Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, can be caused by various infections, sickle cell anemia, cancer, cysts, and tumors. Common infections that affect the spleen include Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis, and malaria. Sickle cell anemia can cause the spleen to become enlarged and overloaded with clearing excess debris from the bloodstream. Tumors, both benign and cancerous, can also lead to spleen problems.
There are many diseases that can negatively impact the spleen, usually causing it to enlarge, a condition known as splenomegaly. A variety of infections, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic, are frequent causes of spleen enlargement. Another of the most common spleen diseases is sickle cell anemia, which can cause splenomegaly and asplenia, in which the organ ceases to function properly. Some types of cancer can also lead to spleen problems. Cysts and tumors can also form there, which can lead to enlargement and problems with proper functioning.
Many types of infections can become spleen disease, leading to enlargement of the organ. A common virus that affects the spleen is the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis; this virus can cause splenomegaly and increase the chance of splenic rupture. Another virus that can enlarge the organ is hepatitis. Malaria, which is caused by a parasitic infection, can also negatively impact the spleen. Some bacterial infections, such as brucellosis or bacterial endocarditis, can also be the cause.
One condition that is often hard on the spleen is sickle cell anemia. One of the main functions of the spleen is to remove damaged cells from the blood. With this disorder, red blood cells break down easily, and the spleen can become enlarged and overloaded with clearing excess debris from the bloodstream, particularly during acute attacks of the disease. Some other spleen diseases that can cause problems due to abnormally shaped blood cells include the hereditary disorders spherocytosis and elliptocytosis. It can also be the result of hemolytic anemia, a disease in which the body’s red blood cells break down abnormally and die.
Some tumors can also be considered spleen diseases, as they can lead to splenomegaly. For example, leukemia, which leads to a significant increase in immature or abnormal blood cells in the body, can cause the spleen to enlarge as it tries to process blood. Some lymphomas can also negatively impact the spleen.
The spleen can also become enlarged or malfunction if it is affected by different types of growths. Tumors can form on the spleen; they can be benign types such as hemangiomas or cancerous types such as hemangiosarcomas. The organ can also develop cysts. Sometimes inflammatory nodules, known as granulomas, can form due to a condition known as sarcoidosis.
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