The spleen is an organ in the body that drains toxins from the body and helps to defend against infection. While the spleen is a relatively resilient organ, certain conditions can lead to severe pain. One of the most common causes is a bacterial, parasitic, or viral infection. Typically, this is the most treatable type of spleen pain, as it can usually be cured through various prescription medications. In addition, rapid tumor growth can cause pain in the spleen that requires immediate treatment. Pain caused by a direct trauma should also be treated with care, as it can lead to the development of internal bleeding. In general, those who experience pain in the upper left of the abdomen, where the spleen is located, should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
One of the most common causes of spleen pain is an infection. Typically, this pain ranges from moderate to severe and comes on relatively rapidly. Spleen infections can be relatively serious and should be treated as such, and they require medical assistance as soon as possible. While antibiotics and other types of prescription medications may be sufficient to treat this condition, in some cases, more aggressive methods may be required.
The development of a tumor, whether cancerous or non-cancerous, has also been linked to the development of spleen pain. Unlike infections, pain associated with the development of a tumor typically comes on quite gradually and is usually mild initially, but it increases in intensity when left untreated. Studies have found that even non-cancerous tumors on the spleen can be quite dangerous, as they are prone to causing the organ to rupture, which can lead to potentially life-threatening internal bleeding.
An injury caused by a direct trauma to the area also commonly leads to severe pain. Falls, hits, and car accidents can all damage the spleen, causing pain and other serious complications. Typically, those who have suffered this type of injury and then experience serious pain have likely ruptured their spleen. This can lead to internal bleeding, so injured individuals should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.