Learn About Splenomegaly
Splenomegaly is a larger-than-normal spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the belly.
Spleen enlargement; Enlarged spleen; Spleen swelling
The spleen is an organ that is a part of the lymph system. The spleen filters the blood and maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets. It also plays a role in immune function.
Many health conditions can affect the spleen. These include:
- Diseases of the blood or lymph system
- Infections
- Cancer
- Liver disease
Symptoms of splenomegaly include:
- Hiccups
- Inability to eat a large meal
- Pain in the upper left side of the belly
Splenomegaly can be caused by any of the following:
- Infections
- Liver diseases
- Blood diseases
- Cancer
In rare cases, an injury can rupture the spleen. If you have splenomegaly, your health care provider may advise you to avoid contact sports. Your provider will tell you what else you need to do to take care of yourself and any medical condition.
There are usually no symptoms from an enlarged spleen. Seek medical help right away if pain in your belly is severe or gets worse when you take a deep breath.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
A physical exam will be done. Your provider will feel and tap along the upper left part of your belly, especially just under the rib cage.
Tests that may be done include:
- Abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan
- Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and tests of your liver function
The treatment depends on the cause of splenomegaly.
Martin Griesshammer practices in Bochum, Germany. Griesshammer and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Splenomegaly. His top areas of expertise are Polycythemia Vera, Splenomegaly, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), and Essential Thrombocythemia.
MD Anderson
Hagop Kantarjian is an Oncologist and a Hematologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Kantarjian and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Splenomegaly. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.
Srdan Verstovsek is an Oncologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Houston, Texas. Dr. Verstovsek and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Splenomegaly. His top areas of expertise are Myelofibrosis, Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
Background: Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare disorder of the immune system caused by a mutation in the FAS gene. In ALPS, the body stores too many germ-fighting cells called lymphocytes. This can lead to an enlarged spleen and lymph nodes. Current treatments for ALPS can have many adverse effects. Better treatments for ALPS are needed.
Summary: The purpose of the protocol is to allow for patients, and relatives of patients, who may have the newly described autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, to be evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center. This evaluation will include blood and relevant tissue studies along with long-term clinical evaluations to define the biology, inheritance,clinical spectrum, and natural history of this syndrome. The ...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Wall DJ. The spleen. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 5.
Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 154.
Wood VH, Cooperberg PL, Vos PM. Benign and malignant lesions of the spleen. In: Gore RM, ed. Textbook of Gastrointestinal Radiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 62.