Symptoms
Other potential causes of an enlarged spleen include:
- malaria
- Hodgkin’s disease
- leukemia
- heart failure
- cirrhosis
- tumors in the spleen or from other organs that have spread to the spleen
- viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections
- inflammatory diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- sickle cell disease
Causes
Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen
- Pain and tenderness in the upper left abdominal region
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Satiety after a light snack or small meal
- Pain during deep breaths
- Jaundice symptoms
- Unsuspected weight loss
- Pain that travels from the stomach to the left shoulder
- Anemia symptoms
- Frequent bruising and bleeding
Prevention
Therefore, it is important to know the cause of splenomegaly for treatment:
- Liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis.
- Viruses infecting the body, causing diseases like mononucleosis.
- Certain metabolic disorders like Niemann-Pick disease and Gaucher’s disease.
- Bacteria causing endocarditis or syphilis.
- A blood clot decreasing the blood flow to the spleen.
- Infections caused by parasites like malarial parasites.
Complications
What Foods Can Shrink a Spleen?
- Supplements. A tea made from apple tree bark can cleanse the lymphatic system and shrink an enlarged spleen. ...
- Fiber. A diet high in fruit, along with plenty of water, will help keep the lymphatic system clean. ...
- Foods to Eliminate. When suffering from an enlarged spleen, avoid fatty and processed foods. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Sign of Serious Illness. ...
What you should know about an enlarged spleen?
What are symptoms of enlarged spleen?
What can cause splenomegaly?
How to reduce spleen size?
Will enlarged spleen show up on blood test?
Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function.
How can you tell if you have an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach. Low red blood cells (anemia)
How do you know if your spleen is not working properly?
pain behind your left ribs and tenderness when you touch this area. dizziness and a rapid heart rate (a sign of low blood pressure caused by blood loss)
What are 3 diseases that affect the spleen?
Disorders of the spleen include splenomegaly, hypersplenism and splenic rupture.
Where do you feel spleen pain?
Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.
What is the most common cause of an enlarged spleen?
Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.
Can your spleen affect your bowels?
It's situated next to your spleen. While gas is normal, splenic flexure syndrome can cause excessive gas and discomfort. This condition, considered a chronic digestive disorder, is thought to be a sub-type of irritable bowel syndrome.
How do you check your spleen at home?
Palpation for splenic enlargement should begin with the patient supine and with knees flexed. Using the right hand, the examiner should begin well below the left costal margin and feel gently but firmly for the splenic edge by pushing down, then cephalad, then releasing (Figure 150.1).
Can you feel an enlarged spleen yourself?
You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back. Feel full early, so that you can eat only small amounts.
What is the most common cause of an enlarged spleen?
Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.
What can cause a spleen to enlarge?
An enlarged spleen is the result of damage or trauma to the spleen from any of several different medical conditions, diseases, or types of physical trauma. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly.
How do you check spleen?
Palpation for splenic enlargement should begin with the patient supine and with knees flexed. Using the right hand, the examiner should begin well below the left costal margin and feel gently but firmly for the splenic edge by pushing down, then cephalad, then releasing (Figure 150.1).
Can an ultrasound help with liver function?
Further tests ?: An ultrasound may help. Liver function tests can rule things out. Other viruses can cause this. If increasing in size, this will need definite evaluat... Read More
Does celiac disease cause enlargement of the liver?
Organomegaly: Celiac disease is not usually associated with enlargement of liver and spleen. While some leukemias/lymphomas might cause this, they are not common in... Read More
Would an enlarged spleen or liver increase esr and crp levels on blood test? if so- to what levels approximately?
Whoa: Elevations in the ESR and CRP are famously nonspecific and are helpful only in zeroing in on already-identified health problems. However, i'm concerne... Read More
Can infectious mono cause spleen enlargement?
Yes: some spleen enlargement would be expected if you have had infectious mono, but it seems that you didn't have the full blown picture. At any rate, avoi ... Read More
Does liver enlargement increase ESR?
Depends on the: Cause of enlargement of the liver or spleen. Both can result in increase in ESR and crp. It is not the enlargement per se but the underlying pathology... Read More
Is there a blood test that can tell if my spleen is enlarged?
No: Generally if it is big enough, a physician can feel it on physical exam. Ultrasound or a ct scan would also be able to tell how big your spleen is.
What tests can be used to determine if a spleen is enlarged?
Blood protein measurement can determine whether other conditions are present that can cause the spleen to enlarge, such as amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, malaria, visceral leishmaniasis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. Liver tests help determine whether the liver is also diseased.
What is the best way to determine how large the spleen is?
Ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) is usually needed to determine how large the spleen is and whether it is pressing on other organs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides similar information and also traces blood flow through the spleen.
Why does my spleen feel full?
An enlarged spleen usually does not cause many symptoms, and the symptoms that it does cause may be mistaken for many other medical conditions. Because the enlarged spleen lies next to the stomach and sometimes presses against it, people may feel full after eating a small snack or even without eating. People may also have abdominal or back pain in the area of the spleen in the upper left part of the abdomen or the left side of the back. The pain may spread to the left shoulder, especially if parts of the spleen do not get enough blood and start to die.
When the spleen destroys red blood cells so rapidly that severe anemia develops, what happens?
When the spleen destroys red blood cells so rapidly that severe anemia develops. When the spleen so depletes stores of white blood cells that infection is likely. When the spleen so depletes stores of platelets that bleeding is likely.
Why do people with enlarged spleens need to avoid contact sports and weight lifting?
People with an enlarged spleen need to avoid contact sports and weight-lifting because the spleen is at risk of tearing, causing uncontrollable bleeding.
What happens when the spleen is enlarged?
An enlarged spleen may outgrow its own blood supply. When parts of the spleen do not get enough blood, they may become damaged, causing them to bleed or die.
What is the condition where the bone marrow produces red blood cells that are large and abnormal?
Deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate (folic acid) cause a condition called megaloblastic anemia. In patients with megaloblastic anemia the bone marrow produces red blood cells that are large and abnormal (megaloblasts). Which of the following is NOT a cause of Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency?
Where is the spleen located?
The normal spleen is usually not palpable but is tucked beneath and above the left costal margin, between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm, with its long axis parallel to and running along the course of the tenth rib.
What does a complete blood count show?
A complete blood count with a peripheral smear will show the number of each kind of blood cell, along with any abnormalities of form. This may be a clue to the presence of red cell or white cell disorders. Cytopenia in hypersplenism, high white cell counts in leukemias, and the presence of blood parasites in malaria or kala-azar are all helpful in determining the cause of splenic enlargement. Red cell fragility tests detect the presence of disorders like hereditary spherocytosis and other hemolytic anemias.
What is the medical history of splenomegaly?
A medical history, including exposure to various infections which may cause splenomegaly, and eliciting symptoms such as night sweats or fever, is vital, followed by a meticulous physical examination. Examination of the Spleen (Stanford Medicine 25) Play.
What type of biopsy is needed for lymphoproliferative disorders?
Lymphoproliferative disorders will require a lymph node excision biopsy, while hematogenous conditions may need bone marrow aspiration or sometimes a bone marrow biopsy. Further testing such as serum protein electrophoresis will depend on the specific findings in the physical examination, imaging and blood tests.
Is ultrasound scan safe?
Ultrasound scanning is reliable, safe, quick and non-invasive, allowing an abnormal spleen to be detected with a high coefficient of sensitivity and specificity.
Can a diaphragm be flattened?
False-positive findings occur if the diaphragm is fixed and flattened, as may occur in chronic lung disease, as well as when the diaphragm moves through a larger-than-normal range with respiration. On the other hand, these methods may fail to detect splenomegaly if the patient is obese, has ascites, or if the ribcage is unusually narrow, or the diaphragm is higher than normal.
What is an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen, a condition known as splenomegaly, is not in itself a disease. It is usually a symptom of another problem.
How is an enlarged spleen treated?
Treatment depends on the etiology of the splenomegaly (what is causing the spleen to become larger). In certain cases, surgery is required to remove the spleen (an operation called splenectomy ).
What is the spleen?
The spleen is an organ that is located in the upper abdomen. The spleen is normally about the size of a fist. The spleen is important because it helps filter the blood.
What organ is enlarged?
The spleen, an organ in the upper abdomen, can become enlarged from various causes. The spleen is usually as big as a fist. Splenomegaly can usually be felt during an examination by a healthcare provider.
What are the diseases that cause blood clots in the liver?
Blood clots of the veins from the spleen or liver. Liver diseases, including cirrhosis. Cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Metabolic diseases (storage diseases, which are related to lack of enzymes), such as Gaucher disease. Sarcoidosis.
Are there special considerations for people with enlarged spleens?
If you have an enlarged spleen, you should be careful not to play contact sports like football or hockey, due to the risk of rupture or bleeding.
What Is an Enlarged Spleen?
An enlarged spleen, a condition called “ splenomegaly ,” is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it can’t keep up with high demand.
What percentage of college students have enlarged spleens?
Research shows that around 3 percent of healthy first-year college students have enlarged spleens. In some cases, people have genetically enlarged spleens, but it doesn’t affect their overall health. However, for others, it can point to problems like an underlying infection, illness or developing disorder. ( 1)
Why is my spleen swollen?
For example, viral infections, high alcohol intake, cirrhosis of the liver and parasitic infections are all risk factors for an enlarged spleen .
Why is the spleen so overworked?
The spleen is prone to becoming easily overworked when liver function is poor , and surprisingly some believe the spleen is usually more likely to develop problems when your diet is “damp, cold and raw.” Traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine, believed that a cold or damp environment, eating too many salty or sour foods, overexerting yourself, and poor digestion all make someone more susceptible to spleen and liver damage. ( 3)
What does it mean when you feel spleen pain?
indigestion or feeling uncomfortable when eating, especially after a large meal. spleen pain and tenderness, usually on the upper left side of the abdomen. pain that has spread from the abdomen to the left shoulder. spleen pain when taking deep breaths or moving around. low energy levels, possibly even chronic fatigue.
How much does a spleen weigh?
For example, studies suggest that the spleen can range from 58 grams in a 79-year-old woman to 170 grams in a 20-year-old man.
How to prolong the life of your spleen?
Some of the ways you can prolong the health of your spleen include avoiding a poor diet high in processed foods, limiting the amount of over-the-counter or prescription drugs you take, which helps cleanse the liver, only drinking alcohol in moderation, and quitting smoking or ever using recreational drugs.
How much does a spleen weigh?
A normal spleen weighs about 150 grams and is about 11 cm in length. Under normal circumstances, your spleen is about the size of your fist and hardly even detectable to touch during a physical examination. It has a rich blood supply and filters high volumes of blood.
What is the function of the spleen?
In the process, it is able to detect antigens and select damaged and old red blood cells and platelets for destruction. The spleen consists of red pulp and white pulp within a meshwork of reticular fibers enclosed by a dense connective tissue capsule.
How to diagnose pneumococcal sepsis?
Diagnosis can be confirmed by pitted RBC counts or 99 Tc-labelled radiocolloid scan of the spleen; wherever available. Diagnosis needs to be made promptly to institute pneumococcal vaccination in a timely fashion and to recognize and treat bacterial infections promptly and aggressively because of the tendency of hyposplenic subject to develop fatal invasive disease. Overwhelming pneumococcal sepsis accounts for the major mortality cases in hyposplenic subjects; however severe infections with other encapsulated bacteria and protozoa have been reported.
What causes massive splenomegaly?
Pressure on the veins in the spleen or liver or a blood clot in these veins. The causes of massive splenomegaly (spleen >1000 g) are: Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar).
What are the two main constituents of the spleen?
The main constituents of the spleen, the white and red pulp, form two functionally and morphologically different units.
Can a spleen enlarged cause hypersplenism?
Splenomegaly can lead to cytopenias, a disorder called Hypersplenism. An enlarged spleen usually doesn’t cause symptoms. It’s often discovered during a routine physical examination. However, it can cause:
Is a palpable spleen a clinical sign?
However, an enlarged or palpable spleen is not necessarily of clinical significance. For example, certain individuals with broadly splayed costal margins have readily palpable, but small, spleens. A spleen weight of 400-500 g indicates splenomegaly, while a weight of more than 1000 g is labelled massive splenomegaly.
What tests are performed to check for abnormalities in the spleen?
Diagnostic tests, such as an x-ray and ultrasound, will be performed. These tests will allow the veterinarian to view the spleen and the surrounding organs for any abnormalities. A fine needle aspiration may also be performed. During this test, the veterinarian will insert a thin needle into the spleen, drawing out a fluid sample for further analysis. In rare occasions, exploratory surgery may be necessary if a diagnosis isn't found with other tests.
What is the purpose of a spleen enlargement test?
These tests will help the veterinarian determine the primary condition that is causing the spleen enlargement. The tests will also show how the other organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are being affected by the primary condition.
What is Enlarged Spleen?
The spleen is an elongated organ that is on the left side of the stomach in cats. Though the organ isn't essential for living, an enlarged spleen may be a symptom of a more serious or chronic disease that will need veterinary care.
What tests are needed to determine if a cat has a spleen enlargement?
A complete blood count, biochemical blood profile and a urinalysis will be taken. These tests will help the veterinarian determine the primary condition that is causing the spleen enlargement.
Why does my cat have a spleen?
Because the spleen is responsible for storing and filtering blood, removing old cells and foreign bodies from the bloodstream, and helping the immune system function properly , the cat may experience a variety of symptoms that warrant investigation in order to treat the primary cause of the enlargement.
Why does my cat's spleen enlarge?
The enlargement is due to inflammation , which occurs due to infiltration of abnormal cells as a result of the primary condition. The primary condition that is causing the enlargement is typically related to the function of the spleen, such as filtering blood or synthesizing antibodies in the cat's body. The cat's spleen may either enlarge uniformly ...
How to remove a cat's spleen?
In cases of splenic torsion or trauma, the veterinarian may need to remove all or part of the cat's spleen (splenectomy). This will be done in the hospital under general anesthesia. During surgery, the veterinarian will make a small incision in the cat's abdomen. The entire spleen or affected portion of the spleen will be removed and the blood vessels attached to the spleen will be clamped and tied. The incision site will then be closed. Surgery may also be necessary to remove any tumors or masses that have formed due to cancer.
