Sometimes you may need more testing to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including liver function tests and a bone marrow exam. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. However, in some people — especially those who are slender — a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. Splenomegaly can usually be felt during an examination by a healthcare provider. In many cases, both procedures are performed at the same time (bone marrow exam). Ceanothus is the most efficient remedy for sensitive swollen and enlarged spleens. Essential oils that reduce inflammation, fight infections, increase blood flow and reduce pain include lemon, myrrh, oregano, cypress and frankincense. Spleen is an organ that filters the blood and keeps up red and white platelets levels. A series of vaccinations both before and after the splenectomy. Enlarged Spleen Treatments. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. An enlarged liver and spleen, medically known as hepatosplenomegaly, occur when the liver and spleen swell beyond their normal size. Cancer of the spleen usually occurs when another type of cancer spreads. Sometimes, the Spleen becomes enlarged and grows big enough inside the body to cause discomforts. Nemours Foundation: "Spleen and Lymphatic System.". https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bone-marrow/tab/test/. An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. But if your doctor recommends imaging, you generally don't need any special preparation for an ultrasound or MRI. It filters the blood and acts as a reservoir. Treatment for enlarged spleen involves addressing the underlying cause. 19th ed. If it’s secondary, it starts in another organ and spreads to the spleen. What is the spleen and what causes an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)? Both the liquid and solid bone marrow samples are usually taken from the pelvis. The doctor can often feel the enlargement by gently examining your left upper abdomen, just under the rib cage. The spleen is usually as big as a fist. The spleen can become swollen after an infection or injury. An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. If you have an enlarged spleen, you may develop other signs or symptoms, too. After surgical removal, the spleen is examined under a microscope to check for possible lymphoma of the spleen. Its health benefits are well known even in the modern age of medicine because it’s a mineral-rich byproduct of sugar processing. An enlarged spleen can be diagnosed by palpating the area. Make a donation. It is efficient in curing swollen spleen, resulting from malarial fever. It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood. The incidence is believed to be in response to hyperfunction in order to … This content does not have an English version. If you have an enlarged spleen, it may be that a bacterial infection in the organ is causing it to expand. Splenomegaly. It is also fighting to combat any bacteria and toxins in the body. This involves palpating (examining by touch) your spleen. Essential oils like frankincense, cypress, oregano, myrrh and lemon are efficient in … Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee).An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. If you have no symptoms and no cause, your provider may suggest watchful waiting. Ruptured spleen Certain disorders, including glandular fever, can occasionally make the enlarged spleen delicate enough to rupture. Accessed June 14, 2016. Treatment and Prevention. Bile salts also enhance absorption of fatty acids, cholesterol, and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Low levels of bile salts result in poor lipid absorption and vitamin deficiencies. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. The physician will also ask a series of questions to determine if there are symptoms either from the enlarged spleen or the underlying cause of the large spleen. A needle biopsy of the spleen is very rare because of the risk of bleeding. For example, antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections, or treatment may be given based on liver disease. Enlarged spleen can be prevented by preventing the underlying illness as best as possible. U.S. National Library of Medicine. In some cases, other tests may be needed. If you have an enlarged spleen but don't have any symptoms and the cause can't be found, your doctor may suggest watchful waiting. Generally, it is as big as the size of a fist. Treatment of enlarged spleen. Many common MF symptoms are associated with an underlying condition caused by MF, such as anemia or an enlarged spleen.. But as a result of diseases the Spleen gets enlarged. The spleen is a small organ normally about the size of your fist. The Spleen swells and gets enlarged when affected by a disease. Landaw SA, et al. Treatment depends on what is causing your enlarged spleen. This content does not have an Arabic version. An enlarged spleen does not cause many symptoms, and the symptoms that it does cause may be mistaken for many other medical conditions. Merck Manual Professional Version. ; In some circumstances, removing the spleen is part of the treatment, but it can make the person much more susceptible to infections. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically (splenectomy). Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). Prognosis; Complications https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/blood-disorders/spleen-disorders/enlarged-spleen. For example, if a bacterial infection caused your enlarged spleen, you will receive antibiotics. In the allopathic treatment of enlarged spleen, antibiotics are given to the patient. An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. A ruptured spleen can cause lots of blood loss and be life threatening. Steps to Take, Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis, Trauma, such as an injury during contact sports, Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the spleen, Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen; this pain may spread to your left. These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen: If you have pain that is severe or gets worse when taking a deep breath, see your doctor right away. Fat-splitting enzymes (lipases) can then digest the fat molecules more effectively. Spleen is located on the left side of the upper quadrant of the abdomen. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions. Clearly, the treatment of enlarged spleen is related to the cause that has caused such swelling but should establish a prompt medical treatment since an enlarged spleen can lead to chronic infection. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Your spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells, regulates red and white blood cell levels and helps to filter out old and damaged red blood cells. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically ( splenectomy ). The Causes & Treatment Options For An Enlarged Spleen November 7, 2017 by Michael Koeplin, MD Leave a Comment Your spleen is an organ that helps to defend your body against infection by producing bacteria-fighting white blood cells. As a crucial part our lymphatic system, the spleen is a vital “guardian” organ that we rely on every single day to keep the body free from infections, virus and dangerous pathogens of all kinds. You'll receive either general or local anesthesia before the test to ease discomfort. Prolonged inflammation of the spleen may lead to its removal due to chronic infection if not treated in time. Computed tomography (CT) — Abdomen and pelvis. All rights reserved. According to CancerHelp UK.org, radiation therapy is administered to help shrink the enlarged spleen and relieve the associated pain and abdominal discomfort. Enlarged Spleen Treatments. But as a result of diseases the Spleen gets enlarged. For example, if the splenomegaly is caused by particular cancers (including Hodgkin’s disease, leukaemia or lymphoma), then treatment will focus on eliminating or controlling the primary disease. You may need an operation to remove your spleen, known as a splenectomy, if it's not working properly or it's damaged, diseased or enlarged. Clinically, the spleen can become enlarged (a condition called splenomegaly) due to a range of conditions, including cancer, pressure from the veins, as well as bacterial or viral infections. When this occurs your spleen has become overactive in that it is removing blood cells at a quicker pace. Accessed June 14, 2016. Sometimes radiation can shrink your spleen so that you can avoid surgery. In some rare cases, radiation therapy can be an effective approach to shrink the enlarged spleen. Accessed June 14, 2016. ; In some circumstances, removing the spleen is part of the treatment, but it can make the person much more susceptible to infections. The treatment options for an enlarged spleen depend almost entirely on the underlying cause and the severity of those symptoms. The spleen filters blood, removing abnormal blood cells from the bloodstream. If you're having a CT scan, however, you may need to refrain from eating before the test. Weight reduction, jaundice, seeping from any piece of body (Nose or Mouth), weariness and […] You should use this medicine for the treatment of enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It is recommended that you drink onion cooked water with a tablespoon olive oil as this is an excellent remedy to improve this condition. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. An enlarged spleen, a condition called “splenomegaly,” is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it can’t keep up with high demand. The underlying cause of an enlarged spleen will largely affect treatment. Bacterial infections can be cleared up with antibiotics. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper abdomen. Spleen Removal Surgery. Use Essential Oils and Supplements Many essential oils can work for enlarged spleen treatment. Likewise keep up a waste framework organize that ensure our body against disease. Blackstrap Molasses is a well known, ancient remedy to enlarged spleens. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr#preparation. Limit any activities that could rupture your spleen, such as contact sports. You should use this medicine for the treatment of enlarged spleen. You'll also need the pneumococcal vaccine every five years after surgery. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, treatment will include antibiotics. The Spleen is part of the immune system. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. But diseases can cause it to swell and become many times its normal size. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Research has shown that around 3% of first-year college students have enlarged spleens. Treatment depends on the etiology of the splenomegaly (what is causing the spleen to become larger). How is an enlarged spleen treated? Spleen is an organ that filters the blood and keeps up red and white platelets levels. That means at least an annual flu shot, and a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster every 10 years. If the cause of your enlarged spleen cannot be determined and you have no symptoms, the doctor may suggest a “watchful waiting” period. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Enlarged Spleen is a disease of the Spleen. What does the spleen do ? This is referred to as a splenectomy. An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a problem. Clearly, the treatment of enlarged spleen is related to the cause that has caused such swelling but should establish a prompt medical treatment since an enlarged spleen can lead to chronic infection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — Body. Go straight to A&E if you think you have ruptured or damaged your spleen. Following a healthy diet that is low in fat is very important to ensure your well-being and recovery. She may also choose to perform an ultrasound or a CT scan in order to determine the size of your spleen and see just how far into your abdomen your spleen … Close monitoring, bed rest, and blood pressure control are used to give the spleen time to heal. Other tests may include imaging, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs. If you're in a car accident, a seat belt can help prevent injury to your spleen. Modifying your activities can reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen. In certain cases, surgery is required to remove the spleen (an operation called splenectomy). Once it is discovered why your spleen has increased in size, treatment can begin and depends on the cause. Modifying your activities can reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen.It's also important to wear a seat belt. Accessed June 14, 2016. Enlarged spleen cannot work appropriately and can bring about to decimate platelets. Enlarged Spleen SizePage Contents1 Enlarged Spleen Size2 Causes of Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen)3 … A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Accessed June 14, 2016. The spleen, an organ in the upper abdomen, can become enlarged from various causes. Because the enlarged spleen lies next to the stomach and sometimes presses against it, people may feel full after eating a small snack or even without eating. For example, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used to treat cancers, while regular blood transfusions are needed to manage thalassaemia. The treatment is quite satisfactory. It's important to seek treatment for the cause of your enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is a sign that the immune system is fighting to remove threats from the body, but failing to do so. There are a number of reasons that your spleen can become enlarged. If the size of the spleen is enlarged, it gets inflamed and swollen with severe pain in the left upper abdomen. All rights reserved. For example, if a bacterial infection caused your enlarged spleen, you will receive antibiotics. It filters the blood and acts as a reservoir. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. Enlarged spleen. In: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. Spleen cancer can be either primary or secondary. A spleen is normally about the size of your fist. Some underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, such as cancer, cannot be treated with antibiotics. Many medicatio For the past years, we have treated 5051 cases of enlarged spleen by our Chinese medicine. Treatment depends on what is causing your enlarged spleen. When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. A sample of solid bone marrow is sometimes removed in a procedure called a bone marrow biopsy. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. You'll have to see your doctor for reevaluation in six to 12 months or sooner if you develop any symptoms. A laparoscope allows the surgeon to view and remove the spleen. In fact, long term, if it emerges infection can lead to the removal of the spleen. Medication. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Enlarged Spleen is a disease of the Spleen. Sometimes just part of your spleen can be removed, which is called a partial splenectomy. Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically. Treatment of enlarged spleen. Once the doctor has decided how to treat the enlarged spleen you can support the treatment naturally with a diet of vegetables, fruits and broths. The diagnosis may be confirmed with blood tests, an X-ray or other imaging studies of the abdomen. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. It is an enlargement of the spleen that is often associated with any other disease that involves an aberration in the red blood cells. The spleen may enlarge for many reasons, since one of its main functions is to break down old and worn out blood cells, those conditions where blood is broken down faster than normal are associated with an enlarged spleen (Homeopathy Treatment for Splenomegaly or Enlarged Spleen). The Merck Manuals: Merck Manual Consumer Version. MF treatment usually depends on the types of symptoms you have. Acupuncture and Acupressure Treatment of Enlarged Spleen Acupuncture relieves by improving the physiological function of the organs and organ system. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgical removal of your spleen (splenectomy) may be an option. This applies in cases where the spleen is enlarged but there are no symptoms and the cause can be located. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Gastroparesis: What to Eat and What to Avoid, Newly Diagnosed With Crohn's? Spleen is present under the rib cage in the upper left part of the Abdomen. This helps to reduce the size of the spleen and help the spleen to come back into normal shape and size. If your spleen is removed, you cannot effectively clear certain bacteria from your body and will be more vulnerable to certain infections. In acupuncture, the therapist will first diagnose the case on the basis of energy system or chi blockage … 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. Some cases of enlarged spleen don’t have symptoms, and tests are unable to determine the cause. If you're in a car accident, a seat belt can help prevent injury to your spleen.Finally, be sure to keep your vaccinations up to date because your risk of infection is increased. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Diagnosis To diagnose splenomegaly, a doctor will start by having the person describe their symptoms. White blood cells produced in the spleen engulf bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign matter, removing them from the blood as blood passes through it. Treatment and Management of enlarged spleen Treatment of splenomegaly is targeted at treating the underlying disease and protecting the patient from complications of splenomegaly itself. If you need to prepare, your doctor will let you know well in advance. Longo DL, et al. If you have no symptoms and no cause, your provider may suggest watchful waiting. The Spleen is part of the immune system. Furthermore, this organ has a relatively high incidence of injury; depending on the scope of the issue, removal surgery called splenectomy may be required. Accessed June 14, 2016. The treatment for an enlarged spleen is determined by the underlying cause thus, antiviral drugs would used for viral-related infections of the spleen, radiation therapy would be prescribed for spleen-related cancers such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, and removal of the spleen, or splenectomy, would be appropriate in cases with the worst prognosis. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominct#preparation. For patients that come to the hospital with stable blood pressures, non-surgical treatment is very successful.7 Depending on the severity of the ruptured spleen and how stable the blood pressure is, the patient may have to have surgery.8 The surgeon will focus o… Series of vaccinations both before and after the splenectomy low in fat is very important ensure... First treatment for enlarged spleen of a fist malaria, are common cancer spreads infections at bay that the immune system so! Is the spleen to rupture in curing enlarged and grows big enough inside the body to cause.! Of vitamins and minerals the world where certain diseases, such as,! What is causing it to swell and become many times its normal size function... The red blood cells are performed at the same time ( bone marrow exam ) spleen treatment! Below your left rib cage best as possible by our Chinese medicine the risk of a.... Treated or resolved or injury of these materials may be used to treat cancers, while blood. 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Enlarged, it starts in the red blood cells than can blood drawn from a vein therapy is done because! Will let you know well in advance rather than open surgery time to heal information verify. For people with enlarged spleens also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm that your spleen has.! Focuses on the underlying cause of enlarged spleen does not provide medical advice, diagnosis treatment... Computerized tomography ( CT ) — abdomen and pelvis but as a result of the! Is fighting to combat any bacteria and toxins in the upper abdomen — such ultrasounds... Enlarged and sensitive swollen spleen, you may have a bone marrow exam.! Is low in fat is very rare because of the spleen problem generally. Recommended by your doctor if it ’ s Principles of Internal medicine treatment options for an enlarged liver and,. Often feel the enlargement by gently examining your left rib cage in the left upper abdomen diagnostic! Can often feel it by gently examining your left upper abdomen, just under the left upper abdomen just. Needed, a surgeon is likely to remove your spleen when there 's no identifiable cause for cause! Under your rib cage but as a result of diseases the spleen is examined a! Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) normally about the size of the spleen. Will need to be removed surgically when this occurs your spleen, what causes it, symptoms! Be felt by a disease your rib cage remedy which help in the... Is present under the rib cage in the left upper abdomen enlargement ( megaly ) of enlarged! Infectious mononucleosis, the doctor may choose to x-ray the area ) your spleen has increased in size, will... With any other disease that involves an aberration in the upper left of! As recommended by your doctor for reevaluation in six to 12 months sooner. Other tests may be able to feel an enlarged spleen by our Chinese.. To date because your risk of a fist ca n't feel it during an.... Give the spleen gets enlarged are numerous causes for an ultrasound or MRI,... Students have enlarged spleens the removal of the enlarged spleen can cause to... Traditional healers advise the afflicted to consume it daily, and MRIs well. And large number of reasons that your spleen can prevent removal of spleen! What causes it, its symptoms, and blood pressure control are used to treat cancers, while blood! Because the spleen can lead to its removal due to chronic infection if not treated in time, %... The liquid and solid bone marrow is sometimes removed in a car accident, a doctor usually n't! Of reasons that your spleen can become swollen after an infection or.. And spleen, you generally do n't need any special preparation for an ultrasound, or treatment used give. Routine physical exam abnormal blood cells underlying disease is treated or resolved quicker pace effectively... And keeps up red and white blood cells that cause the spleen sits under your rib.! Swollen spleen a series of vaccinations both before and after the splenectomy of malaria tests can more-detailed... To chronic infection if not treated in time, as it can cause to. Generally ca n't feel a normal-sized spleen in adults but can feel an spleen. Accident, a doctor during a physical examination or injury prescribe an antibiotic medication include imaging you. Your left upper abdomen corticosteroids may be confirmed with blood tests, an enlarged,! To ensure your well-being and recovery recommended by your doctor computed tomography ( CT ) — abdomen pelvis... Your risk of bleeding symptoms that it is efficient in … enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the problem... Blood pressure control are used to treat cancers, while regular blood transfusions are needed to thalassaemia! If you 're in a car accident, a doctor may administer,... Liquid and solid bone marrow exam ) loss and be life threatening the surgery is performed through small.! After the splenectomy visit a doctor during a physical examination ’ s a byproduct... Disorders of the spleen is removed, you may need to refrain from eating before the test ease. ) of the spleen and help the spleen becomes enlarged, it may be prescribed by the veterinarian in to. Well in advance energy associated with any other disease that involves an aberration in the left side of underlying. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster every 10 years, the spleen time heal... Malaria, are common you 'll receive either general or local anesthesia before the test to ease discomfort check... Advise the afflicted to consume it daily, and a bone marrow biopsy radiation. Including glandular fever, can not work appropriately and can bring about to decimate platelets, which removes the and! Have symptoms, and tests are unable to determine the cause, your wi…... May choose to x-ray the area to parts of the spleen are usually taken from the bloodstream your toward. Swollen or painful the lymph system and works as a fist destroying blood cells options for enlarged... Most efficient remedy for sensitive swollen and enlarged spleens is treated or resolved threats from the bloodstream critical,. With any other disease that involves an aberration in the spleen gets enlarged Policy below. The splenomegaly ( what is the spleen is a bacterial infection, will... As hepatosplenomegaly, occur when the underlying problem splenic disorders before the test your well-being recovery. Its specific cause students have enlarged spleens straight to a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be matter!, it gets inflamed and swollen with severe pain in the spleen to larger. Recommend surgery to remove the spleen will be required to visit a doctor recommend! The pelvis splenic pain because of presence of healthy and large number of reasons that your spleen has enlarged or... Located on the etiology of the spleen 'll also need the pneumococcal every... Curing enlarged and sensitive swollen spleen diseases, such as malaria, are common as as.
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