Dr Ujwal Zambare

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+91. 98159 94279

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Spleen

Overview

The spleen is a vital organ of the lymphatic system, located in the left side of the abdominal cavity, just below the diaphragm. In humans, it is approximately the size of a fist and is richly supplied with blood. Much like how lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid, the spleen is the primary blood-filtering organ, playing a key role in immune function and blood circulation.

The spleen is responsible for storing and releasing immune cells, helping to mediate tissue inflammation and respond to infections. Structurally, it is enclosed in a thick connective tissue capsule and is made up of two main components:

  • White pulp – A lymphoid tissue surrounding splenic blood vessels, responsible for immune function.
  • Red pulp – A network of blood-filled sinusoids and splenic cords, where the filtration of blood primarily occurs.

Any abnormalities related to the spleen, such as enlargement (splenomegaly), infections, or blood disorders, require expert evaluation and care.

For specialized spleen-related treatment and diagnosis, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare, Best  Gastroenterologist & GI Surgeon in Wakad, Pune, for expert guidance and advanced treatment options.

Spleen Conditions

  • Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): An enlarged spleen, usually caused by viral mononucleosis (“mono”), liver disease, blood cancers (lymphoma and leukemia), or other conditions.
  • Ruptured spleen: The spleen is vulnerable to injury, and a ruptured spleen can cause serious life-threatening internal bleeding and is a life-threatening emergency. An injured spleen may rupture immediately after an injury, or in some cases, days or weeks after an injury.
  • Sickle cell disease: In this inherited form of anemia, abnormal red blood cells block the flow of blood through vessels and can lead to organ damage, including damage to the spleen. People with sickle cell disease need immunizations to prevent illnesses their spleen helped fight.
  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count): An enlarged spleen sometimes stores excessive numbers of the body’s platelets. Splenomegaly can result in abnormally few platelets circulating in the bloodstream where they belong.
  • Accessory spleen: About 10% of people have a small extra spleen. This causes no problems and is considered normal.

Spleen Tests

  • Physical examination: By pressing on the belly under the left ribcage, a doctor can feel an enlarged spleen. They can also look for other signs of illnesses that cause splenomegaly.
  • Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner takes multiple X-rays, and a computer creates detailed images of the abdomen. Contrast dye may be injected into your veins to improve the images.
  • Ultrasound: A probe is placed on the belly, and harmless sound waves create images by reflecting off the spleen and other organs. Splenomegaly can be detected by ultrasound.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic waves create highly detailed images of the abdomen. By using contrast dye, blood flow to the spleen can also be measured with MRI.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: A needle is inserted into a large bone (such as the pelvis) and a sample of bone marrow is taken out. Leukemia or lymphoma, which cause splenomegaly, are sometimes diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.
  • Liver and spleen scan: A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into the arm. The dye moves throughout the body and is collected in both of these organs.

Spleen Treatments

  • Splenectomy: The spleen is removed by surgery, either through laparoscopy (multiple small incisions) or laparotomy (one large incision).
  • Vaccinations: After spleen removal, it’s important to get vaccinations against certain bacteria, such as H. influenza and S. pneumonia. An absent spleen increases vulnerability to these infections.

ExerciseConditions That Affect The Spleen

  • Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections such as syphilis, tuberculosis, endocarditis, mononucleosis (mono), and malaria
  • Blood cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and lymphoma
  • Liver diseases like cirrhosis
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Metabolic disorders like Gaucher’s disease and Niemann-Pick disease

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you experience unexplained pain in the left upper abdomen, persistent fatigue, frequent infections, or signs of anemia, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out potential spleen-related conditions.

Request a Call Back!
Get expert care from Dr. Ujwal Zambare at True Life Clinic & Wellness Center, wakad.  Schedule your consultation for best Spleen diagnosis and treatment.

 

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