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.
The provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
A physical exam will be done. The 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
Treatment depends on the cause of splenomegaly.
Hematology Oncology
University of Texas System
Physicians Referral Service
Srdan Verstovsek is an Oncologist and a Hematologist Oncology doctor in Houston, Texas. Dr. Verstovsek has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Splenomegaly. He is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Myelofibrosis, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Splenomegaly, and Essential Thrombocythemia. He is licensed to treat patients in Texas. Dr. Verstovsek is currently accepting new patients.
Hematology Oncology
Hematology
Beaumont Health System
Mays Cancer Center
Ruben Mesa is an Oncologist and a Hematologist Oncology doctor in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Mesa has been practicing medicine for over 27 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Splenomegaly. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Myelofibrosis, Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. He is licensed to treat patients in Minnesota, Texas, and Arizona. Dr. Mesa is currently accepting new patients.
Guy's And St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Claire Harrison is in London, United Kingdom. Harrison is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Splenomegaly. She is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and Polycythemia Vera.
Published Date : February 06, 2020
Published By : Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 159.
Vos PM, Barnard SA, Cooperberg PL. Benign and malignant lesions of the spleen. In: Gore RM, Levine MS, eds. Textbook of Gastrointestinal Radiology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 105.
Vos PM, Mathieson JR, Cooperberg PL. The spleen. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 5.