From the Research
A spleen measuring 16 cm in size is indeed considered significantly enlarged, representing a substantial increase from the normal adult spleen size of approximately 10-12 cm in length. This degree of splenomegaly warrants medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause, which could include infections, blood disorders, liver disease, cancer, or inflammatory conditions 1. Patients with an enlarged spleen may experience left upper abdominal pain, early satiety, or no symptoms at all. Physical examination might reveal a palpable spleen below the left costal margin. The significance of splenomegaly relates to both the underlying condition causing it and potential complications such as increased risk of splenic rupture with trauma.
Some key points to consider in the management of splenomegaly include:
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause rather than the splenomegaly itself 2
- Avoiding contact sports and activities with high risk of abdominal trauma until evaluated by a healthcare provider
- Monitoring liver function tests, as they may correlate with spleen size, particularly in cases of infectious mononucleosis 3
- Considering the risks of serious underlying disease and balancing them against the risks of invasive investigations such as splenic biopsy and diagnostic splenectomy 4
In terms of specific management strategies, treatment options for hypersplenism, a common disorder characterized by an enlarged spleen, include etiological treatment, non-surgical treatment, total splenectomy, and liver transplantation 5. However, treatment should be individualized for each patient, taking into account the underlying cause of the splenomegaly and the patient's overall health status. Ultimately, a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to determine the best course of action for a patient with a significantly enlarged spleen.