What Causes An Enlarged Spleen?

Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014

Question: My dr told me i have an enlarged spleen. They are going to do an ultra sound. What would cause that? I havent been in a wreck or play contact sports, no falls etc

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Spleen may be enlarged due to many reasons.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

Spleen may be enlarged due to many reasons.
You are rightly suggested for ultrasonography.It will detect whether there is mild,moderate or huge enlargement.

Mild splenomegaly(enlarged spleen)may occur due to infections like malaria,typhoid,mononucleosis etc.
Moderate enlargement occurs in cirrhosis,tumour etc.
Huge enlargement occurs in cancer,chronic infection like chronic malaria,infiltrative diseases (such as gaucher's disease,amyloidosis or glycogen storage diseases) etc.

You need proper clinical examination.Underlying cause of enlargement should be treated.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar