Spleen pain

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Spleen Pain

File:Spleen diagram.png
Diagram of the human spleen

Spleen pain is discomfort or pain that is felt in the upper left part of the abdomen, where the spleen is located. It can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), spleen infarction (death of spleen tissue), spleen rupture (a medical emergency), and infectious mononucleosis, among others.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Spleen pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Splenomegaly: This is an enlargement of the spleen, which can be caused by infections, liver disease, blood cancers, and other conditions.
  • Spleen Infarction: This is the death of spleen tissue due to a lack of blood supply, which can be caused by blood clots or sickle cell disease.
  • Spleen Rupture: This is a tear in the spleen, which can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident or a sports injury. It can also occur spontaneously in people with an enlarged spleen.
  • Infectious Mononucleosis: This is a viral infection that can cause spleen pain due to inflammation and enlargement of the spleen.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

In addition to pain, other symptoms that may accompany spleen pain include:

  • Feeling of fullness without eating or after eating only a small amount, due to the enlarged spleen pressing on the stomach.
  • Fatigue, due to the spleen's role in filtering blood and fighting infection.
  • Frequent infections, due to the spleen's role in the immune system.
  • Easy bleeding or bruising, due to the spleen's role in managing blood cells.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of spleen pain typically involves a physical examination and medical history, as well as imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Blood tests may also be used to check for infections or other conditions that could be causing the spleen pain.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for spleen pain depends on the underlying cause. It may involve medications to treat infections or reduce inflammation, surgery to repair or remove the spleen, or other treatments as needed.

See Also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD