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What Causes Splenomegaly?
Question: Splenomegaly spleen is enlarged and measures 12.5 x5.2cms
Brief Answer:
Spleen measures upper limits of normal size criteria, not a serious concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
The spleen is an organ which is a part of the lymphoreticular system. This coordinates the immune system in adults and also generates blood cells in young children. The spleen is on the left side of the body next to the stomach and above the left kidney.
In ultrasound, there are different measurement criteria followed by different doctors when considering a spleen normal in adults. Most doctors find a spleen measuring less than 13 cm superior to inferior axis. 6-7cm in the medial to lateral axis. 5 to 6cm in the anterior to posterior plane to be normal on ultrasound as per size criteria. However for some doctors, a length of 12 cm is considered the upper limit of normal.
From your query it appears that if you are an adult then the size of spleen is at upper limits of normal if it measures 12.5 x 5.2 cms and therefore not a serious concern.
Therefore if the spleen measurement is for an adult then there is no need to worry as it is at upper limits of normal and chances are more that the spleen is normal.
Enlargement of the spleen might occur in conditions like anemia, infections, blood cancers, bone marrow diseases and due to trauma. It is important to know why the ultrasound scan was done and if you have symptoms like fever or weight loss, then a complete blood test including peripheral blood smear will be more helpful in evaluating the condition.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Spleen measures upper limits of normal size criteria, not a serious concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
The spleen is an organ which is a part of the lymphoreticular system. This coordinates the immune system in adults and also generates blood cells in young children. The spleen is on the left side of the body next to the stomach and above the left kidney.
In ultrasound, there are different measurement criteria followed by different doctors when considering a spleen normal in adults. Most doctors find a spleen measuring less than 13 cm superior to inferior axis. 6-7cm in the medial to lateral axis. 5 to 6cm in the anterior to posterior plane to be normal on ultrasound as per size criteria. However for some doctors, a length of 12 cm is considered the upper limit of normal.
From your query it appears that if you are an adult then the size of spleen is at upper limits of normal if it measures 12.5 x 5.2 cms and therefore not a serious concern.
Therefore if the spleen measurement is for an adult then there is no need to worry as it is at upper limits of normal and chances are more that the spleen is normal.
Enlargement of the spleen might occur in conditions like anemia, infections, blood cancers, bone marrow diseases and due to trauma. It is important to know why the ultrasound scan was done and if you have symptoms like fever or weight loss, then a complete blood test including peripheral blood smear will be more helpful in evaluating the condition.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
sir i got scaned because i used to get a pain in the lower back on leftside when ever i stand for half an hour or more
Brief Answer:
Spine or disc problem might be causing pinching of nerves and pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The spleen in unlikely to be causing any problem. A back pain in the lower back is usually due to nerve pinching and is usually a problem after middle age. However it is also seen in the younger age group due to disc related problems in the lumbar spine. You can discuss this with your doctor at your next visit and then get clinically examined in detail.
A kidney stone can also cause pain in the back and probably your doctor wanted to rule out and that is why ultrasound was requested for you. I suppose your both kidneys are normal and not a concern.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Spine or disc problem might be causing pinching of nerves and pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The spleen in unlikely to be causing any problem. A back pain in the lower back is usually due to nerve pinching and is usually a problem after middle age. However it is also seen in the younger age group due to disc related problems in the lumbar spine. You can discuss this with your doctor at your next visit and then get clinically examined in detail.
A kidney stone can also cause pain in the back and probably your doctor wanted to rule out and that is why ultrasound was requested for you. I suppose your both kidneys are normal and not a concern.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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