Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Can the spleen or liver return to somewhat a normal size once you start treatment, or once they are enlarged that is that.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Burien, WA
October 8
 · 
Reactions
Is Stomach Bloating a Symptom of Leukemia? Read Article...
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I have been on watch and wait for almost 5 years now and at the time of my diagnosis I was told I had already been living with it for almost 5 years.
My spleen is now the size of a small shoe box and lymph nodes visible in several locations...BUT... I am not symptomatic in any way, so they are still just watching my numbers.
I am happy that you have been normal since starting your treatment, I pray and trust that God's plan for me is the same.
Thank you for the information.

October 10
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I just learned my spleen was enlarged on day one. I had an MRI when I was ill and I was told I had CLL. After taking medication for 2 years I had another MRI and my spleen reduced almost to normal size. My life has been very normal.

October 10
MyLeukemiaTeam

Great question, and there is genuinely good news here. An enlarged spleen or liver does not have to be a permanent situation. Treating the underlying leukemia is the key to reducing organ enlargement, and many people do see improvement once treatment begins. Doctors have several options to help shrink an enlarged spleen Show Full Answer

Great question, and there is genuinely good news here. An enlarged spleen or liver does not have to be a permanent situation. Treating the underlying leukemia is the key to reducing organ enlargement, and many people do see improvement once treatment begins. Doctors have several options to help shrink an enlarged spleen, including:

- Medications targeting leukemia cells
- Radiation therapy directed at the spleen
- Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) in more severe cases

It's worth noting that a splenectomy is typically a last resort when other treatments haven't worked well enough. One important caution — anyone with an enlarged spleen should avoid contact sports or activities that could cause abdominal trauma. A ruptured spleen is a life-threatening emergency, so it's something to take seriously.

The best step is to talk with a healthcare provider about which treatment approach makes the most sense based on the specific type and phase of leukemia. Everyone's situation is a little different.

October 8

Related Questions

View All

My dad got the fluid and spleen tested and found it all ok no cancer cells

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Australia
March 17

When do they start to treat you?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lexington, KY
September 11