Stylexpo

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size. 


Organ or part of body involved: Spleen
Symptoms and indications: Enlarged spleen, which can be felt by palpating the abdomen. Other symptoms, depending on the cause.
Causes and risk factors: Some of the causes of splenomegaly include: 
Cirrhosis of the liver - which can increase the blood pressure inside the vessels of the spleen. 
Cystic fibrosis - a genetic disorder, characterised by excessive mucus production, particularly in the lungs and pancreas. 
Cytomegalovirus - a common viral infection that causes mild, flu-like symptoms. 
Glandular fever - an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. 
Haemolytic anaemias such as thalassaemia, a genetic disorder that affects the production of the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (haemoglobin). 
Hodgkin\'s disease - cancer of the lymphatic system. 
Leukaemia - cancer of the bone marrow that affects the blood cells. 
Lymphoma - cancer of the lymph nodes of the lymphatic system. 
Malaria - a parasite transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes.