Swelling in upper left abdomen

[Onerom]

I have some minor swelling in my upper left abdomen, right below the ribcage. I consulted a friend and she noticed it, too, but said if it doesn't hurt than it probably isn't anything to worry about. Do you agree? Or is it worth paying for a visit to the doctor?

[kayleigh e]

Call your dr and ask him or her there opion not a friends there intentions may be good but i personally would see the dr if the swelling doesnt go down soon. did you bang into something or did the swelling just apear?

[sierra&maggie]

The swelling just appeared. It has been around for a month or two. Recently, it has felt a bit tender on occasion, but I think maybe that's because I keep poking it (can't resist!). The swelling was definitely not caused by poking, though. Or at least, I don't think so. Grah. Going to the doctor is expensive. I wonder what it could be?

[HAHA! randomness]

The upper left side is the sight of 2 organs...the stomach and the spleen. The spleen is more on your side but it can swell painlessly from a variety of blood disorders. If it's more to the front that it's probably your stomach and it swells from eating. You colon goes through the area as well and it swells as food or gas goes through.

If you notice any unusual bruising or you bleed excessively from a small cut, see you doc in case it's your spleen. Or if you get sick and don't seem to recover, time to see him/her. Do some investigating on the internet on anatomy so you can see where the various organs are and then try to figure out where your swelling is. If it's the stomach or colon, is probably just food or gas. If it's elsewhere, then you might want to check it out.

Jenny

[Sun devil]

I went to the doctor today (finally). It turns out that I have an enlarged spleen! Had some blood tests done and am waiting to hear back. I hope it's just mono or something.