Splenomegaly Health Article

Definition

Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size.

Alternative Names

Spleen enlargement; Enlarged spleen

Considerations

The spleen is an organ that is a part of the lymph system. It filters the blood and maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets.

Because of its wide variety of functions, the spleen may be affected by many conditions involving the blood or lymph system, and by infection, malignancies, liver disease, and parasites.

Symptoms of splenomegaly include:

• Inability to eat a large meal
• Pain on the upper left side of the abdomen
• Hiccups

Common Causes

• Infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Cat scratch disease
  • Infectious mononucleosis (EBV or CMV)
  • Other viral infections
  • Parasitic infections
• Diseases involving the liver
  • Biliary atresia
  • Cirrhosis (alcoholic cirrhosis, portal vein obstruction, portal hypertension)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Sclerosing cholangitis
• Hemolytic anemias
  • Hemoglobinopathies
  • Hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency
  • Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Immune hemolytic anemia
  • Thalassemia
• Cancer
  • Hodgkin's disease
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
• Other causes
  • Felty syndrome
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Sickle cell splenic crisis

Home Care

Appropriate limitation of activity, including avoiding contact sports, will help prevent trauma that might cause the spleen to rupture.

Care will be required for the specific condition causing the splenomegaly. Follow the instructions given by your health care provider regarding appropriate care.

Call your health care provider if

Although often there are no symptoms from an enlarged spleen, you may experience pain in the left upper section of your abdomen. You should seek attention from your doctor right away if it is severe or gets worse when you take a deep breath.