Procedures
The prognosis for patients with splenomegaly depends on the condition causing the enlargement. Regardless of the underlying etiology, the risk of rupture even with minor trauma is high in patients with an enlarged spleen.
Self-care
When the symptoms are present, they include:
- Pain in the upper left part of the abdomen that can spread to the left shoulder. ...
- A sensation of being full without eating or after eating only a small amount. This is because the over-sized spleen is pressing on the stomach.
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Easy bleeding
- Weight loss
- Low lymphocyte count
Nutrition
What are other signs and symptoms of an enlarged spleen?
- Often, an enlarged spleen causes no symptoms or signs itself, but they are due to an underlying illness that causes splenomegaly. ...
- Examples of illnesses that cause signs and symptoms may include:
- Anemia, which causes symptoms that include: Weakness Fatigue Shortness of breath
- Low platelet count ( thrombocytopenia) due to spontaneously bleeding. ...
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Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Overview. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. ...
- Symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs of thrombocytopenia that worry you. ...
- Causes. The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. ...
- Complications. ...
What is the prognosis of splenomegaly?
What are the signs of splenomegaly?
What are the signs and symptoms of splenomegaly?
What causes thrombocytopenia in patients with splenomegaly?
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Can enlarged spleen be cured?
Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it. Surgery to remove an enlarged spleen usually isn't needed, but sometimes it's recommended.
What medications reduce spleen size?
There are several options for dealing with the painful effects of an enlarged spleen, which include:Ruxolitinib (Jakafi®), which has been shown to reduce spleen size in some patients.Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®), which may reduce the size of an enlarged spleen and relieve related symptoms.More items...
What antibiotics are used to treat spleen?
Table I.OrganismAntibioticDoseMethicillin-resistant S. aureusVancomycin2g daily (divided every 12 hours)Aerobic gram-negative rodsCeftriaxoneCefotaxime2–4g daily (divided every 12 hours)12g daily (divided every 6 hours)Burkholderia pseudomalleiCeftazidime8g daily (divided every 6 hours)3 more rows
How long does it take to recover from splenomegaly?
You or your child will spend less than a week in the hospital. The hospital stay may be only 1 or 2 days after a laparoscopic splenectomy. Healing will likely take 4 to 6 weeks.
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...•
How can I naturally reduce the size of my spleen?
Foods to eat and avoidFruits: berries, citrus fruits, cherries, bananas, apples.Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, asparagus, peppers.Starchy vegetables: sweet potatoes, butternut squash.Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley.Healthy fats: olive oil, avocados, full fat yogurt, unsweetened coconut.More items...•
Will prednisone help enlarged spleen?
Prednisone treatment could reduce the volumes of the spleen and thymus and decrease the percentage of DN T cells and activated T cells (CD4+CD69+).
What drugs damage the spleen?
In addition to size alteration, cocaine causes direct damage to the spleen through tissue infarction [7]. The mechanism of splenic bleeding can be due to cocaine induced vasospasm, which leads to an infarction, a sudden increase in blood pressure and vascular rupture [8,9].
Is 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).
Can an enlarged spleen be treated with medication?
Some drugs can shrink an enlarged spleen. Your doctor might try chemotherapy, immunomodulators, and a drug called ruxolitinib (Jakafi). Radiation might help, too. However, you may need surgery to remove an enlarged spleen.
What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
Enlarged Spleen Foods to AvoidSugary Foods. If you consume food items that are high in sugar, then these can influence your general immune system negatively and they are also harmful to your spleen. ... Alcohol. ... Caffeine. ... Diet Sodas. ... Processed Oils. ... Fast Foods. ... Cold Foods. ... Cooked Vegetables.More items...•
Does an enlarged spleen need to be removed?
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. You may be prescribed antibiotics if there's an infection.
What is splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly refers to an enlarged spleen. The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, under the rib cage. It plays an importa...
What causes splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly can be caused by a wide range of disorders. It is most commonly caused by infections, certain cancers, and portal hypertension; howeve...
Is an enlarged spleen serious?
Splenomegaly is a serious condition and it is recommended to seek out immediate medical attention if spleen enlargement is suspected. An enlarged s...
What is massive splenomegaly?
Massive splenomegaly refers to significant enlargement of the spleen, usually larger than 20 cm (approximately 8 inches) in length or over 1 kg (ap...
How do you know if your spleen is enlarged?
Individuals with splenomegaly most commonly experience vague abdominal discomfort, which might also be accompanied by localized pain near the splee...
How do you diagnose splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly can usually be diagnosed through palpation during a physical exam. In rare occasions a normal-sized, healthy spleen can also be felt d...
How do you treat splenomegaly?
Treatment of splenomegaly primarily focuses on treating the underlying cause. In general, however, all individuals with splenomegaly are recommende...
What is the prognosis for splenomegaly?
Prognosis for splenomegaly largely depends on the underlying cause. Splenomegaly due to infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, can generally...
What are the most important facts to know about splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. Enlargement is defined as a spleen greater than 12 cm (approximately 5 inches) in length or o...
What bacteria are splenomegaly treated for?
In severe cases that require a splenectomy, individuals are advised to get vaccinated against certain bacterias, such as Pneumococcus, Meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae, in order to avoid potentially life-threatening infections.
What is the best way to diagnose splenomegaly?
An ultrasound can also be helpful in diagnosing splenomegaly. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) can be used to examine blood flow through the spleen. Further differential diagnosis is essential to determining the underlying causes of the splenomegaly.
Why does the spleen enlarge?
When the body is fighting these infections , the spleen works hard to produce antibodies against the infectious agent, leading to an increase in the number of splenic cells. This can ultimately cause enlargement of the spleen. Splenomegaly can also occur as a result of certain blood cancers, such as leukemias and lymphomas.
How big is a splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. Enlargement is defined as a spleen greater than 12 cm (approximately 5 inches) in length or over 400 grams (approximately 14 ounces) in weight. Massive splenomegaly refers to even greater enlargement, with a spleen size larger than 20 cm (approximately 8 inches) in length or over 1 kg ...
What causes splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly can be caused by a wide range of disorders. It is most commonly caused by infections , certain cancers, and portal hypertension; however, several other conditions may also lead to splenomegaly. Infections associated with splenomegaly include viral infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, parasitic infections, ...
What happens if you rupture a spleen?
Splenic rupture can lead to a life-threatening loss of blood. In these cases, splenectomy, or removal of the spleen, may be required. Moreover, an enlarged spleen can cause the destruction of circulating blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells , and platelets.
What are the symptoms of enlarged spleen?
For example, individuals with splenomegaly caused by an infection may present with fever or chills, while individuals with splenomegaly caused by cancer may experience night sweats and weight loss.
What is splenomegaly lymphatic?
Splenomegaly is a condition that occurs when your spleen becomes enlarged. It’s also commonly referred to as enlarged spleen or spleen enlargement. The spleen is a part of your lymphatic system. It helps the immune system by storing white blood cells and helping in the creation of antibodies. This organ is found on the left side ...
When to see a doctor for enlarged spleen?
If you experience pain in the upper left side of your abdomen that is severe, or if the pain worsens when you breathe, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, ...
Why does the spleen not filter blood?
If your spleen starts to press on other organs, it can start to affect the blood flow to the spleen. This could cause your spleen to not be able to filter your blood properly. If your spleen becomes too big, it can start to remove too many red blood cells from your blood.
Why is the spleen important?
Your spleen is extremely important in your body’s fight against infection because it’s the source of two types of white blood cells: B cells and T cells. White blood cells protect your body from bacteria and infections. The spleen is usually about the size of your fist, but when enlarged, it can become much bigger.
What diseases are in the spleen?
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.
What does it feel like to have an enlarged spleen?
A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen , where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
A number of diseases and conditions can cause an enlarged spleen. Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosis and cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen.
How to diagnose splenomegaly?
To diagnose splenomegaly, a doctor will start by having the person describe their symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination to see whether or not they can feel an enlarged spleen. A doctor who suspects splenomegaly will likely order laboratory and imaging tests.
What causes splenomegaly?
Some of the most common causes of splenomegaly include: Blood-related disorders: Conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloproliferative conditions can cause cancer cells to invade the spleen and multiply rapidly, thereby increasing the spleen’s size. An estimated 64%. Trusted Source.
Why do splenomegaly cases increase?
An estimated 64%. Trusted Source. of massive splenomegaly cases are due to blood-related disorders. Liver diseases: Liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can cause increased pressure in the liver that backs up to the spleen. As a result, the spleen starts to enlarge.
What is the procedure to remove a person's spleen?
In some cases, such as a rupture or cancer, a surgeon may have to remove a person’s spleen in a procedure known as splenectomy.
How big is a spleen?
Massive splenomegaly occurs when the spleen is larger than 20 cm (7.9 in) or weighs more than 1,000 g (2.2 lb). This article will discuss some potential causes and symptoms of splenomegaly, as well as the treatment options currently available.
When to see a doctor for splenomegaly?
When to see a doctor. A person should see their doctor if they have any symptoms associated with splenomegaly — such as abdominal symptoms they cannot explain, including swelling, pain, or appetite loss — or can feel their spleen on their left side.
What is the function of the spleen?
The spleen acts as part of the immune system by filtering blood. Splenomegaly occurs when the spleen grows larger or becomes heavier. Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) Trusted Source.
What is the procedure to remove a spleen?
This means the surgery is performed through small incisions. A laparoscope allows the surgeon to view and remove the spleen. If your spleen is removed, you cannot effectively clear certain bacteria from your body and will be more vulnerable to certain infections.
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.
Why is my spleen overactive?
For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells. This is called hypersplenism. It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood. Causes of an Enlarged Spleen.
Why does the spleen swell?
But diseases can cause it to swell and become many times its normal size. Because the spleen is involved in many functions, many conditions may affect it. 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.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
Here are some common causes of an enlarged spleen: Infections. Viral infections, such as mononucleosis. Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis. Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis (an infection of your heart's valves) Cancer. Leukemia, a cancerin which white blood cells displace normal blood cells.
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.
What are the diseases that affect the spleen?
Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Trauma, such as an injury during contact sports. Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the spleen. A cyst, a noncancerous fluid-filled sac.
What happens when your spleen is enlarged?
An enlarged spleen starts filtering both abnormal and normal RBCs. This reduces the total cellular volume in your blood, increasing platelet trapping. This can eventually cause a clogging of the spleen with too many blood cells and affect its normal functioning. Sometimes, the size of the spleen increases more than its potential blood supply. This destroys parts of the spleen.
Where is the spleen located?
The spleen is a part of the human lymphatic system, located in the abdomen. It is present behind the left ribs. It is a soft, spongy organ that performs several critical jobs. It usually is about the size of your fist.
What is the procedure to remove a spleen?
In certain cases, surgery is required to remove the spleen (an operation called splenectomy ).
How to tell if you have an enlarged spleen?
You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: 1 Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back. 2 Feel full early, so that you can eat only small amounts. 3 Become anemic (and with that, be tired and/or short of breath).
Why is the spleen important?
The spleen is normally about the size of a fist. The spleen is important because it helps filter the blood. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
