Splenomegaly Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Splenomegaly is a term used to describe a condition in which there is an enlargement of the spleen. Many health conditions, including infections, liver disease, and some cancers, can cause an enlarged spleen.
The spleen is an organ located on the left side of the body, just below the ribs. An enlarged spleen is generally asymptomatic and is often found during a physical exam.
Doctors generally cannot feel a normal-sized spleen during a physical examination, but an enlarged spleen can be felt. To help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen, blood tests or imaging can be done.
Treatment of an enlarged spleen aims to address the underlying cause. Surgical removal of an enlarged spleen is not the first line of treatment, but it can be needed.
Symptoms
In some cases, splenomegaly or an enlarged spleen doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms. However, an enlarged spleen can cause the following signs and symptoms:
• Pain or fullness in the upper left abdomen which may radiate to the upper back.
• A feeling of being full without eating food or after eating a small amount of food, due to pressure on the stomach by the enlarged spleen
• Anemia
• Feeling tired
• Frequent infections
• Bleeding easily
Reason
Splenomegaly or spleen enlargement that occurs can be temporary, depending on the conditions being experienced. Several types of diseases that can cause an enlarged spleen are:
• Viral infections, such as mononucleosis
• Bacterial infections, such as syphilis or endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)
• Parasitic infections, such as malaria
• Cirrhosis or other diseases that affect the liver •
Various types of hemolytic anemia, which is a condition characterized by early breakdown of red blood cells •
Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, etc.
• Metabolic disease
• Increased pressure or presence of blood clots in the veins of the spleen or liver
Spleen enlargement can occur at any age, but certain population groups may have a higher risk of this condition. Groups at risk include:
• Children and young adults with infections, such as mononucleosis
• Individuals with certain metabolic diseases that affect the liver and heart
• Individuals living in or visiting areas where malaria is common
Diagnosis
Splenomegaly or an enlarged spleen is generally detected from a physical examination, where the doctor can feel the enlarged spleen during a physical examination of the abdomen. However, in some people, especially those who are tall, a normal-sized healthy spleen can also sometimes be felt during a physical examination.
Doctors can confirm an enlarged spleen by carrying out one or more of the following investigations:
• Blood tests. Blood tests that can be done include a complete blood count to see the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the body.
• Ultrasound examination (USG) or computerized tomography (CT). This examination can be done to determine the size of the spleen and the presence of pressure on other organs due to an enlarged spleen.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination to see blood flow through the spleen.
Sometimes, further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the enlarged spleen, including liver function tests and bone marrow examination. These various examinations can provide more detailed information about the condition of the enlarged spleen that you are experiencing.
Treatment
Treatment for splenomegaly or enlarged spleen is aimed at addressing the underlying cause. For example, in individuals who have an enlarged spleen due to a bacterial infection, treatment may include antibiotics to treat the infection.
Enlargement of the spleen that is not accompanied by symptoms and no underlying cause can be suggested for observation first. If symptoms arise, treatment can be considered to overcome them.
If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be recommended. Likewise if the cause cannot be identified and treated.
However, the removal of the spleen requires careful consideration. A person can indeed live actively without a spleen. However, it increases the chance of developing a serious infection after spleen removal.
Prevention
Can splenomegaly or enlarged spleen be prevented? Avoiding certain things that increase the chance of rupture of the spleen –such as contact sports, can help reduce the chance of this condition occurring.
In addition, it is very important to use a seat belt. In a motor vehicle accident, a seat belt can help prevent injury to the spleen.