Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 4, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Swelling in the Left Upper Limb

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Trauma or Injury: This is often the most common cause of swelling in a limb, due to accidents, falls, or sports injuries, leading to bruising, sprains, or fractures.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected limb, such as cellulitis or abscesses.
  • Venous Thrombosis: A blood clot in the veins can cause swelling, pain, and discoloration in the limb, more common in the legs but can occur in the arms.
  • Lymphedema: Swelling due to impaired lymphatic drainage, which can be primary (inherited) or secondary (due to surgery, infection, or trauma).

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) with Pulmonary Embolism Risk: Although more common in the lower limbs, DVT in the upper limb can occur, especially with central venous catheters or cancer, and poses a risk of pulmonary embolism.
  • Compartment Syndrome: A medical emergency where increased pressure within a muscle compartment leads to nerve and muscle damage, requiring prompt surgical intervention.
  • Axillary Vein Thrombosis: A clot in the axillary vein can cause swelling and requires immediate attention to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause swelling and lymphadenopathy in various parts of the body, including the limbs.
  • Lipoma or Other Soft Tissue Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors that can cause localized swelling.
  • Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to swelling, pain, and other systemic symptoms, depending on the type and severity.
  • Neurogenic Causes: Such as neurofibromatosis, which can cause swelling due to nerve tissue tumors.

Related Questions

What is the management for an asymptomatic 1-year-old with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count of 0.4 x 10^9/L)?
What prolactin level is considered diagnostic for prolactinoma in a postmenopausal woman?
How to manage a rash in an APL patient on Idarubicin, Arsenic, and ATRA (All-Trans Retinoic Acid)?
What is the optimal therapy for a 76-year-old male with mild angina, a 70% proximal Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery lesion, and a Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) of 0.7?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question