The spleen is located under the ribs on the left side of the body. It is part of the lymphatic system and helps fight infection, balance body fluids, and controls the amount of blood in the body. Diseases and injury to the spleen can cause problems and affect the spleen's normal function.
Diagnosis
Most problems with the spleen occur because of underlying diseases. CT scans can assess the size of the spleen and confirm the diagnosis of certain spleen problems. Blood tests can check the blood cell and platelet levels. Low levels of blood cell and platelets can indicate anemia or bleeding, which are consistent with spleen problems.
Splenomegaly
Splenomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged spleen. MayoClinic.com states a person usually remains unaware that the spleen has become enlarged because he has no symptoms, so physicians usually find splenomegaly during a routine physical exam. Other people develop symptoms such as pain in the upper left side of the abdomen, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, anemia and fatigue. Infections, liver diseases, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease and parasites can cause the spleen to enlarge. In some people, it becomes necessary to remove the spleen because splenomegaly can cause anemia, bleeding or possible rupture. .
Ruptured Spleen
The spleen can become injured playing sports, during a car crash or by any other blow to the abdomen. A ruptured spleen is serious emergency because it can cause serious bleeding into the abdomen, MayoClinic.com states. Symptoms of a ruptured spleen include abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision and fainting. If the injury to the spleen is minor to moderate, it can be treated without surgery. For severe injuries the spleen it may prove necessary to surgically repair or remove it.
Splenic Infarction
When blood flow to the spleen becomes blocked, the spleen tissue dies. This is known as splenic infarction. The National Institutes of Health states that causes of splenic infarction include blood clots, infections and blood diseases. Often, treatment is not needed; although the underlying causes of splenic infarction need to be treated. Severe cases may require surgery to remove all or part of the spleen.
Significance
It is possible to live without a spleen. Other organs, including the liver, compensate and increase their ability to fight infections. Individuals without a spleen are at increased risk for infection and must take antibiotics before surgical and dental procedures and stay up-to-date on vaccinations.
