Unmasking the silent symptoms of an enlarged spleen. How to spot the dangers lurking beneath your ribs
The spleen, though not often thought about, plays a critical role in our health. Located in the upper left part of the abdominal cavity, just beneath the ribs, the organ has numerous functions. It filters blood, produces specific types of immune cells (B and T lymphocytes), stores iron, and houses other essential elements necessary for red blood cell production.
A healthy spleen should not weigh more than 0.33 lbs (150 grams).
Symptoms and risk factors of splenomegaly
Splenomegaly or an enlarged spleen can be a result of various conditions. Often, it is an indicator of other health issues such as infections (like mononucleosis), blood disorders (like sickle cell anemia), metabolic conditions (like acidophilia), or certain forms of cancer (like leukemia).
Symptoms of splenomegaly vary and are dependent on the underlying cause of the spleen enlargement. Many individuals don't experience noticeable symptoms, and the condition is often identified during routine physical examinations or imaging tests.
If symptoms do occur, they may include feelings of fullness or heaviness on the left side of the abdomen, quick satiation during meals, pain on the left side of the abdomen radiating to the left shoulder, and unexplained weight loss.
If the spleen can be felt with the fingers, the situation may be serious.
Understanding risk factors and treatment options
People most susceptible to splenomegaly are those with blood disorders, infectious diseases, inflammation, metabolic conditions, or a genetic predisposition to blood cancer.
Splenomegaly requires medical intervention. The treatment is dependent on the underlying cause of the spleen enlargement. In severe cases, or if the enlarged spleen is the result of cancer, surgical removal may be necessary.
People who undergo a splenectomy (partial or complete removal of the spleen) have to adapt to a life without this critical organ in immune defense. They typically receive a series of vaccinations and might need regular antibiotic therapy.
