What does it mean when the spleen is too swollen, and can fluid seen on ultrasound be drained?
When the spleen becomes too swollen (called splenomegaly), it typically means that leukemia cells have piled up inside the organ, stretching it beyond its normal size. The spleen is located on the left side of your abdomen and Show Full Answer
What does it mean when the spleen is too swollen, and can fluid seen on ultrasound be drained?
When the spleen becomes too swollen (called splenomegaly), it typically means that leukemia cells have piled up inside the organ, stretching it beyond its normal size. The spleen is located on the left side of your abdomen and normally helps filter blood cells and fight infections.
An enlarged spleen isn't usually drained of fluid. Instead, the swelling itself is the issue - the organ has physically grown larger due to the buildup of cancer cells. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying leukemia rather than draining the spleen.
Your doctor may recommend several treatment approaches:
- Medications to reduce leukemia cells
- Radiation therapy to shrink the spleen
- Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) in some cases
The enlarged spleen can press against your stomach, causing abdominal pain, feeling full quickly when eating, or pain that radiates to your left shoulder. It's important to avoid contact sports or activities that could injure your abdomen, as an enlarged spleen has a higher risk of rupturing.
Talk with your healthcare provider about what your ultrasound results mean specifically for your situation and what treatment options might help manage the enlargement.
February 20
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