned properly, or there might be sweet substances on it that attracted the ants, which is unrelated to any disease.
2.
For your symptoms, you should consider the possibility of a parasitic infection or neuromuscular twitching (suspecting abnormal neuronal discharge).
I recommend that you first consult a neurologist.
If it is a parasitic infection, you should see an infectious disease specialist for evaluation.
Thank you once again for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2002/11/11

More Info

Your concerns about unusual symptoms and their potential links to diabetes or cancer are valid and deserve careful consideration. Let’s break down your symptoms and provide some insights based on medical knowledge.

1. Ants Around Drinking Containers: The presence of ants around your drinking containers, regardless of whether the liquid is sweet, could suggest that the liquid has some appealing properties to the ants, possibly due to sugar or other substances. However, if you are concerned about diabetes, it is important to note that diabetes can lead to increased sugar levels in the urine, which may attract insects. Despite this, you mentioned that you have undergone urine tests that did not indicate diabetes. It might be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider for further testing, such as a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c test, to rule out diabetes definitively.

2. Vibrating Sensation and Swelling: The sensation of something vibrating within your body, particularly in the back and neck areas, along with transient swellings, is more complex. This could be related to several conditions, including benign issues such as muscle spasms or lymphatic swelling. However, your concern about cancer, particularly soft tissue sarcomas or lymphatic abnormalities, is understandable given the symptoms you describe. It’s important to note that while some cancers can present with swelling or lumps, they typically come with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, or changes in appetite.

3. Weight and Digestion: You mentioned that despite eating a lot, you remain thin. This could indicate a metabolic issue or malabsorption syndrome, where your body is not effectively absorbing nutrients from food. Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders could contribute to this. It would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation, including tests to assess your digestive function and nutrient absorption.

4. Anxiety and Health Concerns: It’s also worth noting that anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations like vibrations or muscle tension. Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues and affect your overall health. If anxiety is a factor, addressing it through counseling or stress management techniques may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms could potentially be linked to serious conditions like diabetes or cancer, they could also be indicative of benign issues or metabolic disorders. It is crucial to continue working with healthcare professionals to investigate these symptoms further. Regular check-ups, comprehensive blood tests, and possibly imaging studies may be necessary to provide clarity. Always trust your instincts about your health, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed.

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