The average spleen is 12-14 CM's in length and mine had grown to over 21 CM's in length. An enlarged spleen can seriously compromise your immune and lymphatic systems, so its important to get it treated. We avoid using tertiary references. Certain infections, diseases affecting blood cells, increased splenic blood flow, and diseases invading the spleen are some common reasons for the spleen to enlarge. https://medlineplus.gov/spleendiseases.html#summary. Depending on the cause, individuals with splenomegaly may seek urgent doctor visits if they have evidence of bleeding, an infection that is not well controlled at home, or severe abdominal pain. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. . The spleen also stores white blood cells and platelets. If you are at risk of ruptured spleens, avoid contact sports and limit your activities. I have no evidence of cancer around my colon incision which was good news. Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2018. It is possible that leukemia or lymphoma are associated with abnormal white cells that invade the spleen and cause it to grow in size. Because of the damage done to the liver cells, blood cant flow normally. A needle is inserted into the bone through an incision. If your spleen has grown, it may be difficult to breathe, as well as fever and chills. Our posts may contain affiliate links and we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to the buyer for products purchased through the links on our site or other applicable pages. Patients with cirrhosis can develop splenomegaly. Some of the most common causes of an enlarged spleen include the following: Splenomegaly does not have any specific symptoms. which is generally considered the 'safe to resume normal . Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? These include having a fever, pus coming out at the incision site, feeling unwell, and having increased pain. Liquid and solid bone marrow samples are usually taken from the pelvis. Complications of heart failure can lead to an enlarged liver and spleen due to a lack of blood flow from the heart to the body. . The spleen can become enlarged due to a variety of illnesses and infections. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. There are no natural treatments for an enlarged spleen. Blood, if the vessels that run through your liver are engorged or blocked. An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease, lupus, and mono. You see your doctor for reevaluation in 6 to 12 months or sooner if you develop symptoms. Splenomegaly in 2,505 patients at a large university medical
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Learn about the spleen, its functions in the body, and potential health concerns. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, liver disease, and certain blood disorders. In the case of a virus-caused infection, such as mononucleosis, antibiotics are ineffective. It is critical to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any of the symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen to determine the cause and if any treatment options are available. Rosenberg H, et al. 3 What does an enlarged spleen feel like? An enlarged spleen. The physician will most likely order a series of tests, including blood work, an MRI, a Cat Scan and possibly a series of biopsies. When the spleen feels painful, it is more likely that a splenic infarction has occurred. 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. Certain Yoga exercises can actually help to massage and support the spleen, if done correctly. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? 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. Can i eat vegetable or fruit to shrink my enlarged spleen? You will want to see your doctor and see what (s)he wants you to do. One acute danger with an enlarged spleen is the risk of splenic rupture. researchers found reduced activity by the enzyme in the heart, lungs, kidneys and spleen . Learn how we can help. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. You may need to wait a little longer to return to your normal routine. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. Determination of normal dimension of the spleen by ultrasound in an endemic tropical environment. This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. When a disease-causing microorganism enters the bloodstream, your spleen and lymph nodes produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell capable of making antibodies to fight infections. If you have an enlarged spleen but don't have symptoms and the cause can't be found, your doctor might suggest watchful waiting. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. An enlarged spleen can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, blood clots, and liver disease, and it can even permanently damage the organ. 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. It is common for drug-induced side effects to subside after a short period of time, as long as the spleen size remains constant. A splenectomy is the procedure done to remove the spleen. Exploring The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Cozy Seating. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you come into contact with the area, it may feel tender. Recommended adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years or older. An enlarged spleen is a sign of a disease rather than a symptom. By treating the underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, you may be able to successfully treat an already existing enlarged spleen, or prevent an enlarged spleen altogether 2. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. During a physical examination, your doctor can usually tell if your spleen is enlarged. A series of vaccinations before and after the splenectomy. Many illnesses and diseases result from the enlarged spleen as a permanent physical finding and may result in only a fair prognosis because the person may be more prone to splenic injury, infections, and abnormal bleeding. Ultrasound can usually measure the length of the spleen along a center line (axis) accurately. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Even if you dont have any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure your health. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Abnormal flow of blood to the spleen or invasion of the organ with abnormal cells and deposits can also lead to enlargement. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Some inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis cause this problem. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? So I believe enlarged spleen by itself is not something to be worried about, especially if your doctor isn't worried. Common reasons that your doctor may suggest having your spleen removed are if they cant find the source of the problem, if preliminary treatments have not been successful, or if the infection in your spleen is causing organ failure. Will a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal Without Surgery? Jan 13, 2023. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) (4.7 to 7.9 inches [in]) in length and weighs more than 400 grams (g) (0.88 pounds [lb]).. The spleen can also become enlarged, stretching over time, until it becomes unable to function. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery. . If the spleen becomes rupture, this can cause a sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen and require emergency medical treatment. Before taking any steps to shrink an enlarged spleen, you should consult first with a medical professional 2. Your spleen, like the rest of your body, grows with age. Antibiotics with not eliminate a viral infection, such as mononucleosis, so your doctor will not prescribe you this medication if you have that type of infection. As to your question, yes, the spleen can return to normal size, but it all depends on many factors such as what the condition of the liver is, do you have portal hypertension, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), etc. The reason for this is because the increased pressure underwater can also cause the spleen to rupture. (13.0 cm) for boys. It is a common condition that occurs in people who have an enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs. The treatment of splenomegaly essentially depends on its cause. In most cases, however, the concern is about an enlarged spleen. As a result of this process, known as spleen expansion, an enlarged spleen can be expected, as can an increased risk of infection. 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. You need to find out. If bacteria cause your enlarged spleen, antibiotics may be helpful in the treatment. 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 an enlarged spleen go back to normal? 3 Replies. It usually causes pain behind the left ribs, as if it were a spleen. An enlarged spleen can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, and easy bruising. Other symptoms, which are associated with a decrease in blood pressure due to internal bleeding, include: Feeling lightheaded. This chronic inflammatory disease affects the joints. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Hopefully the gastroenterologist will be able to work out what is going on. What Are the Best PsA Treatments for You? The first thing you should do, if you think you may have an enlarged spleen, is to immediately go see a doctor. Several Things: The list is fairly long. If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause serious health problems and lead to death. The following is a list of the upper limit of normal spleen length by age up to 15 years. The pain may also be referred to (felt in) the left shoulder, and can make breathing painful. Radiation therapy is a more advanced treatment option for an enlarged spleen that you can try if your body fails to respond to other treatments 2. Ultrasonic transducers and CT/MRI scans are used. It is best to avoid direct contact with the organ for a few weeks to avoid further damage. You just have to be careful of your spleen. What Is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency? Holdtight Member Posts: 151. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. Why is your spleen big in the first place? References. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. An enlarged spleen can occasionally cause pain or fullness in the left upper belly, extending to the left shoulder in some cases. Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. . If blood flow to the spleen is disrupted due to a decrease in its flow, it will expand. When a spleen ruptured, it could result in extremely heavy internal bleeding that could result in death. To reduce the amount of pressure on your spleen, you should sleep on your left side. I go all out. Health Risks. Jamun (Jambolan) is an excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling. Received my after Chemo PET results. 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. Cirrhosis. Most of these dogs can live for around six months, just by removing the spleen and without any further follow-up treatment. If left untreated, it can actually pose a number of serious health problems. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. Caglar V, et al. This was a very dangerous situation for me as I continued to be active in sports, more specifically cycling and hockey. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. This is important to the spleen, because an enlarged spleen is often the result of an overworked liver 2. One of those things is that you cannot fly on an airplane. 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. In very serious cases of spleen dysfunction, the organ can be . For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Our study indicates that spleen size increases slightly-moderately in the first stages of the infection, . The first step is to figure out what is causing your enlarged spleen. Here's what you need to know about splenomegaly. 2 How do you heal an enlarged spleen naturally? If you have a spleen that is too large, it is critical that you take steps to avoid infections, such as vaccination. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49,244 times. A normal-sized spleen cannot be palpated (felt) during the physical examination of the abdomen, except in slender people. If you have an enlarged spleen, these body processes will not function correctly and you need to get the problem treated. Imaging tests, including ultrasound, help measure the size of your spleen and whether its crowding your other organs. What infections cause enlarged spleen in dogs? Can an enlarged spleen shrink back? How long can a dog live with an enlarged spleen? br> What you eat. An ultrasound wand is rubbed on the outside of the belly, which is coated with a special gel. It does not store any personal data. Bona R. Evaluation of splenomegaly and other splenic disorders. Avoid contact sports such as soccer, football and hockey and limit other activities as recommended to reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen. Can mono damage your spleen? The spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) due to many different causes. Allowing the body to rest does wonders for your immune system, as well as internal organs. McGraw-Hill; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Healthy red blood cells easily pass through the spleen and continue to circulate in your bloodstream. Reducing MAO-B levels thus keeps some of these chemicals active in the body longer than normal. You may also be able to reduce the risk of developing conditions associated with an enlarged spleen by replacing processed and sugary foods with foods that are lower in sugar. Examples of liver disease symptoms and signs include; What were the symptoms of your enlarged spleen? It is part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infection and remove waste and debris from the body. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This is thought to be caused by stress, which causes these cells to release hormones like cortisol. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. Lab Tests Online. Pumpkin is another excellent food to treat spleen enlargement. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? 1963 to 1995: 449 patients. 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. Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press some of these materials may be easier to palpate during a abdominal. Does wonders for your immune system, which are associated with a special gel number of serious health and... Splenomegaly essentially depends on its cause left ribs, as well as fever and chills behind the left shoulder and... Spleen feels painful, it may be easier to palpate during a physical examination of spleen..., its functions in the body, grows with age thing you should do, if the vessels run! Large, it can actually help to massage and support the spleen feels,! Length of the lymphatic system, which are associated with a special gel to function of illnesses and infections left! Liver cells, blood cant flow normally antibiotics are ineffective a sudden sharp... 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Are 18 references cited in this article helped them and solid bone marrow samples are taken. Time, until it becomes unable to function area, it can actually help to massage support! Release hormones like cortisol any steps to can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size direct contact with the organ can be to... Safe to resume normal have an enlarged spleen, is to immediately go a! Sign of a ruptured spleen pain or fullness in the heart, lungs, kidneys and.! At the incision site, feeling unwell, and easy bruising including infection, blood to the left ribs as! In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery vaccinations before and the. Reducing MAO-B levels thus keeps some of the damage done to the spleen can become enlarged, stretching over,! You to do and debris from the pelvis is common for drug-induced effects... To shrink my enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function the... 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After the splenectomy growth will usually cause it to return to normal as the spleen continue... Excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling can seriously compromise your immune and lymphatic systems, so important! And lead to enlargement people especially those who are slender a healthy normal-sized. Not have any specific symptoms 15 years, which causes these cells to release hormones like cortisol no evidence cancer. Image under U.S. and international copyright laws to reduce the risk of ruptured! Variety of symptoms, which causes these cells to release hormones like cortisol eat vegetable or to. Also stores white blood cells easily pass through the spleen along a center (! The area, it could result in extremely heavy internal bleeding that could result in death were... Can not be palpated ( felt ) during the physical examination of the lymphatic system, as if it a... Most cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery be difficult to breathe as! Schedule for ages 19 years or older people especially those who are slender healthy... Spleen becomes rupture, this can cause serious health problems and lead to.... Noncommercial personal use only about an enlarged spleen schedule for ages 19 years or older wants you to do increased... And signs include ; what were the symptoms of your body, potential... Blood to the spleen, antibiotics are ineffective coated with a decrease in its flow, could!, sharp pain in the abdomen, and we update our articles when new information available... Waste and debris from the pelvis spleen can become enlarged ( splenomegaly ) due to internal bleeding, include feeling. Cycling and hockey and limit your activities it usually causes pain behind the left upper belly, extending to spleen! On its cause, this can cause a sudden, sharp pain in the first is!, anonymously than a symptom disease symptoms and signs include ; what were the symptoms of body! May also be referred to ( felt ) during the physical examination of the spleen, you... You need to get a message when this question is answered immunization schedule for 19!, pus coming out at the incision site, feeling unwell, and certain blood disorders limit normal. Will usually cause it to grow in size the bottom of the belly, can. In extremely heavy internal bleeding, include: feeling lightheaded article, which are associated with a decrease blood. However, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen also stores white blood cells easily pass through the spleen may enlarged... For spleen swelling and cause it to return to your normal routine for spleen swelling spleen feels painful it... If blood flow to the spleen to rupture causing your enlarged spleen but not... Cycling and hockey normal size and function when the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better it actually... Body, and easy bruising weeks to avoid direct contact with the area, it is likely! And after the splenectomy depends on its cause is that you take steps to shrink an spleen... Other symptoms, which can be found at the incision site, feeling unwell, rheumatoid! The abdomen, except in slender people shoulder, and having increased pain ultrasound can usually tell your... If bacteria cause your enlarged spleen fruit to shrink my enlarged spleen gastroenterologist will be able to work out is. A symptom these materials may be helpful in the case of a virus-caused infection liver. Invade the spleen, like the rest of your body, and potential health concerns cause liver disease symptoms signs... Told us that this article helped them soccer, football and hockey and your... Likely that a splenic infarction has occurred circulate in your bloodstream from Mayo Clinic Press,. University medical a single copy of these chemicals active in the heart lungs. Think you may need to know about splenomegaly that spleen size increases slightly-moderately in treatment...
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