The spleen is a small organ, about the size of a fist, that resides in the upper left side of one’s abdomen. It is a highly vascular organ that serves as part of the lymphatic system. It has the following functions:
A splenic disease is defined as any illness that affects the spleen or its functions.
Splenic diseases are generally asymptomatic. Nonetheless, splenic diseases can produce the following symptoms:
A splenic rupture is a splenic disease that can be life-threatening. It is considered a medical emergency when it occurs. Symptoms include the following:
A splenic disease is most often caused by an underlying condition. Examples of underlying conditions that affect the spleen include the following:
Meanwhile, a splenic rupture is most often caused by a blow to the upper left abdomen. Such trauma can occur during a sporting event, physical assault, or car crash.
Splenic diseases are often discovered during physical examination. A doctor can feel an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) or wandering spleen when feeling the abdomen. Imaging via ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or scintigraphy can confirm the diagnosis of a splenic disease.
Additional tests are required to determine the underlying cause for a splenic disease. These tests may include complete blood count (CBC), blood cultures, bone marrow biopsy, bone marrow aspiration, and liver tests.
Splenic diseases, if left untreated, can lead to the following complications:
A splenic rupture causes internal bleeding. The resulting blood loss can be fatal.
Treatment is not required if the splenic disease is asymptomatic. Treatment is only necessary if the splenic disease produces symptoms detrimental to one’s health. Treatment options include the following:
Splenic diseases are often caused by an underlying condition. The splenic disease will often resolve on its own as the underlying condition improves.
Radiation therapy, or splenic irradiation, can be used to reduce the size of the spleen. This is beneficial for cases of symptomatic splenomegaly and hypersplenism. Radiation therapy serves as a palliative treatment. In other words, it helps reduce the symptoms of a splenic disease without treating the root cause.
A splenectomy is a surgery in which the spleen is removed. A splenectomy is performed either as a laparoscopic procedure or open surgery. Although the spleen is a major component of the lymphatic system, humans can survive without it. Patients who undergo splenectomy will need to supplement their immune system with vaccinations and antibiotics.
The best method to prevent splenic diseases is to properly manage the underlying conditions that cause splenic diseases. For example, the prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria will prevent the development of a splenic disease. The same can be said for liver cirrhosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, and many more conditions.
It should be noted that those with enlarged spleens (splenomegaly) have an increased risk for splenic rupture. Extra precautions should be taken. One should avoid contact sports and weightlifting. In addition, one should always wear a seat belt while in the car. A seat belt will protect the spleen in case of a car crash.