Spleen Enlargement or Painless, Swollen Lymph Nodes
Pain or discomfort under the lower left rib may develop in some people who have leukemia. This feeling is normally caused by an enlargement of the spleen [3].
The spleen is an oval, red organ between the stomach and diaphragm on the left side of the body. It plays an important role in the body’s immune system by producing cells involved in immune responses. Some white blood cells are stored in the spleen.
Leukemia affects the white blood cells, which can be found circulating in the lymphatic system and blood vessels. The lymph nodes of people with leukemia can become enlarged. This swelling is normally painless and concentrates in the neck and armpits [4].