What is Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlarged spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage. It plays a crucial role in filtering the blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and fighting infections.

Splenomegaly can be caused by various factors:

• Infections: Certain viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can lead to spleen enlargement.


• Liver diseases: Conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis can cause increased pressure in the liver, leading to splenomegaly.


• Blood disorders: Some blood disorders, such as leukemia or lymphoma, can result in an enlarged spleen.


• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can trigger an immune response that affects the spleen.

Splenomegaly may cause symptoms: abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, anemia, fatigue, and frequent infections. Diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging tests, and blood tests. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or addressing the primary condition.