If you have ever suffered from an enlarged spleen or splenomegaly, then you know how painful it can be. Your spleen is an important organ that plays a crucial role in your immune system.

Among its functions include the filtering of your blood, removal of old or damaged blood cells and production of white blood cells that help fight infection. However, when an underlying medical condition causes your spleen to enlarge beyond its usual size, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Causes of an Enlarged Spleen

There are several medical conditions that can cause your spleen to enlarge including:.

Mononucleosis: Commonly referred to as “Mono,” this virus causes an infection of your lymph nodes and spleen.
Liver disease: Liver cirrhosis and hepatitis B and C cause an accumulation of toxins that can cause your spleen to enlarge.
Bacterial infections: Certain bacterial infections can lead to the enlargement of your spleen, including streptococcus and meningococcus.
Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease can trigger inflammation of your spleen.
Blood cancers: Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can cause your spleen to grow in size as they produce more blood cells than your body needs.

Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen

If you have an enlarged spleen, you may experience the following symptoms:.

Pain or discomfort in your upper left abdomen.
Feeling full after eating just a small amount of food.
Fatigue and weakness.
Easy bleeding or bruising.
Tenderness over your spleen.
Jaundice.
Abdominal swelling.

Diagnostics Tests

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to help determine the severity of your condition. These tests may include:.

Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check for any underlying conditions that may be causing your spleen to enlarge.
Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your spleen, allowing your doctor to evaluate its size and condition.
CT or MRI scans: These imaging tests provide a detailed view of your spleen and help your doctor detect any changes or abnormalities.
Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample of the spleen may be taken for further analysis to help determine the underlying cause of your enlarged spleen.

Treatment Options for an Enlarged Spleen

The treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the underlying condition that is causing it. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you wait and monitor your condition closely.

In other instances, treatment may be necessary to help relieve the symptoms and prevent any complications.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove your spleen.
Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control inflammation and symptoms associated with your enlarged spleen.
Treatment of underlying condition: If your spleen enlargement is a result of another medical condition, your doctor will focus on treating the underlying disease.

Prevention of Splenomegaly

There is no sure way to prevent the enlargement of your spleen associated with some medical conditions. However, you can take some measures to minimize your risk. These include:.