Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Abdomen Pain in Female
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ovarian Cyst: This is a common condition in females that can cause left lower abdomen pain due to rupture, torsion, or hemorrhage of the cyst. The pain is often sharp and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Constipation can cause lower abdominal pain, especially if the constipation is severe and leads to fecal impaction. The pain is usually crampy and can be relieved by bowel movements.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits. The pain can be crampy and may be relieved by bowel movements.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the sigmoid colon can cause left lower quadrant pain, often accompanied by fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI can cause lower abdominal pain, especially if the infection involves the lower urinary tract. The pain is often accompanied by dysuria, frequency, and urgency.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe left lower quadrant pain and is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically causes right lower quadrant pain, it can occasionally cause left lower quadrant pain if the appendix is located in an unusual position.
- Ovarian Torsion: Torsion of the ovary can cause severe, sudden onset of left lower quadrant pain and is a surgical emergency.
Rare Diagnoses
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain, including left lower quadrant pain, especially during menstruation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic abdominal pain, including left lower quadrant pain, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits and weight loss.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma can cause abdominal pain, including left lower quadrant pain, especially if the lymphoma involves the abdominal lymph nodes.