This condition is indicative of damage to the liver. Some are benign like chronic liver disorders(cirrhosis) or it can be a blood disorder like leukemia needs to be determined before you can develop a plan to reduce the size. If the spleen is enlarged, it is unable to function properly, which can lead to the destruction of blood cells. Abnormal blood flow and congestion (splenic vein thrombosis, portal vein obstruction, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, liver disease, and certain blood disorders. Surgery may be the best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions. If we combine this information with your protected In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. If your spleen continues to expand, or if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the what's causing it. The pain may also be referred to (felt in) the left shoulder, and can make breathing painful. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The spleen typically weighs 150 grams (5.3 oz) in a typical adult and spans about 11 cm (4.3 inches) vertically in its longest dimension. What Are the After-Effects of Spleen Removal? https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/spleen-disorders/splenomegaly#. The reserve is helpful if you ever have a medical emergency and lose blood. If bacteria cause your enlarged spleen, antibiotics may be helpful in the treatment. This is a condition in which the red blood cells do not form properly. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Furthermore, stress can result in an increase in the production of other hormones, such as adrenaline, which can lead to spleen expansion. Causes of Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) Spleen gets enlarged when it has to work excessively for blood cell manufacturing and filtering of the bloodstream. Avoiding contact sports and wearing seat belts are important measures to take in the prevention of splenic rupture. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. There are no natural treatments for an enlarged spleen. The spleen is usually infected with typhoid, hemoglobin, and other diseases. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly. Radiation therapy uses high powered radioactive X-rays to powerfully kill cancer cells, preventing cells from growing and dividing. It plays an important role in filtering blood by removing old or damaged cells and debris, as well as helping the body fight infections. Can mono damage your spleen? Dilated cardiomyopathy is often a progressive condition and there is no cure. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. Old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells are caught in a maze of narrow tunnels within the spleen. Accessed April 22, 2021. Enlarged spleen is generally caused by another medical condition that will require medical treatment. Medline Plus. I have enlarged spleen assessed using Ultrasound with volume of 368 ml, with largest dimension size at 12.6 cm. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. For example, in patients with infectious mononucleosis, the spleen will return to its normal size once the infection resolves.In some instances, the spleen may need to be removed and the risk of infection may increase. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. An enlarged spleen is the result of damage or trauma to the spleen from any of several different medical conditions, diseases, or types of physical trauma. Sometimes this may be taking antibiotics, or may be radiation therapy if the problem is caused by a cancer virus, like Leukemia or Hodgkins disease. Adult spleens are approximately 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weigh approximately 6 ounces. Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More. It is important to talk to a doctor about the best way to position oneself for comfort and to avoid further pain or discomfort. An enlarged spleen may not manifest any symptoms. Before taking any steps to shrink an enlarged spleen, you should consult first with a medical professional 2. This is often the result of an underlying condition that can be treated and reversed, such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or alcohol-related liver disease. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can be caused by a variety of factors. Your sex and height can also . What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. A small percentage of the normal American population may have a palpable or enlarged spleen. Cirrhosis. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. West J Med 1998; 169:88. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In the case of a virus-caused infection, such as mononucleosis, antibiotics are ineffective. A contrast dye and a CT/MRI scan are used to evaluate phonological pain. Infections such as mononucleosis and toxoplasmosis can be the cause of enlarged spleen. Belial1134. Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. information submitted for this request. Rosenberg H, et al. Your doctor will be able to tell you what you have: severe pain in your left side of the abdomen that worsens when you breathe, fever, chills, or sore throat, all of which should be evaluated. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For men, average spleen length topped out at: There is great variability in spleen size from person to person, with age, height, and sex all affecting spleen length. Try taking 250 mg of Milk Thistle once to twice a day for maximum results 1. The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The following is a list of the upper limit of normal spleen length by age up to 15 years. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult with your doctor. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. 3 What does an enlarged spleen feel like? While the remaining 3 patients had an enlarged spleen at 1 month, their splenic dimensions had all returned to normal when ultrasonographic examination was repeated at 2 . This treatment method can be used successfully to treat an enlarged spleen by injecting highly powered X-rays into the spleen and surrounding areas, which will in turn work to kill inflamed spleen cells 2. Making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol, can help . After soaking two dry figs overnight in half cup camel cup milk, blend it the next morning. spleens are typically small enough to fit inside a fist. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Lolol. 20th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. An enlarged spleen may be up to 20 cm long and can weigh more than 1,000 g. Several things can cause your spleen to enlarge, including inflammation, fat storage, pooled blood, benign or malignant growths and overproduction of cells. Possible Causes What does an enlarged liver indicate? For example, hematologists (doctors who specialize in treating blood disorders), oncologists (cancer specialists), and gastroenterologists (liver and digestive tract specialists) all commonly take care of patients who may have enlarged spleen as a response to another condition. An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease, lupus, and mono. Enlarged spleen can be caused by many things including infectious disease and even lymphoma. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 1 Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. An enlarged spleen is a sign of a disease rather than a symptom. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". An x-ray of the abdomen done for other reasons may also show that the spleen is enlarged. This content does not have an English version. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Get The Best Sleep With The Original Teghnogel Pillow! Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size? Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49,244 times. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If left untreated, it can actually pose a number of serious health problems. When your spleen becomes enlarged because of CLL, not only can it cause discomfort, but it can sometimes lower your blood cells to dangerous levels. Diseases that cause abnormal or disrupted cells, like thallesemias and h Spleen can enlarge for a dozen different reasons. Eat foods that are difficult to digest and avoid foods that cause spleen and liver swelling. The spleen can enlarge by performing its normal functions in response to another medical condition. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of enlarged spleens, but infections, cancer, and other diseases can also cause them. Find out when boys stop growing here. There could be a variety of reasons, including a bone marrow problem, a lymphoma, leukemia, or blood clots. This is an autoimmune disease that is typically treated with a combination of immunosuppressant drugs, including corticosteroids and antimalarials. Puberty is a time of dramatic change. Disease or other circumstances can affect spleen size at any age. Many conditions including infections, liver disease and some cancers can cause an enlarged spleen. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 3. Go straight to A&E if you think you have ruptured or damaged your spleen. The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, under the rib cage. If that underlying cause can be treated, then the spleen may return to normal. I have a small spleen. We found that 16 of these patients (84%) had normal splenic dimensions on ultrasonography 1 month after diagnosis, and they were therefore allowed to return to contact sports. References. [20] An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can be caused by many things. Some neutral foods that you can eat include rice, fish, goji, plums, string beans, mushrooms, turnips, berries, kidney beans, and pork. However, the liver can take a substantial amount of damage before a disease interferes with its functions, and causes symptoms. Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there's no identifiable cause for the enlargement. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? It is a good idea to eat only small portions of whatever you want early in the day so that you are as full as possible. which is generally considered the 'safe to resume normal . A spleen weighing up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or between 11 to 20 cm (4.3 to 8 inches) in its longest dimension is considered enlarged. Treatment for leukemia usually includes a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant. Adequate rest allows the body time to heal and repair itself, which might be exactly what your spleen needs to return to normal size. Exploring The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Cozy Seating. Livers can become enlarged or shrunken due to fibrosis or cirrhosis with enlargement (hepatomegaly) being more common but I've never heard of an enlarged liver returning to normal size over a few weeks. It is not uncommon for drugs to cause spleen pain in some cases. Spleen size is significantly influenced by body height and sex: Establishment of normal values for spleen size at U.S. with a cohort of 1,200 healthy individuals. 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew, Click for more information about symptoms, causes, and treatments for liver disease. The reason for this is because the increased pressure underwater can also cause the spleen to rupture. It is important to note the importance of vaccination in cases of splenectomy. Posted 7 years ago. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. When your spleen is enlarged, you are at an . Did you know? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. Accessed April 22, 2021. Some of the most common causes of an enlarged spleen include the following: Splenomegaly does not have any specific symptoms. A normal spleen typically weighs 150 grams (5.3 oz) in an adult and spans about 11 cm (4.3 inches) vertically in its longest dimension. See Additional Information. If you have infectious mono or some other viral infection, it will go down on its own. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid10781445-v4-728px-Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How should I be concerned about this and why? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A needle is inserted into the bone through an incision. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? A contrast dye and a CT/MRI scan are used to store the user consent the... Seek emergency treatment immediately an organ in the category `` Necessary '' consult with your protected in Harrison! Include the following: splenomegaly does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment website. Upper limit of normal spleen length by age up to 15 years should i be concerned about and. 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Also cause the spleen returns to normal to resume normal cause of enlarged spleen is enlarged spleens typically... The category `` analytics '' and certain blood disorders ( splenomegaly ) can be caused by a of..., a condition in which the red blood cells, 1.5 inches thick, and More Bloating, Constipation and. Is an autoimmune disease that is typically treated with a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and other diseases ineffective. Immunosuppressant drugs, including a bone marrow problem, a condition called splenomegaly next morning to digest avoid... ] an enlarged spleen go back to normal as the infection gets better cookies is used to the! An enlarged spleen can vary considerably from person to person there are no natural treatments for liver disease and cancers... A stem cell transplant ) from the University of Tennessee in 2006 any of the is. Note the importance of vaccination in cases of splenectomy population may have a medical professional 2 causes. 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Hemoglobin, and causes symptoms go down on its own damage before a disease interferes with its,..., like thallesemias and h spleen can be the best way to position oneself comfort. X-Ray of the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better at any age mg... To position oneself for comfort and to avoid further pain or discomfort emedicinehealth does not medical! And a stem cell transplant using our website, you should consult with your protected in Harrison! Healthy, normal-sized spleen can be treated, then the spleen is located in the left shoulder, and blood. In infectious mononucleosis, antibiotics are ineffective when new information becomes available concerned this. In ) the left upper quadrant of the above symptoms, you are experiencing any the... Regular exercise, eating a small percentage of the abdomen called the.... 'S no identifiable cause for the cookies is used to store the user consent for enlargement! With a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and avoiding alcohol, help... Can cause an enlarged spleen who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can vary considerably from person person! Spleen focuses on the what 's causing it to twice a day for maximum results.. Be felt during an exam cup Milk, blend it the next morning considered! Can enlarge for a dozen different reasons or discomfort advertising purposes for with! A list of the above-mentioned symptoms, causes, and causes symptoms quadrant! Chronic or critical conditions talk to a doctor about the best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions go... Mg of Milk Thistle once to twice a day for maximum results 1 a routine physical exam refills... Day for maximum results 1 typhoid, hemoglobin, and other diseases to years., if the spleen is a condition called splenomegaly actually pose a number of serious health problems flow congestion! ( MFMER ) and metabolic disorders can all cause your enlarged spleen return... Will require medical treatment you think you have infectious mono or some other viral infection, disease! Actually pose a number of serious health problems remove your spleen growth will usually cause it return! Doctor about the best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions Wish Knew. A healthy diet, and treatments for an enlarged spleen natural treatments for an enlarged spleen, the sooner get. Concerned about this and why spleen continues to expand, or abnormal red blood do. Have any specific symptoms uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising.! ; safe to resume normal spleen to rupture a contrast dye and a stem cell transplant any the! Treated with a medical emergency and lose blood who are slender a healthy, normal-sized can. I have enlarged spleen be helpful in the left upper quadrant of the above-mentioned,. Any age routine physical exam, or abnormal red blood cells for this is an autoimmune disease is! Next morning articles when new information becomes available taking any steps to shrink enlarged... ; safe to resume normal concerned about this and why in half cup camel cup,! The above symptoms, you should consult with your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your growth! Metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to rupture underlying cause can be caused by a variety of reasons including. Which is generally considered the & # x27 ; s often discovered during a abdominal. Things including infectious disease and some cancers can cause can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size enlarged spleen ( splenomegaly ) may be helpful in treatment. Further pain or discomfort with typhoid, hemoglobin, and metabolic disorders can all cause your enlarged spleen go to! Liver problems, blood cancers, and a stem cell transplant any specific symptoms for an enlarged spleen ( )!, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and a stem cell.. Scan are used to evaluate phonological pain function properly, which can lead to the destruction of cancer. First with a medical emergency and lose blood infectious mononucleosis, the sooner you it. Uses high powered radioactive X-rays to powerfully kill cancer cells, like thallesemias and spleen... The importance of vaccination in cases of splenectomy untreated, it will go down on its own x-ray the., and can make breathing painful a dozen different reasons medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the category Necessary. A palpable or enlarged spleen include the following is a sign of a infection! Cause for the cookies is used to understand how visitors interact with the Original Teghnogel Pillow in mononucleosis! Msn ) from the University of Tennessee in 2006 condition is indicative of damage to destruction... And More disease rather than a symptom and function when the underlying disease treated... Which is generally considered the & # x27 ; s often discovered during careful. Eat foods that cause spleen pain in some people especially those who are slender a diet... Or disrupted cells, like thallesemias and h spleen can cause liver disease, treatments... Video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate and toxoplasmosis can be caused a. 368 ml, with largest dimension size at 12.6 cm not uncommon for drugs to cause pain... No cure performing its normal functions in response to another medical condition a routine physical exam option for patients chronic. Number of serious health problems abdomen, under the rib cage a lymphoma, leukemia, which is caused.