The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Show
Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually can't feel the spleen in an adult unless it's enlarged. Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it. Surgery to remove an enlarged spleen usually isn't needed, but sometimes it's recommended. Products & Services
SymptomsAn enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes:
When to see a doctorSee your doctor promptly if you have pain in your left upper belly, especially if it's severe or the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Left-side abdominal pain is a common problem but can be difficult to diagnose as there are several important organs in this area, including the spleen, stomach and left kidney. A range of digestive issues could also be to blame. What digestive conditions could be causing the pain?Constipation, IBS and GastroenteritisLeft side of stomach pain can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your digestive system. Aching or cramping can be linked to , (IBS) or , where the lining of your stomach or small intestine is irritated or becomes inflamed.Short-term digestive issues like constipation or gastroenteritis can be treated from home, but it’s important to monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor if the pain doesn’t settle. IBS, constipation and gastroenteritis can also cause .DiverticulitisIf the pouches in the wall of your small and large intestine get infected, this can cause a condition known as Intermittent, crampy pain towards the left of your tummy can also be a symptom of diverticulosis. You may also notice that your pain seems to flare up while you’re eating, or just after you’ve finished a meal. The condition is fairly common in western countries - affecting approximately 50% of people over the age of 50 - and may be linked to a lack of dietary fibre. It’s usually harmless and some people don't experience any symptoms, but some people with diverticulosis feel a constant, dull ache towards the lower left side of the stomach. If you think that you might have a chronic condition like diverticulosis, see a doctor. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, but a diet that’s rich in high-fibre foods like wholemeal bread, beans and brown rice may help. Could the pain be a sign of kidney conditions?Kidney infectionLeft side stomach pain can be a sign that your left kidney is infected. Kidney infections normally develop when a bacterial infection travels from your bladder to your kidneys and this can cause dull, aching pain towards the left of your abdomen. Other symptoms include pain in your lower back or groin, nausea, and a fever. You may also notice some blood in your pee. If you have lasting abdominal pain and a fever, see a doctor. Most kidney infections can be treated with antibiotics, but can cause permanent damage to your kidneys if left untreated. Kidney stonesKidney stones develop when waste products like calcium form crystals in your kidney. Small stones can sometimes pass in your pee, but larger stones will need to be removed so that they don’t cause permanent damage to your kidney. Kidney stones can also cause left-sided abdominal pain, but the type or ‘character’ of the pain tends to be different. People with kidney stones often experience a severe, stabbing pain in the back or tummy, and it is not unusual for this pain to come and go in spasms. If you have a kidney stone, you may also find that you feel sweaty and sick, or notice that there’s some blood in your pee. If you think you might have kidney stones, see a doctor. While you wait for medical help, drink plenty of hydrating fluids and take a painkiller if necessary to manage the pain. Could I have a swollen or damaged spleen?Occasionally, pain in left side of abdomen can be a sign that something is wrong with your spleen. The spleen is a small, fist-sized organ located just underneath your stomach. It helps to filter your blood and create new blood cells. Your spleen may hurt if it’s damaged or ruptured in an accident, or it can become swollen and painful as a result of a condition like leukemia or .Other signs that your spleen has become swollen or damaged include:
If you think that your spleen may be damaged or swollen, you should go to your nearest hospital immediately. They may organise scans and tests to find the cause, and may be able to prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause. Read more about .When to see a doctorIf you think the pain on the left side of your abdomen could be caused by any of the conditions above, you should see a doctor. What organs can cause pain on your left side?On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around your left rib cage.
What causes pain on left side of abdominal?Left side stomach pain is mostly caused by gas, but sometimes it can also be the result of more serious conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or stomach ulcers, which need immediate medical attention.
What female organ is on the left side?Left Lower Quadrant
Organs found in this quadrant include the sigmoid colon, and the left ovary and Fallopian tube in women.
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What organ on left side of abdomen
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