what is the treatment for splenules

• Watchful waiting. If you have an enlarged spleen but don't have symptoms and the cause can't be found, your doctor might suggest watchful waiting.
• Spleen removal surgery. 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.
• Reducing infection risk after surgery. A series of vaccinations before and after the splenectomy. ...

Full Answer

What are the treatment options for an enlarged spleen?

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 ). Are there special considerations for people with enlarged spleens?

What is a splenule in spleen?

Accessory spleen: A splenule is a small accessory spleen. This is a normal variant and is nothing to worry about. Accessory spleen: A splenule is a small collection of splenic tissue found apart from the main body of the spleen. This is a common finding occurring in 10% of people. ...

Why would my doctor have to remove my spleen?

Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there's no identifiable cause for the enlargement. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. After surgery to remove it, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen.

What are splenunculi?

Splenunculi (also known as supernumerary spleens, accessory spleens, or splenules ) are small nodules of spleen that are separate from the rest of the organ. They are common, seen in up to 16% of CTs of the abdomen and up to 30% of autopsies 2 .

Is Splenule normal?

Splenules, or accessory spleens, are congenital foci of normal splenic tissue that are separate from the main body of the spleen. They are not uncommon, and are often incidentally found on CT scans and other abdominal imaging studies.

What causes a small Splenule?

Viral infections, such as mononucleosis. Bacterial infections, such as syphilis or an infection of your heart's inner lining (endocarditis) Parasitic infections, such as malaria. Cirrhosis and other diseases affecting the liver.

What is a Splenule mean?

Introduction. An accessory spleen, also called a supernumerary spleen, a splenule, or a splenunculus, is a benign and asymptomatic condition in which splenic tissue is found outside the normal spleen. Accessory spleens are a relatively common phenomenon with an estimated 10% to 30% of the population having one.

Can a Splenule cause pain?

An enlarged spleen does not always cause symptoms. Otherwise, look out for: feeling full very quickly after eating (an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach) feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs.

What is a pancreatic Splenule?

Splenules are congenital foci of healthy splenic tissue that are separate from the main body but are structurally identical to the spleen, derived from mesenchymal buds on the left side of the mesogastrium and commonly seen in or near the tail of the pancreas.

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.

Is a Splenule an accessory spleen?

An accessory spleen is a small nodule of splenic tissue found apart from the main body of the spleen....Accessory spleenOther namesSupernumerary spleen, splenule, splenunculusCT scan of an accessory spleen (in center of image) between the spleen and left kidney.SpecialtyMedical genetics1 more row

Is an accessory spleen harmful?

One piece often is smaller than the other and is referred to as an accessory spleen. Multiple (accessory) spleens do not cause medical problems, and nothing is done about them. Rarely, accessory spleens may be confused with tumors.

Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size?

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 irritate the 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...•

How do you sleep with an enlarged spleen?

If you suffer from an enlarged spleen, you will want to sleep on your left side. If you sleep on your right side, there will be more pressure put on the abdomen, which will make it more challenging for this blood-purifying organ to do its essential job of filtering out waste.

How can I naturally reduce the size of my spleen?

Natural Remedies For Controlling Enlarged SpleenAnti-inflammatory diet. To get relief from enlarged spleen, you need to find out ways to control your diet and help to reduce inflammation. ... Do stress buster activities. ... Use of Essential Oils. ... Exercise to improve digestion. ... Maintain a healthy routine.

How to prevent a ruptured spleen?

Avoid contact sports — such as soccer, football and hockey — and limit other activities as recommended by your doctor. Modifying your activities can reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen. It's also important to wear a seat belt.

What to do after spleen removal?

After spleen removal, certain steps can help reduce your risk of infection, including: 1 A series of vaccinations both before and after the splenectomy. These include the pneumococcal (Pneumovax 23), meningococcal and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines, which protect against pneumonia, meningitis and infections of the blood, bones and joints. You'll also need the pneumococcal vaccine every five years after surgery. 2 Taking penicillin or other antibiotics after your operation and anytime you or your doctor suspects the possibility of an infection. 3 Calling your doctor at the first sign of a fever, because this may indicate an infection. 4 Avoiding travel to parts of the world where certain diseases, such as malaria, are common.

Why is a needle biopsy of the spleen rare?

A needle biopsy of the spleen is very rare because of the risk of bleeding. Occasionally, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your spleen when there's no identifiable cause for the enlargement. After surgical removal, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen.

How to tell if spleen is enlarged?

An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper abdomen. However, in some people — especially those who are slender — a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam.

What is the procedure to remove bone marrow?

A sample of solid bone marrow is sometimes removed in a procedure called a bone marrow biopsy. Or you may have a bone marrow aspiration, which removes the liquid portion of your marrow. In many cases, both procedures are performed at the same time (bone marrow exam). Both the liquid and solid bone marrow samples are usually taken from the pelvis. ...

What is the best way to check the size of your 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. Ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it's crowding other organs. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) to trace blood flow through the spleen. ...

What tests can be done to check for enlarged spleen?

Sometimes you may need more testing to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including liver function tests and a bone marrow exam. These tests can provide more-detailed information about your blood cells than can blood drawn from a vein.

When is a spleen resection considered?

They are resected together with the spleen when performing a total splenectomy for conditions such as blood dyscrasias and hemoglobinopathy. Resection is also considered when infarction, torsion or ruptured accessory spleen due to vascular pedicle complications 8.

What is a wandering spleen?

splenectomy), and do not have splenic arterial supply. wandering spleen : spleen located in an unusual position within the abdominal cavity.

What are the conditions that can cause abnormal location of splenic tissue?

Other conditions with abnormal location or morphology of splenic tissue include: lobulations or clefts: represent incomplete but partial fusion and are very common 2. polysplenia : rarely multiple splenules are seen without a 'parent' spleen; this is referred to as polysplenia and is seen associated with situs abnormalities.

What is the name of the nodule in the spleen?

Splenunculus. Splenunculi, also known as supernumerary spleens, accessory spleens, or splenules, are small nodules of spleen that are separate from the rest of the organ.

Where are spleen nodules located?

Splenunculi are typically a few centimeters in diameter when identified, well-circumscribed rounded or ovoid nodules. Although most are located near the spleen, they have been identified elsewhere in the abdominal cavity including 2,3: splenic hilum (most common) 9. gastrosplenic ligament.

Is the accessory spleen intraperitoneal or acquired?

Each component is extraperitoneal. They should not be confused with splenosis (see below) which is acquired and intraperitoneal.

What is the procedure to remove a spleen?

In certain cases, surgery is required to remove the spleen (an operation called splenectomy ).

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.

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).

What is the function of the spleen?

The spleen also acts to help keep the blood free of unwanted substances, including wastes and infecting organisms. The blood is delivered to it by the splenic artery, and passes through smaller branch arteries into a network of channels lined with leukocytes known as phagocytes (see reticuloendothelial system ).

What is the spleen?

spleen. a large glandlike but ductless organ in the upper part of the abdominal cavity on the left side, lateral to the cardiac end of the stomach. Called also lien. adj., adj splen´ic. It is the largest collection of reticuloendothelial cells in the body and is composed of spongelike tissue of two types: red pulp, ...

What happens to the spleen during stress?

In times of exertion, emotional stress, pregnancy, severe bleeding, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other occasions when the oxygen content of the blood must be increased, the spleen contracts rhythmically to release its store of erythrocytes into the bloodstream.

What is accessory spleen?

accessory spleen a small mass of tissue elsewhere in the body, histologically and functionally identical with that composing the normal spleen. Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition.

How much does the spleen weigh?

In a normal adult the spleen is about 12.5 cm long and weighs about 140 to 210 g. After gastric digestion and in the presence of disease the spleen enlarges. During fetal life the spleen and liver produce erythrocytes, but after birth that function is taken over by the bone marrow.

How to treat spondylosis?

Conservative spondylosis treatment options can often effectively address mild cases of the condition. A conservative treatment is any form of therapy that does not involve surgery. This classification ranges from yoga to medication. There are several forms of effective conservative spondylosis treatment, including: 1 Physical therapy. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that will strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine. As your muscles strengthen, they will better hold your spine in place and help take some of the pressure off of your vertebrae and joints. While this spondylosis treatment won’t reverse the condition, it can slow spinal degeneration down and prevent it from worsening. 2 Restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is designed to restore the muscle strength in the core. Similar to physical therapy, restorative yoga develops the muscles which will help your spine stay aligned and slow natural wear. 3 Lifestyle changes. Some people may benefit from a lifestyle change, such as a weight loss plan. Losing weight can help relieve the pressure from the spine and slow down the deterioration of its components. Additionally, weight loss programs usually include strength training, which will enhance the muscles surrounding your spine and help hold everything in its proper place. 4 Pain medication. Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate the discomfort caused by spondylosis, if that happens to be a symptom you experience. This spondylosis treatment can either be prescribed as daily pills or epidural shots that you have injected every month or every three months.

What is conservative spondylosis?

Conservative spondylosis treatment options can often effectively address mild cases of the condition. A conservative treatment is any form of therapy that does not involve surgery. This classification ranges from yoga to medication. There are several forms of effective conservative spondylosis treatment, including:

Pathology

Clinical Presentation

• Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the what's causing it. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, treatment will include antibiotics.

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Radiographic Features

Treatment and Prognosis

Differential Diagnosis