Enlarged Spleen and Liver

In medical science, the health condition characterized by enlarged liver, owing to infection, metabolic disorder or direct toxicity, is known as hepatomegaly, while the health disorder characterized by enlargement of spleen, due to any disease which triggers red blood cell destruction in the spleen, is known as splenomegaly. At times, both the conditions, i.e. enlargement of liver and spleen, occur simultaneously. This health condition, predominantly characterized by enlargement of both the organs at the same time, is referred to as hepatosplenomegaly, or enlarged spleen and liver disease.

Enlarged Spleen and Liver Causes
Hepatosplenomegaly, aka enlarged spleen and liver, is considered to be more of a symptom than a disorder. This condition can be caused due to numerous diseases and disorders. Most often, it is attributed to diseases which cause harm to the kidney, liver or the red blood cells in the body. Although it is difficult to memorize all the causes of enlarged spleen and liver, there are some common disorders that cause hepatosplenomegaly. These causes include viral liver infection such as chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver owing to excessive alcohol consumption, typhoid caused due to contaminated water, infection of kidney and liver, and leukemia etc. In fact, in case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other such cancers, the enlargement continues as cancer progresses, which can trigger tremendous pain in the patient. Genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia is also known to be a cause of enlargement of spleen and liver. The juvenile form of Gaucher's disease, known as Type 3, is the most prominent cause of enlarged spleen and liver in children.

Enlarged Spleen and Liver Diagnosis
Hepatosplenomegaly, being a symptom of various disorders in itself, is very difficult to diagnose. However, there do exist some enlarged spleen and liver symptoms which turn out to be help in determining the condition. These symptoms may include difficulty in eating large meals and/or moderate to excessive pain in the stomach. Going through a series of tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and liver biopsy can help in ascertaining whether the liver or spleen have really enlarged or not. Other than going through these tests, enlargement of spleen and liver can be determined by pressing on the belly. When you press right under the ribcage, you will find the spleen which will be extended if enlarged. On the other hand, if enlarged, the liver will be tender to touch.

Enlarged Spleen and Liver Treatment
At times, the person may not even realize that he is experiencing enlarged spleen and liver, and the pain from the same may be misdiagnosed for some other simple ailment, thus delaying the treatment of the actual cause. Whenever you experience pain in any specific region of the stomach, it's very important to consult a medical professional and initiate further treatment. Most often, the treatment for an enlarged spleen and liver requires treating the underlying conditions which has caused the condition. For instance, in case of cancer, cancer treatment, depending on the stage of cancer, can help in reducing the swelling, while enlargement caused due to typhoid can be treated by administering antibiotics to cure typhoid. Although rare, there are chances of the spleen rupturing, which may lead to heavy blood loss and even cause death of the individual. Therefore an enlarged spleen should be treated promptly, and even removed surgically, if required.

The liver, which helps in converting plasma into blood, and the spleen, which helps in clearing unwanted bacteria from the body, are extremely important organs of the human body. Any damage to these organs, including an enlarged spleen and liver, can lead to fatal complications in the body, which may even result in death of the individual.