Can a blood test detect an enlarged spleen?
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; Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it's crowding other organs
What are the symptoms of spleen enlargement?
What are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen
- A common symptom is acute pain. The intensity of this pain will depend on the extent of the growing organ due to inflammation, the worse the inflammation, the greater ...
- Another indication or symptom of inflammation of the spleen is a lack of appetite. ...
- Anaemia will be another symptom that we notice when we have an enlarged spleen. ...
What causes enlarged liver and spleen?
What causes enlarged liver and spleen?
- Infectious causes of enlarged liver and spleen
- Hepatic (liver) causes of enlarged liver and spleen
- Other medical causes of enlarged liver and spleen
- Serious or life-threatening causes of enlarged liver and spleen. ...
- Questions for diagnosing the cause of enlarged liver and spleen
What causes spleen to enlarge?
Causes of an Enlarged Spleen An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph ...
Is an enlarged spleen serious?
Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically (splenectomy).
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.
How do you fix an enlarged spleen?
If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration.
What kind of cancer causes the spleen to enlarge?
Both non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas are associated with splenomegaly. Both acute and chronic leukemias as well as the subtype hairy cell leukemia are associated with splenomegaly.
What are 3 diseases that affect the spleen?
Disorders of the spleen include splenomegaly, hypersplenism and splenic rupture.
Can a enlarged spleen go back to normal?
What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better.
What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen:Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks.Fast food: french fries, burgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, nuggets.More items...•
Can stress cause enlarged spleen?
“Stress appears to prompt the release of stem cells from the bone marrow to the spleen, where they develop into white blood cells, or monocytes, and expand over time,” Godbout said.
What foods heal the spleen?
So what can I eat to strengthen the Spleen?Meat: poultry, lamb, beef, venison.Fish: trout, salmon, tuna, shellfish.Fruit: apples, apricots, dates, figs, sweet cherries, peach, plums, red grapes, dried fruit such as raisins.Veggies: cabbage, pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato.Grains: amaranth, oats, millet, polenta, rice.More items...•
What are signs of spleen cancer?
What Are Spleen Cancer Symptoms?Swollen lymph nodes.Reduced infection resistance.Unexplained weight loss.Fever and night sweats.Joint and bone pain.Anemia and fatigue.Frequent bruising.Abdominal discomfort or pain.More items...
Does an enlarged spleen always mean cancer?
It is essential, however, to remember that an enlarged spleen does not necessarily mean that an individual has spleen cancer.
Can blood test detect spleen cancer?
If your doctor suspects you have cancer in your spleen, they'll probably run tests to look for other cancers. You might need bloodwork to check your blood cell counts. In some cases, a bone marrow test may be necessary. This involves taking a small sample of marrow from your hip bone to look for cancer cells.
What infections cause enlarged spleen?
What causes an enlarged spleen?Viral, fungal and bacterial infections.Hemolytic anemia, in which the spleen destroys healthy red blood cells.Blood clots of the veins from the spleen or liver.Liver diseases, including cirrhosis.Cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.More items...•
What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen:Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks.Fast food: french fries, burgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, nuggets.More items...•
Can stress cause enlarged spleen?
“Stress appears to prompt the release of stem cells from the bone marrow to the spleen, where they develop into white blood cells, or monocytes, and expand over time,” Godbout said.
How do you tell if you have spleen problems?
Doctors can often tell if you have an enlarged spleen by feeling your abdomen. A blood test, CT scan or MRI scan can confirm the diagnosis. The spleen is not usually removed if it's just enlarged. Instead, you'll receive treatment for any underlying condition and your spleen will be monitored.
What does it mean when your spleen is enlarged?
An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a problem. When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells. This is called hypersplenism.
How do you know if you have an enlarged spleen?
These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen: Being unable to eat a large meal. Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen; this pain may spread to your left shoulder. If you have pain that is severe or gets worse when taking a deep breath, see your doctor right away.
Why don't people know they have an enlarged spleen?
Most people don't know they have an enlarged spleen because symptoms are rare. People usually find out about it during a physical exam. These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen:
How does a surgeon remove the spleen?
If surgery is needed, a surgeon is likely to remove the spleen using laparoscopy rather than open surgery. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions. A laparoscope allows the surgeon to view and remove the spleen.
What causes a large abscess?
A large abscess, a pus-filled cavity usually caused by a bacterial infection. Infiltrative diseases such as Gaucher disease, amyloidosis, or glycogen storage diseases. Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen. Most people don't know they have an enlarged spleen because symptoms are rare.
What is the best way to diagnose a swollen spleen?
Your doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to diagnose an enlarged, painful spleen. This involves palpating (ex amining by touch) your spleen. You will also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of the swollen spleen. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed.
What tests are needed for a swollen spleen?
These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed. Treatments for an Enlarged Spleen.
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 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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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 Causes an Enlarged Spleen?
Known as splenomegaly, an enlarged spleen may be temporary and can be caused by a variety of diseases and infections or by overworking to keep up the demand of its use. The most common enlarged spleen causes include:
What is the danger of having an enlarged spleen?
The danger of having an enlarged or damaged spleen is the risk of contracting infections or illness as your defense system will be down. The spleen would not be able provide essential functions such as producing and protecting white and red blood cells for energy nor would it provide platelet production for blood clotting.
Why does the spleen work overtime?
Many cases go undiagnosed as there may not be any major symptoms to cause alarm. As a vital defender against infections and viruses, the spleen can work overtime before signaling an issue. It is usually the size of the fist; however, it increases in size when it is in trouble or detects a serious health concern.
How to protect enlarged spleen?
To prevent it from rupturing: Avoid hard physical activities such as contact sports. Always wear a seat belt to prevent any injury to your spleen in the event of an accident. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date as your risk for infections is greater.
Why does the spleen produce antibodies?
It manages and stores excess red blood cells and platelets and produces antibodies to prevent infections, viruses and harmful pathogens from attacking our body. Sometimes, the spleen cannot manage all toxins or demand of white blood cells and becomes enlarged.
What causes blood clots in the liver?
Pressure or blood clots in veins within the spleen or liver. Metabolic disorders. There are also several other causes such as: Cysts. Injury that causes trauma to a body such as in contact sports. Abscess caused by a bacterial infection. Inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis.
What is the function of the spleen?
Its primary role is to filter blood as it destroys damaged cells.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of an Enlarged Spleen?
Splenomegaly does not have any specific symptoms. Vague abdominal pain and bloating are the most common, but still nonspecific, symptoms of an enlarged spleen. Some individuals with a very enlarged spleen may complain of early satiety ( anorexia) and gastric reflux symptoms because of the stomach displacement and pressure on the stomach as a result of the enlarged spleen.
What Causes an Enlarged Spleen?
The causes of splenomegaly vary widely and range from malignancy (cancers), infections, congestion (increased blood flow), infiltration of the spleen from other diseases, inflammatory conditions, and blood cell diseases.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Liver Disease?
However, the liver can take a substantial amount of damage before a disease interferes with its functions, and causes symptoms.
Why does the spleen enlarge?
The spleen can enlarge by performing its normal functions in response to another medical condition. Certain infections, diseases affecting blood cells, increased splenic blood flow, and diseases invading the spleen are some common reasons for the spleen to enlarge.
What are the best ways to prevent a splenic rupture?
Preventive measures against a possible rupture of spleen are noteworthy. Avoiding contact sports and wearing seat belts are important measures to take in the prevention of splenic rupture. Proper vaccination in patients with splenectomy is also of great significance as noted earlier.
How much does a spleen weigh?
A small percentage of the normal American population may have a palpable or enlarged spleen. A spleen weighing up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or between 11 to 20 cm (4.3 to 8 inches) in its longest dimension is considered enlarged.
What diseases can a spleen cause?
An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease, lupus, and mono.
What happens if your spleen is enlarged?
When your spleen is enlarged, you are at an increased risk of it rupturing. A ruptured spleen or even a bad splenic laceration could cause massive amounts of internal bleeding, which will need immediate medical attention.
What causes a spleen to become enlarged?
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.
What is the Spleen? What is its Function?
Tucked behind the ninth, tenth, and eleventh ribs just under your left lung, your spleen is an organ that has a role to play in not just one, but two major systems of the body.
What Type of Pain Does an Enlarged Spleen Cause?
You would think any organ being enlarged would cause pain, but surprisingly, an enlarged spleen may not give you many signals that something is wrong.
What causes a large spleen?
What Causes an Enlarged Spleen? Swollen Spleen Problems. You may go your entire life and never even really think about your spleen. Unless it becomes damaged, your spleen will go on filtering your blood and producing white blood cells without a fuss. Tucked up under your rib cage, your spleen is well protected.
Why is my spleen so large?
Causes of an Enlarged Spleen. With its role in cleaning and maintain ing your blood supply, the spleen can be susceptible to many different conditions that affect your blood. This can include hereditary diseases and blood cancers like Hodgkin’s disease (a form of lymphoma) and leukemia.
Why is it important to have your spleen removed?
Due to the important role the spleen plays in maintaining your body’s reserve of white blood cells, having your spleen removed will make you more susceptible to infection for the rest of your life. Regardless of the reason for your splenomegaly, you should exercise caution if your spleen has become enlarged.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
Hepatic ( liver) causes of enlarged liver and spleen. Enlarged liver and spleen can also be caused by hepatic (liver) disorders including: Biliary atresia (blockage in the tubes that transport bile from the gallbladder to the liver) Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
What causes enlarged liver and spleen?
Enlarged liver and spleen has a variety of causes including infections, blood disorders, liver disease, and cancers.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver?
Enlarged liver and spleen may accompany other symptoms including: Abdominal distension. Abdominal mass. Belching and hiccupping. Easy bleeding or bruising. Fever or chills. Inability to digest large amounts of food. Loose, fatty stools.
What causes a large spleen and liver?
Enlarged liver and spleen can also be caused by medical conditions including: Amyloidosis (rare immune-related disorder characterized by protein buildup in organs and tissues that can cause serious complications) Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
What is the enlarged liver?
The liver is a large accessory organ in the digestive system, responsible for a number of functions including bile secretion to break down food, storage of iron and vitamins, production of blood proteins, ...
What is the spleen?
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, which plays a role in immunity and maintenance of healthy blood cells. It is an important organ and is affected by disorders of the blood, liver, and immune system. An enlarged spleen is known as splenomegaly. Although hepatosplenomegaly often produces no symptoms, it is known to cause abdominal pain in ...
What is the most common inflammatory disease that affects the lungs, skin and eyes?
Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease most commonly affecting the lungs, skin and eyes)
What Is An Enlarged spleen?
The Role of The Spleen
Symptoms
Causes
How to Diagnose and Treat An Enlarged Spleen
- An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: 1. Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder 2. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach 3. Low re…