Important Facts About Enlarged Spleen

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

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The spleen plays several vital roles in the body. Located beneath the left rib cage, this organ is part of the lymphatic system. Not only does it filter the blood, but it also helps combat invading pathogens. Interestingly enough, although you can live without a spleen, this leaves you more susceptible to infections. Moreover, numerous conditions can affect the spleen; in fact, it's common for various diseases to cause it to enlarge.

What Does the Spleen Do?

The spleen is a soft, spongy organ located under the left rib cage, playing several crucial roles in the body. For starters, it filters the blood by removing old or damaged red blood cells. Additionally, it serves as a storage site for platelets, essential for blood clotting, and white blood cells, which fight off infections. As part of the lymphatic system, the spleen also produces antibodies and white blood cells to help ward off invading pathogens.

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What Is an Enlarged Spleen?

In a healthy person, the spleen is typically the size of a fist. However, due to various conditions, it can become enlarged. When this happens, the spleen might not filter the blood properly, and in some cases, it can grow so large that it outpaces its own blood supply. Rather than being a disease itself, an enlarged spleen—also known as splenomegaly—is often a sign of an underlying health issue. If left untreated, it can lead to complications, some of which may be life-threatening.

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Risk Factors for an Enlarged Spleen

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing an enlarged spleen. For example, individuals with severe infections like mononucleosis are more prone to this condition. People with liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, also have a higher risk. Moreover, genetic metabolic disorders like Gaucher's disease and Niemann-Pick disease can contribute to spleen enlargement. To top it all off, in areas where malaria is common, residents are more susceptible to developing an enlarged spleen due to the parasitic infection.

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Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen

Often, an enlarged spleen doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, which means it might go undetected until a routine physical exam. However, some people may experience pain or discomfort in the upper left abdomen, which might spread to the left shoulder. Other symptoms include a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount, fatigue, anemia, frequent infections, and even hiccups. If you notice these signs, don't wait until you're under the weather to consult a doctor.

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What Causes an Enlarged Spleen?

A variety of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can lead to an enlarged spleen. For instance, mononucleosis, endocarditis, syphilis, and malaria are common culprits. Liver diseases like cirrhosis increase pressure in the vein that supplies blood to the spleen, causing it to enlarge. Additionally, cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma can affect the spleen. Hemolytic anemia, a condition where the body destroys red blood cells faster than it produces them, may also be responsible.

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When to See a Doctor

While an enlarged spleen might not always present obvious symptoms, certain signs should prompt a medical consultation. If you're experiencing pain in the upper left abdomen, especially if it worsens when you breathe deeply, it's time to see a doctor. Additionally, unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, or feeling full without eating much could be warning signs. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice, as early diagnosis is crucial in addressing the underlying cause and preventing potential complications.

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Diagnosing an Enlarged Spleen

In healthy individuals, the spleen is usually not palpable during a physical exam. However, if it's enlarged, a doctor can often feel it. To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan may be ordered. These tests help determine the size of the spleen and whether it's pressing on other organs. Blood tests can also provide clues about what's causing the enlargement. Spleen biopsies are rarely done because they carry a high risk of uncontrollable bleeding.

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Possible Complications

Over time, an enlarged spleen can lead to a reduction in healthy blood cells, making you more susceptible to infections. Additionally, a swollen spleen is more likely to rupture, which is a serious medical emergency. A ruptured spleen occurs when the organ's outer covering breaks open, leading to internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity. Depending on the severity, this can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. At the end of the day, managing the underlying condition causing the spleen to enlarge is essential to prevent these serious complications.

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Preventing Infection After a Splenectomy

In severe cases, surgical removal of the spleen—called a splenectomy—may be necessary. Living without a spleen increases the risk of infection, but there are steps to mitigate this. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial, as vaccines are an effective way to protect against diseases, especially for those with compromised immunity. It's also wise to avoid traveling to regions where infections like malaria are prevalent. Taking these precautions can help you stay healthy even without a spleen.

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