Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is a condition characterized by an enlarged spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen and is responsible for filtering the blood, storing blood cells, and fighting infections.

Causes

Splenomegaly can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections, cancers, liver diseases, and blood disorders. Some specific causes include malaria, leukemia, lymphoma, cirrhosis, and sickle cell disease.

Symptoms

In many cases, splenomegaly does not cause any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen, anemia, fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bleeding.

Diagnosis

Splenomegaly is often discovered during a physical examination. If an enlarged spleen is suspected, further tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include a complete blood count, liver function tests, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan, and in some cases, a spleen biopsy.

Treatment

The treatment for splenomegaly depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary. If treatment is needed, it may include medications to treat the underlying condition, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy), or other treatments as appropriate.

See also

• Spleen
• Hepatosplenomegaly
• Splenectomy

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