What causes the spleen to enlarge?
An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions.
What are warning signs of the spleen?
In any case, emergency medical help is needed quickly. Signs that the spleen may have been damaged can include pain and tenderness in the upper left abdomen, lightheadedness, and pain in the left shoulder. In addition to a spleen that has been damaged or has ruptured, the spleen may also become dangerously enlarged.
Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size?
What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better.
What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen:
- Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks.
- Fast food: french fries, burgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, nuggets.
Can stress cause enlarged spleen?
“Stress appears to prompt the release of stem cells from the bone marrow to the spleen, where they develop into white blood cells, or monocytes, and expand over time,” Godbout said.
Can a spleen repair itself?
In mild splenic ruptures, the spleen can heal itself with rest and time. Physicians may recommend hospitalization during recovery to monitor the condition and provide supportive care. Follow-up CT scans can show progress and determine whether any additional measures are needed.
Is a 13 cm spleen normal?
Splenomegaly refers to enlargement of the spleen. The upper limit of normal adult splenic length is traditionally cited at 12 cm, but lengths upwards of 14 cm can be seen in normal, taller males 7.
Does a chest CT scan show spleen?
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans A CT scan of the chest or abdomen can help detect an enlarged lymph node or cancers in the liver, pancreas, lungs, bones and spleen. The noninvasive test is also used to monitor a tumor’s response to therapy or detect a return of cancer after treatment.
Do you have enlarged spleen warning signs?
You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back. Feel full early, so that you can eat only small amounts. Become anemic (and with that, be tired and/or short of breath).
What does an enlarged spleen feel like?
A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.
What are the signs and symptoms of splenomegaly?
Splenomegaly symptoms include mild pain, sensation of weight in the spleen area, the spleen may be palpable, under ribs (normal spleen is not palpable, and increases its volume only in pathological conditions). Palpation along with imaging test are indispensable to diagnose splenomegaly.
How to prevent enlarged/ruptured spleen?
Avoid High-Impact Activities And Contact Sports. Patients who are at a high risk of a ruptured spleen may need to avoid high-impact activities and contact sports.