On the Expansion of the Foot

The spleen, as one of the important organs of the body, plays a significant role in the functioning of the immune system and the regulation of the life cycle of blood cells. The spleen, located under the left rib cage, is normally not palpable, except in young adults and thin individuals. The weight of the spleen is typically about 150 grams, and its length is approximately 11 centimeters.

The spleen has four basic functions: it filters pathogens from the blood, contributes to the development of the immune response, removes abnormal red blood cells from circulation, and during hematopoietic diseases, it can partially take over the production of blood cells.

It is essential for our health to be aware of spleen diseases, as the spleen rarely becomes ill on its own, but associated conditions may require urgent medical intervention. Immediate medical assistance is necessary in cases of pain or trauma in the left side of the abdomen.

Enlargement of the Spleen and Hypersplenism

Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, is a condition where the spleen becomes abnormally enlarged. It is important to differentiate this phenomenon from hypersplenism, which is a separate group of diseases characterized by spleen enlargement along with a decrease in the number of blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets.

In hypersplenism, the enlarged spleen accelerates the storage and breakdown of blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the number of cells in peripheral blood. This situation poses a serious health risk, as the reduced number of blood cells cannot perform their functions. The causes of splenomegaly can be diverse and generally develop as a consequence of other diseases.

Splenomegaly can be diagnosed using medical examination methods and imaging procedures, and when the weight of the spleen reaches 450-500 grams, it can already be well detected during a physical examination.

Causes of Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly can be attributed to numerous causes, among which increased activity of the immune system is the most common. During infectious diseases, the spleen is subjected to significant stress, as its role is to filter and neutralize pathogens.

In rarer cases, bacteria in the spleen can form abscesses, which also leads to enlargement of the organ. Additionally, certain pathogens, such as those causing schistosomiasis or histoplasmosis, can often cause splenomegaly.

Splenomegaly can also be observed in autoimmune diseases, as the increased immune response results in increased workload on the spleen. Anemia and other hematopoietic disorders, such as spherocytosis, can also contribute to splenomegaly.

Circulatory disorders due to impaired heart pump function, as well as liver diseases like cirrhosis, can also cause splenomegaly. Finally, infiltrative diseases affecting the structure of the spleen, such as storage disorders, can lead to an increase in spleen size.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is often asymptomatic, but a patient may complain of abdominal pain that can radiate to the left shoulder. A feeling of early satiety during meals can also be a sign of splenomegaly, as the spleen exerts pressure on the stomach.

The diagnosis of splenomegaly is made during a physical examination, where the doctor checks the size of the spleen by palpation. Imaging procedures, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, can also assist in the diagnosis.

Laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count and analysis of inflammatory markers, are necessary to map underlying diseases. Further investigations are conducted based on the suspected underlying disease and can be particularly important in cases of suspected malignancies.

Treatment of Splenomegaly

The treatment of splenomegaly always focuses on addressing the underlying cause. In cases of infection, the use of appropriate antibiotics is essential. For malignant diseases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical intervention may become necessary.

Immunosuppressive therapy is used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, while appropriate medication is recommended in cases of cirrhosis. In special cases, the removal of the spleen may be considered if conservative treatments do not yield results.

To maintain the health of the spleen and surrounding tissues, regular medical check-ups and adherence to professional treatments are important. Splenomegaly can cause serious health problems, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases can be successfully managed.