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What Causes Persistent Pain In The Upper Left Abdominal Area?
Question: Hi, About 2 months ago I started having pain in my upper left abdomen, back and side. I went to the Dr when it wouldn't go away after 2 weeks. They took some blood tests and figured it was probably diverticulitis, so they gave me 2 antibiotics which made no difference because that wasn't the problem. 3 weeks ago I had a ct scan that showed a large hiatal hernia and small lesions on my spleen that they couldn't tell what they are because they're very small. Other than that everything else looked fine. I was told that the small lesions should not be causing the pain, but I have it right in the location of the spleen every day. I have been bleeding from the gums and had mild night sweats, but I have not been tired or had unusual bruising or anything like that. I'm concerned it may be an early warning of leukemia. My brother was diagnosed with CLL a few years ago and I don't know if I should be checked for it. I am 54 and I have been on HRT Estrogen only, after a Hysterectomy 7 years ago. I am in the process of reducing the estrogen. I am 30 pounds overweight but I am pretty active. Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
Not necessarily leukemia. Needs many tests to be confirmed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I agree with your doctor that the lesions in the spleen would not cause a pain, because the spleen does not cause a pain unless it is very enlarged, and you don't talk for an enlargement as I understand it.
The problem is thought- what are those lesions? What is the cause of them?
Did your doctor try to figure it out?
I cannot say you do not have, or you may have leukemia because to decide that diagnosis, it is very complicated and needs several tests.
The symptoms you have are very subjective and would not necessarily mean a problem.
The main signs to suggest that are either liver or spleen enlargement or a change in the complete blood count.
I would first treat a hiatal hernia and if the pain is better then that would be a confirmation of the cause of the pain.
Secondly, I would make sure the pain is not because of the kidney stone because that type of pain can be possible because of the kidneys.
Then if not better or worse, I would do a complete blood count, to start ruling out a possible leukemia, which is very rare and since your brother had it, does not mean at all that you may have it too.
Hope this helps you to get reassured.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Not necessarily leukemia. Needs many tests to be confirmed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I agree with your doctor that the lesions in the spleen would not cause a pain, because the spleen does not cause a pain unless it is very enlarged, and you don't talk for an enlargement as I understand it.
The problem is thought- what are those lesions? What is the cause of them?
Did your doctor try to figure it out?
I cannot say you do not have, or you may have leukemia because to decide that diagnosis, it is very complicated and needs several tests.
The symptoms you have are very subjective and would not necessarily mean a problem.
The main signs to suggest that are either liver or spleen enlargement or a change in the complete blood count.
I would first treat a hiatal hernia and if the pain is better then that would be a confirmation of the cause of the pain.
Secondly, I would make sure the pain is not because of the kidney stone because that type of pain can be possible because of the kidneys.
Then if not better or worse, I would do a complete blood count, to start ruling out a possible leukemia, which is very rare and since your brother had it, does not mean at all that you may have it too.
Hope this helps you to get reassured.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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