Is splenomegaly a cancer?

Is splenomegaly a cancer?

Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). An enlarged spleen usually doesn’t cause symptoms. It’s often discovered during a routine physical exam.

What is the cause of hepatosplenomegaly?

Hepatosplenomegaly can occur as the result of acute viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, and histoplasmosis or it can be the sign of a serious and life-threatening lysosomal storage disease.

What is the function of the spleen?

The spleen has some important functions: it fights invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells) it controls the level of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells.

What are warning signs of the spleen?

In any case, emergency medical help is needed quickly. Signs that the spleen may have been damaged can include pain and tenderness in the upper left abdomen, lightheadedness, and pain in the left shoulder. In addition to a spleen that has been damaged or has ruptured, the spleen may also become dangerously enlarged.

Is splenomegaly an emergency?

Depending on the cause, individuals with splenomegaly may seek urgent doctor visits if they have evidence of bleeding, infection that is not well controlled at home, or severe abdominal pain.

How is Hepatosplenomegaly treated?

When the underlying cause is cancer, you need suitable treatments that may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery to remove the tumor. Liver transplant. If your case is severe, such as being in the final stages of cirrhosis, you may require a liver transplant.

Can splenomegaly be cured?

If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration.

Is splenomegaly serious?

Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically (splenectomy).