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What Causes Upper Left Abdominal Pain?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016
Question: I'm having pain in the top part of my left abdomen under my left breast. It radiates around to the left part of my back. I don't feel sick but this pain is really constant now. I was thinking it could be my gallblader. It is sore to the touch and hard to lay on the right side. It's not a pulled muscle, feels like it's an organ.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
gallbladder is on the right

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The gallbladder is on the right of the abdomen. Since the pain is on the left top part of the abdomen, under the left breast according to the history written above, it is not likely related to the gallbladder though there maybe another organ cause.

The organs on the center to left of the abdomen are the stomach, spleen, intestines, muscles and other soft tissue, kidney.

If the tenderness/ pain is more central than left then it may be the stomach. If it is more the left then it can be any of the other areas mentioned.
The kidneys would more cause pain to the back unless it is due to a stone, in that case the pain is loin to groin.

If it not relieved by your pain killers or it is worsening then you would need to be seen.
The best way to diagnose abdominal pain in a person, is to examine the abdomen.

This examination is needed to determine the exact site of the pain, if there is tenderness, rebound tenderness (tenderness when the hand is lifted), guarding. Listen to bowel sounds.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Upper Left Abdominal Pain?

Brief Answer: gallbladder is on the right Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The gallbladder is on the right of the abdomen. Since the pain is on the left top part of the abdomen, under the left breast according to the history written above, it is not likely related to the gallbladder though there maybe another organ cause. The organs on the center to left of the abdomen are the stomach, spleen, intestines, muscles and other soft tissue, kidney. If the tenderness/ pain is more central than left then it may be the stomach. If it is more the left then it can be any of the other areas mentioned. The kidneys would more cause pain to the back unless it is due to a stone, in that case the pain is loin to groin. If it not relieved by your pain killers or it is worsening then you would need to be seen. The best way to diagnose abdominal pain in a person, is to examine the abdomen. This examination is needed to determine the exact site of the pain, if there is tenderness, rebound tenderness (tenderness when the hand is lifted), guarding. Listen to bowel sounds. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions