What Are the Causes of an Englarged Spleen?

An enlarged spleen or splenomegaly is not a disease on its own, but is a problem caused by other conditions. If an enlarged spleen is not treated, there is a risk of the spleen rupturing, which can be fatal.

Function

• According to Medline Plus, the spleen is an organ that is part of the lymphatic system and is responsible for filtering the blood.

Symptoms

• People with an enlarged spleen may not experience any symptoms, but those who do have symptoms may feel pain in the left upper abdomen that spreads to the left shoulder or fatigue or feel full without eating much.

Causes

• Blood cancers, infection and metabolic disorders are some of the things that can cause an enlarged spleen. Spleen enlargement can also be caused by liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and cystic fibrosis.

Diagnosis

• A doctor can detect an enlarged spleen through a physical exam by feeling the enlargement in the upper abdomen. Doctors can also test for an enlarged spleen by doing blood tests or by taking images using a CT scan.

Treatment

• Doctors try to treat an enlarged spleen by focusing on what is causing it, such as treating an infection with an antibiotic. Since the body can live without the spleen, it can be removed through surgery if the underlying cause cannot be treated, but there may be a higher risk of infection.