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Splenomegaly - Overview

Alternative Names

Spleen enlargement; Enlarged spleen

Definition of Splenomegaly:

Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size.

Considerations:

The spleen is an organ that is a part of the lymph system. It filters the blood and maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets.

Because of its wide variety of functions, the spleen may be affected by many conditions involving the blood or lymph system, and by infections, malignancies, and liver disease.

Symptoms of splenomegaly include:

  • Hiccups
  • Inability to eat a large meal
  • Pain on the upper left side of the abdomen

Common Causes:

  • Reviewed last on: 2/9/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Armitage J. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 174.

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