The spleen is a small organ located in the left side of the abdomen below the stomach that serves vital functions in the body. It produces white blood cells that enable the body to fight infection, and it stores platelets that enable blood to clot. A normal spleen should weigh approximately 5 oz. If a spleen weighs over 1 lb., it is classified as enlarged or swollen. A swollen spleen is almost always a side effect to another medical issue.
Infections
An infection of any type may result in spleen enlargement, or splenomegaly. Viral infections such as mononucleosis are the most common cause for a swollen spleen. Splenic enlargement may also be a result of a bacterial infection such as syphilis. In addition, infections that are caused by parasites, such as malaria, may also result in a swollen or enlarged spleen.
Liver Disorders
Many disorders that affect the liver may also result in an enlarged spleen. Cirrhosis, or chronic liver disease, whether it is caused by alcohol or other factors, may be accompanied by an enlarged spleen. A condition known as biliary atresia–blockage of the ducts within the liver that carry liquid bile from the liver to the gallbladder–can also result in splenic enlargement. Biliary atresia is most common in newborn infants and is generally not a factor for the adult population. Cystic fibrosis may also lead to an enlarged spleen. Individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis produce excessively thick mucus that is most dangerous to the lungs, but this thick mucus may cause the ducts of the liver to become obstructed, leading to liver disease and an enlarged spleen.
Cancer
Some forms of cancer are also characterized by an enlarged spleen. More specifically, cancers that affect the immune system, such as leukemia, lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease commonly produce splenic enlargement.
Vascular Disorders
Disorders that affect the blood vessels of the liver and spleen may result in an enlarged spleen. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, that affects any of the blood vessels supplying blood to the liver and spleen, primarily the portal vein, may result in splenic enlargement. In addition, if a blood clot forms in any of the blood vessels supplying the liver and spleen–once again, primarily the portal vein–an enlarged spleen may result.
Storage Diseases
Storage diseases are metabolic disorders characterized by the body’s inability to process and metabolize fatty substances. Because the body cannot process fats, the substances are forced to be stored in the organs. The spleen is one organ that is affected by storage diseases. Fatty substances that are unable to be broken down are stored in the spleen, causing the spleen to become enlarged. Examples of storage diseases are Gaucher’s disease, Tay-Sachs disease and Niemann-Pick disease.
About this Author
Robert Shifko has more than 17 years’ experience in the health care industry. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in pharmacologic research, clinical nuclear medicine, and most recently radiation health physics. He has obtained several certifications in nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics and as a medical radiation safety officer. He has always supported LIVESTRONG.
