What it Means to Have an Enlarged Spleen

The spleen is a small fist-sized organ found on the top left portion of the abdomen below the diaphragm. Since it is a part of the lymphatic system, it protects the body from infections by getting rid of bacteria, viruses and other foreign bodies that may be harmful. Aside from this, it also gets rid of dead cells of the blood. Sometimes the spleen may become enlarged. The condition is called splenomegaly. What causes this condition and what can be done about it? Causes

Just like lymph nodes, the spleen may become enlarged due to bacterial, parasitic or viral infections. The organ however, can also increase in size due to certain conditions that may affect the blood. Various kinds of hemolytic anemia and leukemia may therefore cause swelling. Diseases of the liver such as biliary atresia, cirrhosis and Wilson’s disease may also cause enlargement.

One other possible dangerous cause of enlargement is lymphoma. This is cancer which affects the lymphatic system. Cancer cells that originate from the lymph nodes may easily spread to the spleen.

An enlarged spleen that is not promptly treated may be damaged. The least that can happen is that its functions may become impaired. A patient may have a bigger problem though if the spleen actually ruptures. This can cause considerable internal bleeding.

Symptoms

It is possible for the spleen to become enlarged without showing any symptoms. If there are any symptoms, they may be so vague that a person may easily confuse the condition with something else. An affected person may have constant hiccups and may not be able to eat as much as his usual appetite would permit. Some patients may also feel a little tired.

A crucial symptom that not all patients experience is abdominal pain the in the area where the spleen is. The pain may be so severe for some that it may radiate from the abdomen area to the left shoulder and back. See a doctor immediately if you experience any pain.

Going to the Doctor

Pain is often the first symptom that can send people running to the doctor. During a check up for an enlarged spleen, the doctor conducts an interview first to determine all apparent symptoms and find out if there are other medical conditions that may cause the symptoms.