Spleen Enlargement

Spleen Enlargement: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The spleen is located in the upper left abdomen. It has several functions, including filtering and storing blood and producing certain blood cells. Normally, the spleen is a specific size and helps maintain the body's balanced functioning. However, in some cases, the spleen may enlarge for various reasons. When the spleen enlarges, it can press on surrounding organs, causing pain, discomfort, and a feeling of bloating.

What Is Spleen Enlargement?

Spleen enlargement is a condition medically termed splenomegaly. Various health issues, such as infections, blood disorders, liver problems, metabolic diseases, and lymphatic system issues, can lead to spleen enlargement. It usually occurs as a result of an underlying health condition and may present with various symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Spleen Enlargement?

The symptoms and severity of spleen enlargement can vary among patients. The symptoms include:

• Abdominal Pain: Spleen enlargement can lead to pain and discomfort in the abdominal area. An enlarged spleen may exert pressure on surrounding tissues, causing abdominal pain.
• Abdominal Swelling: Spleen enlargement can cause a feeling of bloating in the abdominal area. This swelling may affect the appearance of the abdomen.
• Loss of Appetite: An enlarged spleen may press on the stomach area, leading to a loss of appetite.
• Fever and Signs of Infection: Spleen enlargement can affect the normal function of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. As a result, symptoms such as fever, chills, and other signs of infection may occur.
• Weight Loss: An enlarged spleen can lead to a loss of energy in the body, which may result in weight loss.

What Causes Spleen Enlargement?

The underlying causes of spleen enlargement are varied and are often a result of a health problem that leads to increased size. The causes of spleen enlargement include:

• Infections: Infections are one of the common causes of spleen enlargement. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections can trigger the body's defense mechanisms, causing an increase in the spleen. Infections like malaria, mononucleosis, and endocarditis can lead to spleen enlargement.
• Blood Disorders: The spleen has a significant impact on the structure and composition of blood. Disorders in blood cell production and destruction can cause spleen enlargement. Cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, can trigger spleen enlargement.
• Liver Problems: Liver issues can sometimes lead to spleen enlargement. Conditions such as liver cirrhosis can cause portal hypertension, leading to spleen enlargement.
• Metabolic Disorders: Metabolic diseases can affect the normal functioning of chemical reactions in the body, leading to spleen enlargement. Disorders that affect lipid metabolism, such as Gaucher disease, can cause spleen enlargement.
• Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic infections can cause widespread inflammation in the body, which may lead to spleen enlargement.
• Lymphatic System Issues: The spleen is closely related to the lymphatic system. Therefore, certain lymphatic diseases may lead to spleen enlargement.

How is Spleen Enlargement Diagnosed?

In the diagnosis and assessment phase, the patient's medical history, symptoms, and physical examination are important. Various information is also used, including imaging tests and laboratory results. The doctor primarily examines the patient's abdominal area physically to assess spleen size. If the spleen is larger than normal or tenderness occurs upon touch, the doctor may notice this. Imaging methods provide more detailed information about an enlarged spleen. Tests like ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) can help evaluate the size of the spleen. At the same time, blood tests can assess spleen function and blood cell levels. Parameters such as hematocrit and platelet count may indicate spleen issues.

Treatment of Spleen Enlargement

The treatment of spleen enlargement may vary depending on the type and severity of the underlying cause. Treatment begins with the diagnosis and management of the primary health issue causing the spleen enlargement. If conditions such as infections, blood disorders, or liver problems are identified, specific treatment protocols for these diseases are applied. Depending on the underlying cause, doctors may sometimes prescribe medications. Medications for infections or autoimmune diseases can alleviate symptoms caused by spleen enlargement. The type, dosage, and duration of medication are determined based on the patient's specific condition. The success of treatment can be ensured by regularly taking medications as prescribed by the doctor and following their instructions.

If spleen enlargement is due to blood disorders and problems such as anemia arise, doctors may recommend blood transfusions. Blood transfusions can help rebalance blood cell levels. In some cases, an excessively enlarged and uncomfortable spleen may be surgically removed. After splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen), the body's immune system continues to function. However, the risk of certain infections may increase. The surgical procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery is used as a less invasive option that involves smaller incisions and has a quicker recovery process. Laparoscopic splenectomy can reduce the length of hospital stay compared to traditional open surgery. The types of splenectomy are as follows:

• Total Splenectomy: Total splenectomy involves the complete removal of the spleen. This procedure may be preferred in cases of spleen enlargements or serious conditions like spleen cancer. After total splenectomy, immune system function may be slightly affected, and patients may carry some risk of infections.
• Partial Splenectomy: Partial splenectomy involves the removal of only the enlarged portion of the spleen. This method is chosen based on spleen size and may help better preserve the patient's immune system function.
  After the treatment process, patients are monitored with regular check-ups.

Spleen Enlargement in Children

Spleen enlargement in children (pediatric splenomegaly) is a condition that can arise from various health issues, just like in adults. The spleen plays an important role in defending the body against infections and diseases in children. The causes of spleen enlargement in children include:

• Infections: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections in children can lead to spleen enlargement. Infections can activate the child's immune system, resulting in enlargement of the spleen.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases in children are conditions in which the immune system targets the body’s own tissues. This can lead to spleen enlargement and other health issues.
• Blood Disorders: Problems related to blood cells can cause spleen enlargement in children. Conditions like hemolytic anemia can increase the destruction of blood cells, leading to spleen enlargement.
• Metabolic Disorders: Metabolic diseases in children may also be a cause of spleen enlargement.

Pediatric splenomegaly usually presents as a symptom of other health problems. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of spleen enlargement in children. Spleen enlargement can cause specific symptoms in children, including abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and signs of infection (fever, chills, etc.). The treatment of spleen enlargement in children focuses on diagnosing and treating the underlying health issue. Doctors evaluate the child's health condition and use tools such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging methods to make a diagnosis. Treatment is determined based on the child’s specific situation and the severity of symptoms. Medication, surgical intervention, or other methods can be applied according to the child's needs. It is crucial to maintain close communication with the pediatrician in cases of spleen enlargement in children to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

The treatment plan is determined based on the patient's condition, the severity of symptoms, and the type of underlying cause. Therefore, a detailed evaluation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional are necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. It is important for individuals showing symptoms of spleen enlargement to seek medical attention as soon as possible.