Enlarged Spleen

Overview

The spleen is a small organ located under the left rib cage. The condition known as splenic hypertrophy or splenomegaly may be caused by a variety of illnesses, including infections, liver disease, and some kinds of cancer. Splenomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged spleen. Liver enlargement is also possible along with the enlargement of the spleen. Hepatosplenomegaly is the disorder of enlarged liver and spleen because of swelling of these organs.

This organ, which is spherical in form, is spongy and performs a variety of critical functions. One of its functions is filtration, which is the process through which old and damaged red blood cells are removed and destroyed. It is also involved in the development of white blood cells (lymphocytes) and their activity as the first line of defense against disease-causing germs. They in turn prevent infection. It is also critical to maintaining a reserve of red blood cells and platelets, which are needed for blood coagulation. Each of these tasks becomes increasingly difficult to execute as the spleen increases in size. If your spleen develops significantly, it may become unable to perform its normal functions.

It is uncommon for individuals to have symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen. It is often found during a regular medical check. Imaging and blood tests may be performed to establish whether you have an enlarged spleen and the cause of the enlargement.

The optimal course of treatment for an enlarged spleen is dependent on the underlying cause. While surgery to remove an enlarged spleen is uncommon, it may be indicated in specific circumstances.

If your enlarged spleen is the result of an infection, depending on the circumstances, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat the problem. Antibiotics will be prescribed in accordance with the organism that is causing the illness. In certain instances, a virus, such as mononucleosis, may have caused your illness, rendering medicines ineffective. In severe instances, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of your spleen, a procedure called a splenectomy, to alleviate your symptoms.

An enlarged spleen is usually without symptoms or signs, but in some instances, it may result in complications. Some of the enlarged spleen symptoms in this case include:

• Left upper abdominal pain or discomfort which may extend to the shoulder
• Sensations of fullness even when you are not eating due to the spleen’s pressure on the stomach
• Inadequate Number of red blood cells in the body (anemia)
• Recurrent infections
• Easy bruising and bleeding

Causes

The spleen may grow because of its normal functions or because of an underlying medical problem. Increased blood supply to the organ, as well as infections and diseases that invade the organ, are all common reasons for spleen enlargement. While an enlarged spleen may afflict anybody at any age, some groups of individuals are predisposed to this condition. Children and adolescents who have mononucleosis are at risk of developing an enlarged spleen. Individuals who reside in or go to malaria-endemic regions are also at risk of developing enlarged spleen. Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and a number of other hereditary metabolic disorders affecting the liver and spleen may also cause the spleen to become enlarged.

Numerous illnesses, including infections, cirrhosis, and other liver disorders, blood diseases defined by aberrant blood cells, lymphatic system issues, and other illnesses, may all result in an enlarged spleen, which is potentially deadly.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is another potential cause of splenomegaly. It should be investigated in children and adolescents. The lymphatic system may become irritated and uncomfortable when this disease develops. Since the spleen is a lymphatic organ, inflammation may result in the organ growing in size.

Some of the other enlarged spleen causes are:

• Sickle cell disease
• Hodgkin’s disease
• Leukemia
• Heart failure
• Spleen tumor
• Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
• Inflammatory diseases

Symptoms

The severity of an enlarged spleen symptoms varies, but they may include discomfort or pain in the upper left abdomen that may extend to the left shoulder. Some people may feel fullness or bloating in their stomachs, especially after eating a large meal. In more challenging situations, an enlarged spleen can cause anemia by trapping and destroying healthy blood cells, lowering the quantity of red blood cells in circulation. Furthermore, if the spleen grows sufficiently enlarged, it might burst, resulting in extreme discomfort and perhaps fatal internal hemorrhage.

Diagnosis

An enlarged spleen diagnosis is usually after a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. A healthcare physician frequently palpated the abdomen to examine the spleen’s size and tenderness. They may prescribe additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and discover the underlying cause of splenomegaly, such as blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Identifying the underlying reason is critical since it will influence the therapeutic approach.

Treatment

The primary goal of an enlarged spleen treatment is to address the underlying cause. If the enlargement is caused by an infection, such as mononucleosis or bacterial infections, treatment may include antibiotics or antiviral drugs to manage the illness. When an underlying medical condition, such as liver disease or certain blood disorders, is to blame, the emphasis will be on controlling and treating that illness.

A splenectomy, or surgical removal of the spleen, may be recommended in some cases if the spleen grows extremely big, causes severe discomfort, or offers a danger of rupture. However, this operation is considered a last resort because of the potential long-term repercussions, such as increased susceptibility to certain diseases.

When To See A Doctor

If you have discomfort in your left upper abdomen, particularly if it is severe or worsens when you take a breath, see your primary care physician immediately. The spleen is a fragile organ. When the spleen ruptures, internal bleeding may occur in the abdomen, which may be fatal. The potential adverse effects of an enlarged spleen include infection. Spleen enlargement may result in a decrease in the amount of healthy red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells in the circulation, increasing your susceptibility to infection. Additionally, anemia and excessive bleeding are potential side effects. It is crucial to address the enlarged spleen pain, which is felt behind the ribs. 

Summary 

The spleen, a small, spongy organ located beneath the left rib cage, plays essential roles in filtering blood, producing lymphocytes, and maintaining reserves of red blood cells and platelets. Splenic hypertrophy, or splenomegaly, occurs when the spleen enlarges, often due to infections, liver diseases, or certain cancers. Approximately 2% of the total United States population will experience splenomegaly at some point in their lives. This condition can lead to complications, including abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, anemia, and an increased risk of infections and bleeding.

Symptoms of an enlarged spleen can be subtle and often discovered during routine medical examinations. Imaging tests and blood tests help confirm splenomegaly and determine its cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying issue; for infections, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. In severe cases, particularly when the spleen is at risk of rupture, a splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) may be necessary, though it is considered a last resort due to potential long-term health risks, such as increased susceptibility to infections. Studies show that individuals who undergo splenectomy have a greater than 50% increased risk of severe infections, particularly from encapsulated bacteria.

Splenomegaly can be caused by various factors, including increased blood flow, infections, blood disorders, and certain inherited metabolic diseases. Children and adolescents with mononucleosis, individuals in malaria-endemic areas, and those with conditions like sickle cell disease (which affects approximately 100,000 Americans) or leukemia (which has an incidence rate of 14.5 per 100,000 people annually) are at higher risk.

It is crucial to seek medical attention if experiencing severe left upper abdominal pain or discomfort, as ruptured spleens can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding, with mortality rates as high as 15% to 30% in untreated cases. Timely diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing splenomegaly and preventing complications. Overall, understanding the spleen’s functions and the implications of its enlargement can aid in recognizing and addressing potential health issues.

-Disclaimer-

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about enlarged spleen or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.