How large is your spleen supposed to be?
How large is your spleen supposed to be?
The spleen varies in size and shape between people, but it’s commonly fist-shaped, purple, and about 4 inches long. Because the spleen is protected by the rib cage, you can’t easily feel it unless it’s abnormally enlarged. The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body.
How big is the average size of the spleen?
Posted 3 years ago. A normal spleen typically weighs 150 grams (5.3 oz) in an adult and spans about 11 cm (4.3 inches) vertically in its longest dimension. Yours seem to be little more than a set limit.
What are the warning signs of an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen, a condition called “ splenomegaly ,” is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it can’t keep up with high demand. Under normal circumstances, your spleen is about the size of your fist and hardly even detectable to touch during a physical exam.
What causes your spleen to be bigger than your fist?
Enlarged spleen. Enlarged spleen The spleen is a small organ normally about the size of your fist. A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged.
Is it possible to live a normal life with an enlarged spleen?
If a virus caused your infection, as is the case with mononucleosis, antibiotics would be of no help. In serious cases, your doctor might suggest that you have your spleen removed, which is called a splenectomy. It’s entirely possible to live a normal, healthy life after having your spleen removed.
What size is considered splenomegaly?
The standard system for classifying splenomegaly on radiography is: Normal (not splenomegaly): the largest dimension is less than 11 cm. Moderate splenomegaly: the largest dimension is between 11–20 cm. Severe splenomegaly: the largest dimension is greater than 20 cm.
What is a bad spleen?
The spleen is the most commonly injured abdominal organ, usually as a result of blunt trauma due to an automobile accident, significant fall or contact sports. Signs and symptoms vary based on the severity of the damage and associated internal bleeding.
What does an enlarged spleen feel like?
A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.
What is the normal human spleen size in centimeters?
It is somewhat flattened, considerably narrower than the gastric surface, and is in relation with the upper part of the anterior surface of the left kidney and occasionally with the left adrenal gland . The spleen, in healthy adult humans, is approximately 7 centimetres (2.8 in) to 14 centimetres (5.5 in) in length.