The spleen is a fist-sized organ positioned on the upper left side of the abdomen. However, its job is often overlooked, even though it does carry out important functions in the human body. These include storing infection-fighting white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This organ also controls the levels of all these blood cells.
Furthermore, the spleen acts as a blood filter, and by doing so, it helps to remove old, damaged, or dying blood cells from the body. However, like any other organ, the spleen can develop abnormalities that may impact its function.
The most common abnormality of the spleen is splenomegaly, also known as an enlarged spleen. There are various causes behind this condition, and they include infections, liver disease, certain blood disorders, and even some cancers. An enlarged spleen can disrupt normal spleen functions and lead to complications if left untreated.
Enlarged spleens can have few or even no symptoms. However, they can cause a feeling of fullness even after eating only small meals. This is mostly due to the enlarged spleen compressing the stomach. Anaemia can also be a sign that something is wrong with the spleen.
An enlarged spleen can affect someone in several ways. Apart from the already mentioned signs and symptoms, an enlarged spleen, in some cases, may rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
However, most spleens are removed before this serious scenario occurs. Despite this, spleens can rupture due to serious injuries such as those sustained from traffic accidents.
An enlarged spleen may result in decreased production of certain blood cells. If the white blood cells are affected, then sufferers are at greater risk of developing various infections. When spleen abnormalities affect the red blood cells, then their numbers can decrease, and this can lead to anaemia.
Being aware of the warning signs that something may be amiss with the spleen can help those affected seek medical help urgently before the condition becomes serious.
Persistent pain and tenderness in the upper left abdomen may indicate splenic abnormalities. Feeling full despite eating small meals is also quite common. Fatigue and weakness may be other symptoms accompanying the more common signs of spleen conditions.
Frequent infections, easy bruising, anaemia, and even jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes, can all also be indicators that something is wrong with the spleen.
If any of these symptoms arise, then individuals should seek medical attention to confirm or rule out any problems with the spleen or other potentially serious non-spleen-related health problems.
The management of splenic abnormalities, such as an enlarged spleen, depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition causing the symptoms. In some cases, treating the underlying illness, such as infections or liver disease, may have a direct effect on the condition of the spleen itself.
The size of the spleen can return to normal if such problems are treated or at the very least controlled. However, if an enlarged spleen is being caused by an advanced illness or is severely damaged through trauma and is causing significant discomfort or complications, then treatment options may include medication, blood transfusions, or even as a last resort, surgery to remove the spleen.
The good news is that individuals can live a relatively normal life without a spleen as the liver compensates for its removal by taking over many of the spleen’s functions. There are however small risks of increased susceptibility to various infections in those individuals who have undergone complete spleen removal for whatever reason necessary.