Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 5/22/2025

What Could Cause Swelling in the Left Upper Abdomen?

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.

answer background

Explanation

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.

  • Updated 2022 Apr 25]. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
  • 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.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Lump in abdomen

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom checker

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get a free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.