Normally, the spleen, an infection-fighting organ in the upper left section of the abdomen, is slightly larger than a baseball. Sometimes, however, underlying medical problems can cause the organ to swell considerably, a condition technically known as splenomegaly. Although a swollen spleen often has no symptoms, it can occasionally cause discomfort and difficulty eating. In many cases, a swollen spleen goes unrecognized until the underlying condition that is causing it begins to show symptoms.
The spleen is part of the body's lymphatic system and plays an important role in fighting infection. It produces white blood cells, which help remove bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles from the body, and also filters the blood that moves through it. A host of underlying medical conditions, including infections, cancer, and liver disease, can cause the spleen to swell. People with a swollen spleen may have reduced resistance to infection. Also, an enlarged spleen can sometimes rupture, causing dangerous internal bleeding.
Unfortunately, an enlarged spleen often has no symptoms. Therefore, it is possible for an individual to experience enlargement of this organ without any knowledge of it. Sometimes an individual may find out about the condition only when a doctor detects swelling during a casual physical exam.
If the spleen becomes very swollen, it can begin to put pressure on the nearby stomach. In this case, the individual may find that they become full after consuming only a small amount of food. You may also feel a dull, aching pain in your upper left back, which may radiate to your shoulder.
It is quite common for an enlarged spleen to go unrecognized until the underlying medical condition responsible for the enlargement begins to exhibit symptoms unrelated to the spleen. For example, if the inflammation is caused by a viral infection, such as mononucleosis, the individual may experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, sore throat, and fever. These symptoms may lead the individual to visit a doctor, who may then detect an enlarged spleen during a screening exam.
Treating a swollen spleen usually involves addressing the underlying problem that is causing the swelling. Depending on the nature of that underlying problem, treatment options can range from something as simple as taking a course of antibiotics to major procedures like radiation. If an enlarged spleen doesn't respond to treatment, a doctor may recommend surgical removal.