What are the common causes of an enlarged spleen. How is splenomegaly diagnosed. What treatment options are available for an enlarged spleen. When is spleen removal necessary. How does living without a spleen affect your health.

Understanding the Function of the Spleen

The spleen is a remarkable organ that plays a crucial role in our immune system and blood regulation. Despite its importance, many people are unaware of its functions until a problem arises. Let’s explore the key responsibilities of this often-overlooked organ:

• Hosts infection-fighting white blood cells
• Regulates red and white blood cell levels
• Filters out old and damaged red blood cells

Interestingly, while the spleen performs these vital functions, it is not essential for survival. The human body can adapt and continue to function without a spleen, although this may come with certain health implications.

Splenomegaly: When the Spleen Enlarges

Splenomegaly, or an enlarged spleen, is a condition that can occur due to various underlying causes. This enlargement can lead to discomfort and potential complications if left untreated. Understanding the causes and symptoms of splenomegaly is crucial for early detection and proper management.

Common Causes of an Enlarged Spleen

An enlarged spleen can result from several factors, including:

1. Viral or bacterial infections (e.g., mononucleosis, syphilis, endocarditis)
2. Parasitic infections (e.g., malaria)
3. Liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis)
4. Blood disorders (e.g., anemia)
5. Blood cancers
6. Metabolic disorders

Is infection the primary cause of splenomegaly? While infections are indeed a common cause of an enlarged spleen, they are not the only culprit. Various diseases affecting the liver, blood, and metabolic system can also lead to spleen enlargement.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Splenomegaly

Identifying an enlarged spleen based on symptoms alone can be challenging, as the signs may be subtle or attributed to other conditions. However, being aware of the following symptoms can help prompt timely medical attention:

• Pain or pressure in the upper left abdomen area
• Discomfort that increases when breathing in
• Feeling full without eating or after consuming small amounts of food
• Frequent fatigue
• Easy bleeding
• Recurrent infections

Can an enlarged spleen cause life-threatening complications? Yes, if left untreated, an enlarged spleen can potentially rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding and other life-threatening issues. This underscores the importance of seeking prompt medical attention when experiencing symptoms associated with splenomegaly.

Diagnostic Approaches for Splenomegaly

Accurate diagnosis of an enlarged spleen is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Gastroenterologists employ various methods to confirm splenomegaly and identify its underlying cause:

Physical Examination

The initial step in diagnosing splenomegaly often involves a physical examination. During this process, the doctor may apply gentle pressure to the area above the spleen to check for tenderness or enlargement. However, physical examination alone is not always sufficient for a definitive diagnosis.

Imaging Tests

To visualize the spleen and assess its size accurately, doctors typically rely on advanced imaging techniques such as:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan

These imaging tests not only help confirm the presence of an enlarged spleen but also provide valuable information about blood flow through the organ.

Blood Tests

Blood tests play a crucial role in the diagnostic process for splenomegaly. They help assess the levels of various blood components, including:

• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets

Abnormalities in these levels can provide clues about the underlying cause of spleen enlargement.

Additional Diagnostic Procedures

In some cases, further testing may be necessary to determine the root cause of splenomegaly. These additional procedures may include:

• Bone marrow tests
• Specialized blood tests to detect specific infections or disorders

How does identifying the underlying cause help in treating splenomegaly? Pinpointing the root cause is essential because treatment for an enlarged spleen typically focuses on addressing the underlying condition. By treating the primary issue, the spleen often returns to its normal size.

Treatment Strategies for an Enlarged Spleen

The approach to treating an enlarged spleen varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment strategies:

Addressing the Underlying Cause

In many cases, treating the primary condition responsible for spleen enlargement is the most effective approach. This may involve:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Specific treatments for blood disorders or cancers
• Management of liver diseases

Monitoring and Symptom Management

For mild cases of splenomegaly, doctors may recommend a watchful waiting approach, which includes:

• Regular check-ups to monitor spleen size
• Symptom management to improve comfort
• Lifestyle modifications to prevent complications

Surgical Intervention: Splenectomy

In some cases, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be necessary. This procedure is typically considered when:

• The underlying cause is unknown
• There is a high risk of spleen rupture
• Other treatments have been ineffective

Is splenectomy a common treatment for an enlarged spleen? While splenectomy is an option, it is not the first-line treatment for most cases of splenomegaly. Doctors typically exhaust other treatment options before recommending surgical removal of the spleen.

Living Without a Spleen: What to Expect

For individuals who undergo a splenectomy, life without a spleen requires some adjustments and ongoing health considerations:

Increased Infection Risk

The most significant impact of spleen removal is an increased susceptibility to infections. To manage this risk, patients may need to:

• Receive regular vaccinations
• Take preventive antibiotics
• Be vigilant about seeking medical attention for signs of infection

Adaptation of Body Functions

After splenectomy, the body adapts to perform the spleen’s functions through other means:

• The liver takes on a greater role in filtering blood
• Other lymphoid tissues compensate for immune functions
• The bone marrow may increase production of certain blood cells

Can you live a normal life without a spleen? Many individuals who have undergone splenectomy lead normal, healthy lives. However, they must remain vigilant about their health and take necessary precautions to prevent infections.

Preventing Complications of an Enlarged Spleen

While not all cases of splenomegaly can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications:

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine medical examinations can help detect spleen enlargement early, even before symptoms become apparent. This allows for timely intervention and management.

Protective Measures During Physical Activities

If you have an enlarged spleen, it’s crucial to protect it from injury:

• Avoid contact sports
• Wear protective gear during activities that pose a risk of abdominal injury
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding physical activities

Prompt Treatment of Infections

Since infections are a common cause of splenomegaly, seeking timely treatment for any suspected infection can help prevent spleen enlargement or complications.

How can you protect your spleen during daily activities? Being mindful of your spleen’s vulnerability is key. Avoid activities that could result in abdominal trauma, and always wear a seatbelt while driving to protect your spleen in case of an accident.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Spleen-Related Concerns

Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional about potential spleen issues is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper left abdomen
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Recurrent infections
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain (which could indicate a ruptured spleen)

Should you see a specialist for spleen-related issues? If you suspect problems with your spleen, it’s advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or hematologist. These specialists have the expertise to diagnose and manage spleen disorders effectively.

Advancing Research and Future Treatments for Splenomegaly

The field of spleen-related research continues to evolve, offering hope for improved treatments and management strategies for splenomegaly. Some areas of ongoing research include:

Novel Diagnostic Techniques

Researchers are exploring advanced imaging technologies and biomarkers to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of splenomegaly diagnosis.

Targeted Therapies

Scientists are investigating new medications and therapies that can specifically address spleen enlargement without the need for surgical intervention.

Regenerative Medicine

Emerging research in regenerative medicine may offer potential alternatives to splenectomy, such as partial spleen preservation or engineered spleen tissue.

What promising developments are on the horizon for splenomegaly treatment? While specific breakthroughs are still in the research phase, the growing understanding of spleen biology and function is paving the way for more targeted and less invasive treatment options in the future.

As our knowledge of the spleen and its disorders continues to expand, patients with splenomegaly can look forward to more personalized and effective treatment approaches. By staying informed about your spleen health and working closely with healthcare professionals, you can ensure the best possible outcomes in managing spleen-related conditions.

Common Treatment Options For An Enlarged Spleen

Author: Ahsan Bhatti, MD

Your spleen is an organ that doesn’t draw much attention unless there is a problem with it, however it is a very fascinating organ. Your spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells, regulates red and white blood cell levels and helps to filter out old and damaged red blood cells. Knowing all this, you’d assume it is an essential organ, but it turns out your body can continue to function just fine without your spleen.

One of the most common problems that develops with your spleen is an issue that causes it to inflame or enlarge. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the causes of an enlarged spleen, and we explain how a gastroenterologist can help treat the condition.

Causes And Symptoms Of An Enlarged Spleen

The most common cause of an enlarged spleen is a viral or bacterial infection. As the epicenter of white blood cell production, it makes sense that the spleen would be affected by the presence of an infection. Common infections that can lead to an enlarged spleen include mononucleosis, syphilis, endocarditis and parasitic infections like malaria. However, infection is not the only cause of an enlarged spleen. The condition can also develop as a result of other diseases, especially conditions that affect the liver, like cirrhosis, or blood disorders like anemia. Certain blood cancers and metabolic disorders can also cause the organ to inflame.

Your symptoms may make it obvious that you’re dealing with a condition that requires treatment, but the fact that your symptoms stem from an enlarged spleen may not be obvious. Because of this, if you’re dealing with any of the following conditions, you should seek out a medical diagnosis:

• Pain or pressure in the upper left abdomen area
• Discomfort that increases when breathing in
• Feeling full without eating or after eating a very small meal
• Frequent tiredness
• Easy bleeding
• Frequent infections

Treating an enlarged spleen is essential to prevent the possibility of a ruptured spleen, which can cause life-threatening complications.

Diagnosing and Treating Spleen Enlargement

If you are dealing with the above symptoms, or you believe you’re dealing with an infection that’s causing problems for your spleen, seek out a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. They’ll start by asking about your symptoms and then move forward with a physical exam that may involve putting light pressure on the skin above the spleen to see if symptoms arise. However, an enlarged spleen is most commonly diagnosed with an imaging test like an MRI or CT scan to visualize the organ or to examine blood flow through the organ. A blood test may also be ordered to determine whether the appropriate number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are present in the body.

However, identifying the presence of an enlarged spleen is only half the battle. Your specialist also needs to uncover what’s causing the enlargement so that the root cause can be treated, which in turn allows the spleen to return to normal size. Sometimes this cause can be identified with the CT scan or MRI, but sometimes additional blood or bone marrow tests are required to figure out exactly what’s going on.

Treatment revolves around rectifying the underlying cause, which oftentimes is an infection. Taking antibiotics and medications can help to rid the body of the infection while the doctor simply keeps an eye on the spleen and you monitor symptoms. If the underlying cause is unknown or places you at a high risk for rupture, the doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgery to address an enlarged spleen is called a splenectomy, and it involves the entire removal of the organ. Your body learns how to adapt without the organ, but spleen removal will put you at an increased risk of infection for the remainder of your life, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Many patients who undergo a splenectomy live completely normal lives, although they may take medications to help reduce their infection risk.

So if you are dealing with symptoms that suggest you may be battling an infection and an enlarged spleen, contact Dr. Bhatti and the team at Bhatti GI Consultants today to swiftly and safely help treat the issue.

Spleen enlarged spleen,  spleen

Splenomegaly Information | Mount Sinai

Spleen enlargement; Enlarged spleen; Spleen swelling

Splenomegaly is a larger-than-normal spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the belly.

Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen.

Because of its wide variety of functions, the spleen may be affected by many conditions involving the blood or lymph system, and by infection, malignancies, liver disease, and parasites.

Considerations

The spleen is an organ that is a part of the lymph system. The spleen filters the blood and maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets. It also plays a role in immune function.

Many health conditions can affect the spleen. These include:

• Diseases of the blood or lymph system
• Infections
• Cancer
• Liver disease

Symptoms of splenomegaly include:

• Hiccups
• Inability to eat a large meal
• Pain in the upper left side of the belly

Causes

Splenomegaly can be caused by any of the following:

• Infections
• Liver diseases
• Blood diseases
• Cancer

Home Care

In rare cases, an injury can rupture the spleen. If you have splenomegaly, your health care provider may advise you to avoid contact sports. Your provider will tell you what else you need to do to take care of yourself and any medical condition.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

There are usually no symptoms from an enlarged spleen. Seek medical help right away if pain in your belly is severe or gets worse when you take a deep breath.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

A physical exam will be done. The provider will feel and tap along the upper left part of your belly, especially just under the rib cage.

Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan
• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and tests of your liver function

Treatment depends on the cause of splenomegaly.

Vos PM, Barnard SA, Cooperberg PL. Benign and malignant lesions of the spleen. In: Gore RM, Levine MS, eds. Textbook of Gastrointestinal Radiology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 105.

Vos PM, Mathieson JR, Cooperberg PL. The spleen. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 5.

Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 159.

Last reviewed on: 1/25/2022

Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Causes of pain in the spleen, what to do

The main functions of the spleen in the body are blood filtration and the production of antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses. In case of illness or injury, the spleen hurts, there may be heaviness in the side. Discomfort is felt in the region of the left hypochondrium – this is where the organ is located.

Your doctor at MedEx can help you determine why you’re experiencing pain and whether it’s related to spleen problems.

Nature of pain in the spleen region

Pain in the spleen may be sharp or constant. Sometimes it is felt as encircling or gives to the lower back, shoulder blade, left shoulder, it can become more intense when inhaling. In some cases, pain is accompanied by other symptoms: cold sweat, fever, nausea.

Be sure to note the nature of the pain and describe your feelings to the doctor in detail: this is important for an accurate diagnosis.

What pathologies of the spleen are accompanied by pain

Soreness in the spleen can appear at any age and regardless of gender.

Why does the spleen hurt in women and men:

• Due to organ enlargement. The spleen may enlarge, for example, if there are problems with the liver and the normal outflow of blood is disturbed.
• In abscess: sharp throbbing pain may be caused by an inflammatory process in the spleen.
• With a spleen infarction, when the artery is clogged with a thrombus and the blood supply to the organ is seriously impaired. This is a dangerous condition that is often accompanied by severe pain.
• In the presence of neoplasms of a different nature, for example, cysts.
• For injuries. After an accident or a fall from a height, ruptures of the spleen and internal bleeding are possible, therefore, with a sharp pain in the left side in such cases, an ambulance is urgently called.

Pain in the spleen can also be caused by viral diseases, during which the spleen performs its immune function particularly actively and may enlarge slightly. Such pain is temporary and goes away with an infectious disease.

Important!

Pain in the spleen can be a sign of many diseases. In addition, they may indicate problems in other body systems. It is impossible to determine on your own and, moreover, to choose an adequate therapy. To find out the cause of discomfort, you need the help of a qualified doctor. The specialists of the MedEx clinic are able to find the pathology that caused unpleasant symptoms, determine the treatment strategy and return you to a happy life without pain. Make an appointment at the clinic, and you will save yourself from complications and serious illnesses that can disrupt the spleen.

Other causes of pain in the left hypochondrium

Even if it seems that it is the spleen that hurts, the organs of the digestive system can be the source of pain on the left side:

• Stomach;
• Upper intestines;
• Pancreas, which is also located on the left under the ribs.

Only a doctor can distinguish pain in the spleen from pathologies of other organs and prescribe the correct treatment.

An ultrasound of the spleen or a general ultrasound of the abdominal cavity will help determine the cause of pain in men and women – a safe and comfortable ultrasound examination. In order for the result to be accurate, without extraneous noise and interference, it is important to do ultrasound on modern premium equipment. It is with such equipment that the doctors of the MedEx clinic work: we use the Siemens ACUSON S 1000 device.

Possible complications

The Great Medical Encyclopedia states that the spleen performs hematopoietic, filtration, immunological functions, takes part in metabolism. Despite the rather large load, the organ is not vital, but it affects many important processes in the body.

Pathologies of the spleen without timely treatment can have serious consequences. If an organ ruptures as a result of a fall or accident, deadly intra-abdominal bleeding occurs. Therefore, it is impossible to endure pain in the left side for a long time, it is better to immediately undergo a diagnosis.

Another common complication is a general decrease in immunity. A person constantly catches a cold, gets sick, exacerbations of chronic pathologies are difficult to treat. These are all likely consequences of disorders in the spleen.

In rare cases, the organ has to be removed surgically. The spleen is not transplanted, although the site of Sechenov University reported a successful case of transplantation in Spain in 2009. Organ replacement is considered inappropriate. The functions of the spleen are partially performed by the liver, so patients after surgery are recommended a lifelong diet and a healthy lifestyle.

The spleen is made up of two types of tissue: a red pulp, formed by red blood cells, and a white pulp, in which lymphocytes are produced. There are no pain receptors in the body. Therefore, pathologies of the spleen in the early stages have practically no manifestations. The body cannot hurt. Unpleasant sensations arise already when the protective capsule, in which the pain endings are located, is stretched. When a person feels pain in the left hypochondrium, this already indicates a pronounced pathology.

Early splenic dysfunction may be detected by other signs. Doctors note that the activity of the organ occurs mainly in the morning hours, from 9.00 to 11.00. If during this period you feel weak, sleepy every day, you lose your appetite, but you want sweets, consult a doctor for an examination of the spleen.

Dzhgarkava Thea Gochaevna

Therapist-cardiologist
Experience 5 years

Make an appointment with a doctor in Moscow with pain in the spleen

If pain in the area of ​​the spleen and adjacent organs occurs frequently, it is important to consult a doctor in time. A general practitioner, a universal specialist who coordinates the treatment of all systems and organs in the human body, will help you draw up a diagnostic plan at the MedEx personal medicine clinic.

Sources:

1. Diseases of the spleen in surgery. Styazhkina S.N., Beloborodova O.A., Kazantseva Yu.A., Shalimova A.P. VI Ross. nat. congr. “Man and Medicine”. Abstracts of reports. Moscow, 1999.

2. Spleen cyst. M. I. Vasilchenko, A. V. Simonenko, D. A. Zelenin, M. A. Makanin, E. A. Kulyushina. Federal State Institution 2 Central Military Clinical Hospital. P. V. Mandryka of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. 2012.

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Dzhgarkava Thea Gochaevna

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Experience: 9 years

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How to Diagnose Spleen Pain

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How to Diagnose Spleen Pain : Spleen Pain is Unpleasant or Excruciating sensation in the spleen, experience of physical or emotional suffering. Serves as a protective signal of real or suspected tissue damage. The initial diagnosis of pain in the spleen will require an abdominal ultrasound and subsequent consultation with a hematologist. As an additional examination, the doctor may prescribe:

• Abdominal MRI
• CT abdomen
• laboratory tests.

Which doctor treats pain in the spleen: In case of symptoms of pain in the spleen, you should first consult a hematologist, based on the results of the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe an additional consultation with a gastroenterologist.

The spleen is a small organ located inside the left side of the chest, just above the stomach, and is part of the lymphatic system. The functioning of the spleen is affected by many different conditions, diseases, disorders, and injuries that impair the function of the spleen:

• store some blood
• filter the blood by removing cellular waste and getting rid of old or damaged blood cells
• produce white blood cells and antibodies that help fight infection
• maintain normal body fluid levels
• produce antibodies that protect the body from infections

and provokes pain.

Causes of pain in the spleen

Many disorders, conditions, injuries and diseases can cause pain in the spleen:

Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly): Some conditions can cause the spleen to become enlarged. An enlarged spleen can cause pain and an unpleasant feeling of fullness, even without eating. Splenomegaly is a dangerous condition because the spleen can rupture or bleed. Causes of enlargement of the spleen:

• blood cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as cancers of other parts of the body with metastases to the spleen
• blood clots in the spleen or liver
• certain types of anemia, including hemolytic anemia
• cystic fibrosis
• infections, including mononucleosis, syphilis, malaria, and endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart)
• liver problems, including cirrhosis
• hereditary metabolic disorders such as Gaucher’s disease
• inflammatory diseases, including sarcoidosis
• protein disorders such as amyloidosis.

Functional asplenia: This condition occurs when the spleen is not working properly, destroying healthy red blood cells. Destroying too many blood cells can increase the risk of infection and lead to bruising and bleeding. Functional asplenia can be the result of an accident or injury that damages the spleen, celiac disease, sickle cell disease.

Injury to the spleen: Car accidents and blows to the stomach are common causes of damage to the spleen. This life-threatening injury can cause severe internal bleeding.

Symptoms of a ruptured spleen include palpitations, nausea, dizziness, pain under the ribs on the left side.

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Literature

1. Boger M. M., Mordvov S.A. Ultrasound diagnostics of gastroenterology. Novosibirsk, Nauka, 1988.
2. Kamalov Yu.R. Ultrasound examination of the liver, its large vessels and spleen in chronic diffuse liver diseases // Med. radiology. No. 12. 1991. S. 40-46.
3. Mitkov V.V. Dopplerography in the diagnosis of diseases of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and their vessels. Moscow. 2000. Ed. Vidar-M. P.32.
4. Zubovsky G.A. Radiation and ultrasound diagnostics of diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Moscow: Medicine, 1988. S. 240.
5. Okorokov A.N. Management. Diagnosis of diseases of internal organs. T4. Diagnosis of blood diseases. Moscow. Medical Literature 2001. S. 373.

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