Enlarged spleen (Splenomegaly)

Enlarged spleen (Splenomegaly)

 

The spleen is a small organ about the size of your fist. It's located just below your rib cage on your left side. The spleen helps your body fight infection and filter unwanted material, such as old or damaged blood cells. The spleen also produces red blood cells and certain types of white blood cells.

 

 

Typically, an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) is a sign of an underlying problem. Many conditions — from infections to liver disease and blood cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. Treatment of an enlarged spleen is usually aimed at the underlying problem.

 

 

 

 

 

Normal spleen

 

 

An enlarged spleen often causes no signs or symptoms. However, some people experience pain in the left upper abdomen or pain that spreads to the left shoulder.

 

If the enlarged spleen presses against your stomach, you may feel full without eating or after eating only a small amount. If the enlarged spleen removes too many red blood cells from your blood, you may feel tired or weak. Frequent infections or an increased tendency to bleed are possible as well.

 

Treatment

Treatment of an enlarged spleen is usually aimed at the underlying problem. For example, antibiotics or other medications may be used to treat infections.

 

 

In some cases, radiation therapy can help shrink an enlarged spleen.

If the enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the underlying problem can't be identified or treated, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be an option. In fact, in chronic or critical cases, surgery may offer the best hope for recovery. But elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. You can live an active life without a spleen, but you're more likely to contract serious or even life-threatening infections.