Enlarged Spleen
Enlarged Spleen Causes
There are various causes for the spleen to enlarge, which includes viral infections such as mononucleosis, bacterial infections such as syphilis, parasitic infections such as malaria, cirrhosis and other disease affecting the liver, various types of hemolytic anemia, blood cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin's disease, and metabolic disorders. Pressure on the veins from the spleen or to the liver may also cause splenomegaly.
Enlarged Spleen Definition
Also known as splenomegaly, enlargement of the spleen, as the name suggests, is the growing of the spleen beyond its normal size.
Enlarged Spleen Diagnosis
A physical exam usually detects the presence of an enlarged spleen. Examining the upper left abdomen, just under the rib cage, allows doctors to feel the enlargement. Blood tests, an x-ray, or other imaging studies can confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen. An ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan can help a physician determine the size of the spleen and assess if it's crowding other organs.
Enlarged Spleen Symptoms and Signs
Though most cases of an enlarged spleen often do not cause signs or symptoms, some affected individuals experience pain in the upper abdomen or pain that spreads to the left shoulder. Some people may also feel full even without eating or after eating a small amount of food once the enlarged spleen presses against the stomach. Tiredness or weakness may also be experienced when the enlarged spleen removes too many red blood cells from the blood.
Enlarged Spleen Treatment
Treatment of the condition is usually targeted at the underlying cause or problem. Antibiotics for example may be sued to treat infections. Radiation therapy may be required in some cases to shrink the enlarged spleen. If the underlying cause can't be identified or treated and is causing serious complications, removing the spleen through surgery is the best option. However, the procedure needs serious consideration on the patient's part since spleen removal might increase the risk of contracting serious or life-threatening infections.