Has anyone else experienced upper left abdomen pain from an enlarged spleen with CML?
Yes, this is a very common experience with CML. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) is actually the most common symptom of CML, affecting more than half of people with this condition.
Many MyLeukemiaTeam members have shared similar Show Full Answer
Has anyone else experienced upper left abdomen pain from an enlarged spleen with CML?
Yes, this is a very common experience with CML. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) is actually the most common symptom of CML, affecting more than half of people with this condition.
Many MyLeukemiaTeam members have shared similar experiences with spleen-related pain. One member described: "My spleen was massive. My oncologist said it was lying on top of my stomach. It's supposed to be under the left rib cage. It had a lot of associated pain."
The pain you're feeling happens because leukemia cells can pile up in the spleen, causing it to stretch and press against nearby organs like your stomach. This can cause:
- Pain in the upper left side of your belly
- Pain that may radiate to your left shoulder
- A feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites
- Discomfort under your left rib cage
This symptom is particularly common during the accelerated phase of CML, though it can occur at any stage. Your doctor can feel your spleen during a physical exam to confirm if it's enlarged.
If the pain worsens or you develop new symptoms like increased fatigue, fever, or weight loss, make sure to contact your healthcare team right away.
April 21
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