How can you tell if leukemia cancer cells have spread to the stomach from an enlarged spleen, and what tests diagnose this?
When leukemia cells accumulate in the spleen, they cause it to enlarge and press against the stomach and other nearby organs. This pressure can create discomfort, abdominal pain, and feelings of Show Full Answer
How can you tell if leukemia cancer cells have spread to the stomach from an enlarged spleen, and what tests diagnose this?
When leukemia cells accumulate in the spleen, they cause it to enlarge and press against the stomach and other nearby organs. This pressure can create discomfort, abdominal pain, and feelings of fullness after eating very little. However, this is different from cancer cells actually spreading to the stomach itself.
Your doctor can detect an enlarged spleen during a physical exam by feeling the left side of your abdomen. This is the most common initial way to identify splenomegaly.
Several imaging tests can help diagnose whether leukemia has affected your spleen or other abdominal organs:
- CT scans can detect an enlarged spleen, show if cancer cells have spread to the spleen or liver, and identify swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen
- Ultrasounds use painless sound waves to look at whether leukemia cells have spread to the spleen, liver, kidneys, or other organs
- MRI scans can detect swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen and determine if there are abnormalities in internal organs or tissues
These imaging tests help your medical team see what's happening inside your abdomen and guide treatment decisions. If you're experiencing abdominal discomfort or feeling unusually full after eating, talk with your healthcare provider about which tests might be appropriate for your situation.
February 19
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