What is Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen)
Splenomegaly is when the spleen is larger than normal. This condition is usually noticed when the spleen is almost twice its normal size. The spleen is an organ that is located in the upper left area of the abdomen, just under the ribs.
The spleen is like a storage unit for red blood cells, and it also works to filter and clean the blood. It destroys cells that are damaged or worn out. The spleen is also important for fighting disease.
An enlarged spleen is usually a sign of another health problem.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- Mononucleosis and some other viral infections.
- Infection with certain bacteria or parasites.
- Liver failure (cirrhosis) and other liver diseases.
- Blood diseases, such as hemolytic anemia.
- An overactive spleen (hypersplenism).
- Blood cancers, such as leukemia or Hodgkin disease.
- Metabolic disorders, such as Gaucher disease or Niemann-Pick disease.
- Tumors and cysts.
- Pressure or blood clots in the veins of the spleen.
- Connective tissue disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Pain in the upper left part of the abdomen. The pain may spread to the left shoulder or get worse when you take a breath.
- Feeling full without eating or after eating only a small amount.
- Feeling tired.
- Chronic infections.
- Bleeding or bruising easily.
In some cases, there are no symptoms.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed during a physical exam when the health care provider feels the left upper part of your abdomen. You may also have tests, such as:
- Blood tests to check red and white blood cells and other proteins and enzymes.
- Imaging tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
- Taking a tissue sample (biopsy) of the liver or bone marrow if there is concern that it is the cause of an enlarged spleen.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. Treatment aims to manage the conditions that cause swelling of the spleen and reduce the size of the spleen. Treatment may include:
- Medicines to treat infection or disease.
- Radiation therapy.
- Blood transfusions.
- Vaccinations.
If these treatments do not help or if the cause cannot be found, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) may be recommended.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider.Do notstop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
- Follow
instructions from your health care provider about limiting your
activities. To avoid injury or a ruptured spleen, make sure you:
- Avoid contact sports.
- Wear a seat belt in the car.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your symptoms do not improve as expected.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You feel generally ill.
- You have increased pain when you take in a breath.
Get help right away if:
- You experience an injury or impact to the spleen area.
- Your abdominal pain becomes severe.
- You feel dizzy or you faint.
- You feel very weak.
- You have cold and clammy skin.
- You have sweating for no reason.
- You have chest pain or difficulty breathing.
