About Spleen ?

Spleen is a soft, purplish-red organ, which lies under the diaphragm on the left side of the abdominal cavity. It acts as a filter against foreign organisms that infect the bloodstream, filtering out old red blood cells from the bloodstream and decomposes them. Phagocytic cells in the spleen, that are capable of engulfing and destroying bacteria, parasites, and debris perform these functions. Ordinarily, the spleen manufactures red blood cells only toward the end of fetal life, and after birth this function is taken over by the bone marrow. However, if a bone marrow breakdown takes place, the spleen reverts to its fetal function. The spleen also acts as a blood reservoir and when additional blood is needed during stress or at other times, the spleen contracts, forcing stored blood into circulation.

An Overview Of Swollen Spleen ?

Spleen swelling is also called as spleen enlargement or Splenomegaly. It is a cardinal sign of hypersplenism. Splenomegaly is usually associated with increased workload, which suggests that it is a response to hyper function. As a result of this splenomegaly is associated with any disease process, which involves abnormal red blood cells being destroyed in the spleen.
 A symptom of Malaria, Cirrhosis of the liver, leukaemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, polycythaemia, spleen enlarges when called on to remove massive numbers of red blood cells, defective cells, or bacteria from the circulation. Enlargement of the spleen produces a dull, heavy sensation just under left ribs and though this may not be the only symptom, consult a doctor if there is no improvement in 12 hours.
Sometimes the spleen may have to be removed in adults if it is ruptured by injury or if it is destroying too many red blood cells (as in haemolytic anemia). In such a case, its functions are taken over by rest of the reticulo-endothelial system. In small children, splenectomy is usually avoided as the organ plays a larger role in dealing with hostile bacteria.

Treatment ?

If the splenomegaly underlies hypersplenism, splenectomy is indicated and this should correct the problem. After splenectomy, however, patients are considered immuno-compromised, and so need to be placed on lifelong prophylactic oral antibiotics. The risks of splenectomy are greatest in the first two years after the completion of the procedure. Patients also need to be vaccinated against common viral infections, and must receive annual influenza vaccinations.

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