The spleen is a small organ inside your left rib cage, just above the stomach. In adults, the spleen is about the size of an avocado. It's part of the lymphatic system (which is part of the immune system). The spleen stores and filters blood and makes the white blood cells and antibodies that protect you from infections.

There are two parts of the spleen that each do different jobs. The white pulp produces white blood cells. The red pulp acts like a filter, removing waste from the blood.

Your spleen:
  • Stores blood
  • Filters blood
  • Makes white blood cells and antibodies
  • Maintains the levels of fluid in your body

    Many disorders, conditions, injuries and diseases can cause problems in the spleen. These problems include:

    Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly):
    An enlarged spleen can cause pain and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, even if you haven’t eaten much. Splenomegaly is a dangerous condition because the spleen can rupture or bleed.
    The spleen can become enlarged from:
  • Blood cancers, such as leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancer in other parts
         of the body that spread to the spleen
  • Blood clots in the spleen or the liver.
  • Certain types of anemia
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Infections, including mononucleosis, syphilis, malaria and endocarditis
  • Liver problems, including cirrhosis.
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Protein disorders

    Functional asplenia:
    This condition happens when your spleen doesn’t work as it should, overreacting and destroying healthy red blood cells. Destroying too many blood cells can increase the risk of infection and lead to bruising and bleeding.
    Functional asplenia can result from:
  • An accident or trauma that damages the spleen
  • Celiac disease.
  • Sickle cell disease.

    Damaged or ruptured spleen:
    Your spleen can rupture from injuries and trauma. Car accidents and blows to the abdomen are common causes of spleen damage. This life-threatening injury can cause severe internal bleeding.
    Symptoms of a ruptured spleen include:
  • A quick heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Pain under the ribs on the left side

    Can you live without a spleen? It is possible, and quite common. Sometimes healthcare providers perform surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) because it’s damaged or diseased. Without the spleen, the liver takes over many of the spleen’s duties. People who live without a spleen have a higher risk of infection, as the body has a harder time protecting itself from bacteria and viruses. Vaccinations and daily antibiotics will help to prevent infections.


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