An enlarged spleen, known as a splenomegaly, can result from a variety of conditions including liver disease, cancers and infections, according to MayoClinic.com. A healthy spleen filters blood of old blood cells, produces white blood cells that protect the body from infection, and stores blood and cells that help the blood to clot. Symptoms of an enlarged spleen include frequent infections, bleeding easily, fatigue, anemia, feeling full after only eating a small amount and pain in the upper left abdomen that may worsen when taking a deep breath.
Mononucleosis and Other Infections
Bacterial, viral and parasitic infections such as syphilis, mononucleosis, malaria and cat scratch disease can cause splenomagaly. Mononucleosis is a viral infection that can cause an enlarged spleen in addition to fatigue, loss of appetite, swollen lymph glands in the neck, fever and a sore throat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. An enlarged spleen in fragile condition can quickly rupture. This is the most serious complication from Mononucleosis.
Cirrhosis and Other Liver Diseases
Liver diseases such as biliary atresia, cystic fibrosis and cirrhosis can cause the spleen to enlarge, explains UMMC. Cirrhosis, characterized by scarred liver with reduced function, is caused by long-term alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, medications and fatty liver disease. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, confusion, easy bleeding, swelling of the legs or abdomen, yellowing of the skin and eyes, weight loss and weakness. A liver transplant may be required if cirrhosis progresses and causes the liver to fail.
Hemolytic Anemia
In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, according to the National Institutes of Health website, Medline Plus. This results in an inadequate amount of red blood cells if the bone marrow can not replace them. There are several types of hemolytic anemia. Causes include abnormalities in the red blood cells present at birth, blood clots in small vessels, some infections, certain medications and abnormal responses of the immune system. Symptoms include an enlarged spleen, dark urine, fever, chills, pale skin, a fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Treatment and prognosis depend on the cause
Hodgkin's Disease and Other Cancers
Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma, or cancer of the immune system. It often causes the spleen to enlarge, explains UMMC. The first sign is usually an enlarged lymph node. It can spread to other lymph nodes, to the bone marrow, liver, spleen and other organs. Although the cause is not known, it is believed that Epstein-Barr virus infection can contribute to its development. Symptoms include painlessly swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, fever, chills, night sweats and weight loss. The treatment depends on the stage the disease is in when diagnosed and usually includes chemotherapy and radiation. Leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas can also cause an enlarged spleen.
