Why is the spleen so large?

Why is the spleen so large?

But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen.

How many centimeters is a healthy spleen?

Normally, the spleen does not extend inferior to the left costal margin; hence a normal spleen is seldom palpable through the anterolateral abdominal wall. It varies in size and shape but it is usually 12 cm long, 5 cm thickness, and 7 cm wide.

How many cm is an enlarged spleen?

A spleen weighing up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or between 11 to 20 cm (4.3 to 8 inches) in its longest dimension is considered enlarged. Splenomegaly greater than 1000 gm (2 lb 3.3 oz) or longer than 20 cm (8 inches) is considered severe or massive.

What is the most common cause of an enlarged spleen?

Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.

Is a 10 cm spleen normal?

The following guidelines are proposed for the upper limit of normal splenic length based on this simple, easy to use, one-measurement technique: splenic length no greater than 6.0 cm at 3 months, 6.5 cm at 6 months, and 7.0 cm at 12 months, 8.0 cm at 2 years, 9.0 at 4 years, 9.5 cm at 6 years, 10.0 cm at 8 years, 11.0 …

Is 12.5 cm spleen normal?

Splenomegaly refers to enlargement of the spleen. The upper limit of normal adult splenic length is traditionally cited at 12 cm, but lengths upwards of 14 cm can be seen in normal, taller males 7.

What is massive splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly is a common finding in multiple diseases; however, massive enlargement of the spleen is seen in few conditions. Most authors define massive splenomegaly when the spleen reaches the iliac crest, crosses the midline or weights more than 1500 g.

Is an enlarged spleen serious?

It’s important to seek treatment for the cause of your enlarged spleen. 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.

Is a 8 cm spleen normal?

How large should a spleen be?

The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. Your sex and height can also affect its size. In general, an adult spleen is about 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weighs about 6 ounces.

How long does it take for an enlarged spleen to return to normal size?

Peak splenic enlargement was typically seen within 2 weeks but, in some, extended to 3.5 weeks. For the majority, splenomegaly resolved in 4 to 6 weeks. The long incubation period and variable nature of the disease can make the task of identifying onset of illness a challenge.