Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diverticulitis: This is a common cause of LLQ pain, especially in older adults, due to inflammation of the diverticula in the sigmoid colon.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Hard stools or difficulty passing stools can cause pain in the LLQ due to the location of the sigmoid colon and rectum.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, including LLQ pain, is a common symptom of IBS, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: In females, ovarian cysts or torsion can cause severe LLQ pain, often sudden in onset.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the left ureter can cause severe pain that radiates to the LLQ.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less common, ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that can present with LLQ pain and must be ruled out in females of childbearing age.
- Appendicitis (if appendix is located in the LLQ): Although appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, an appendix located in the LLQ can cause pain in this area.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Obstruction of the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, including LLQ pain, and is a medical emergency.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic LLQ pain and changes in bowel habits.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Colonic Volvulus: A twisting of a portion of the colon can cause severe abdominal pain, including LLQ pain, and is more common in older adults.
- Endometriosis: Although more commonly associated with pelvic pain, endometriosis can cause LLQ pain in some cases, especially if endometrial implants are located near the sigmoid colon.
- Lymphoma: Abdominal lymphoma can cause LLQ pain due to the involvement of lymph nodes in the area.