23. Problems of the Spleen
The spleen is an organ found in the upper left part of the abdomen that has supportive functions to the many processes happening inside the body. It is most commonly associated with the immune system, acting as a filter for blood, and is responsible for the breakdown of old red blood cells and storage of other blood components such as platelets and white blood cells.
Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen caused by a number of reasons such as infection, may be one reason a patient experiences a dull pain in the left upper portion of the abdomen, sometimes spreading towards the left shoulder. Also, blockages in the blood vessels supplying the spleen can cause damage to it, resulting in severe left upper quadrant pain.
