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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Australia
February 19
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Why does the stomach feel hard when the spleen is enlarged?

When the spleen becomes enlarged due to leukemia, it takes up significantly more space in your abdomen than it normally would. The spleen is located on the left side of your abdomen, and when it swells, it can press against your stomach and other nearby organs.

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Why does the stomach feel hard when the spleen is enlarged?

When the spleen becomes enlarged due to leukemia, it takes up significantly more space in your abdomen than it normally would. The spleen is located on the left side of your abdomen, and when it swells, it can press against your stomach and other nearby organs.

This pressure creates a feeling of fullness and can make your abdomen feel hard or tight. The enlarged spleen is essentially pushing against your stomach from the inside, which is why you might notice firmness in that area.

Additionally, the enlarged spleen pressing on your stomach sends signals to your brain that your stomach is full, even when you haven't eaten much. This can make eating uncomfortable and contribute to that hard, bloated feeling in your abdomen.

Your doctor can often feel an enlarged spleen during a physical exam, particularly on the left side of your body, which confirms this physical enlargement is causing the hardness you're experiencing.

February 19

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