The abdominal cavity contains many organs. In order to supply health care workers with a guide to abdominal pain, the anatomy of the abdomen is divided into four quadrants: the right upper quadrant, the left upper quadrant, and the right and left lower quadrants. The epigastrum is located directly in the middle. Pain in the left lower quadrant can be caused by several conditions.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation of the colon, and typical symptoms include pain in the left lower quadrant and fever. Diverticulitis occurs in patients with diverticulosis, or small areas of ballooning of the colon, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. It commonly affects the end of the colon called the sigmoid colon. Inflammation of the colon can lead to the formation of fistulas. Fistulas are small tracts that occur when a diverticulum comes in contact with another organ. Most often these fistulas are created between the bladder and the sigmoid colon. This can lead to fecal contents emptying into the bladder and causing recurrent bladder infections. Mild diverticulitis can be treated with fluid hydration and oral antibiotics. More severe cases may need surgical resection and IV antibiotics. Diagnosis is usually made with a CT scan.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can occur on either the left or right side. Ovarian cancer in the left ovary causes left lower abdominal pain. Ovarian cancer causes the ovary to enlarge, and women may feel a sense of fullness in the left lower quadrant. Unfortunately, most women do not have symptoms of ovarian cancer until it is advanced cancer, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Other symptoms, such as back pain, abdominal bloating and loss of appetite, are often ignored until too late. Once the ovary has enlarged, the abdomen may swell and fluid may accumulate within the abdomen. Increasing pelvic pain, anemia and weight loss are common.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine.The cancer frequently occurs within the sigmoid colon or the very end of the colon just before the rectum. Cancer in this area could cause left lower quadrant pain. Risk factors, according to MayoClinic.com, include obesity, family history, high-fat diet, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and diabetes. Symptoms of colon cancer can include abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, bloody stools, a feeling of a full bowel, weakness, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
