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What Causes An Enlarged Spleen?
Our youngest daughter, who is now forty yrs. old, unmarried and an attorney, has had colon problems for quite a few years and has been diagnosed with a bad immune deficiency system. She has monthly infusions which are mailed to her and which she gives to herself. Most recently she has been told that her spleen is filled with blood and must be taken out lest it bring about other major problems. Can you please give us your thoughts on this type of situation? We will greatly appreciate it and thank you greatly for your information and concern for our daughter. Jean and Tom White Lancaster, S. C.
Mon, 5 Jun 2017
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells.
It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood.
If surgery is needed, a surgeon is likely to remove the spleen using laparoscopy rather than open surgery. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions.
If the spleen is removed, the body cannot effectively clear certain bacteria and will be more vulnerable to certain infections. So, vaccines or other medications are needed to prevent infection.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells.
It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood.
If surgery is needed, a surgeon is likely to remove the spleen using laparoscopy rather than open surgery. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions.
If the spleen is removed, the body cannot effectively clear certain bacteria and will be more vulnerable to certain infections. So, vaccines or other medications are needed to prevent infection.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
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