Published on: 5/22/2025
Swelling in the left upper abdomen can result from inflammatory conditions, an enlarged spleen, localized fluid buildup (edema), or organ-specific issues that may require further evaluation.
Swelling in the left upper part of your abdomen can be caused by a few different conditions. One possibility is that an inflammatory condition is affecting the area. Another possible cause is an enlarged spleen. For example, patients with mono can present with swelling in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen.
Another potential explanation is edema, or fluid accumulation, which can happen due to various reasons such as problems with liver or kidney function or other systemic issues that disrupt your body’s fluid balance. Swelling might also come from localized infections or inflammations affecting the stomach, spleen, or colon, or even from a mass or growth in that region.
Because these causes range from relatively benign to more serious conditions, it’s important to have persistent or concerning swelling evaluated by a healthcare provider. They may perform a physical examination and order imaging studies, like an ultrasound or CT scan, to pinpoint the exact cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
(References)
Chuang TJ, Chen CW, Lin HY, Hsu WH, Wang SC, Tu CC. Acute appendicitis presenting as unusual left upper quadrant pain. Iran J Radiol. 2013 Sep;10(3):156-9. doi: 10.5812/iranjradiol.6326. Epub 2013 Aug 30. PMID: 24348602; PMCID: PMC3857979.
Keenan CR, Dhaliwal G, Henderson MC, Bowen JL. A 43-year-old woman with abdominal pain and fever. J Gen Intern Med. 2010 Aug;25(8):874-7. doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1372-3. PMID: 20440575; PMCID: PMC2896582.
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