"Could Chronic Abdominal Pain Be a Sign of Leukemia?"

Persistent Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis

Persistent abdominal pain can be a symptom of leukemia, but it can also arise from various other illnesses, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and colitis. It is recommended to promptly consult a doctor for diagnosis under professional guidance.

I. Leukemia

Leukemia is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells. Clonal leukemia cells proliferate and accumulate extensively in bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues, infiltrating non-hematopoietic tissues and organs while suppressing normal hematopoiesis. This can lead to persistent abdominal pain in leukemia patients, accompanied by symptoms of anemia such as pallor and fatigue.

II. Non-Leukemia Causes

1. Chronic Gastritis: Primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune factors, the inflamed and swollen gastric mucosa irritates local nerves, resulting in persistent abdominal pain, often accompanied by bloating and acid reflux.

2. Gastric Ulcer: Typically triggered by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and excessive gastric acid secretion, gastric ulcer leads to a disordered gastrointestinal function, causing persistent abdominal pain, often accompanied by bloating and anorexia.

3. Duodenal Ulcer: May be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and high stress levels, resulting in ulceration and perforation of the duodenal mucosa, which can manifest as persistent abdominal pain.

4. Colitis: Caused by factors such as genetics and immunity, inflammatory stimuli cause congestion and edema in the colon, leading to intestinal spasms and persistent abdominal pain, often accompanied by diarrhea and mucous stools.

Furthermore, persistent abdominal pain may also be associated with conditions such as cholecystitis, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, and gastric cancer. A complete blood count and gastroscopy are among the diagnostic tools used to confirm the underlying cause.