Spleen: What you need to know

The spleen, (or folklorely known as the spleen) is an organ of the hematopoietic system. However, because of its location near the organs of the digestive system, it is often described together with this system. The spleen is structurally similar to a large lymph node. It acts primarily as a blood filter, playing an important role in red blood cells and the immune system. Let's learn about the structure and function of the spleen with SignsSymptomsList, friends!

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• 1. What is the spleen?
• 2. Function of the spleen
• 3. Common diseases
• 4. Is it possible to live without a spleen?

1. What is the spleen?

The spleen is a blood organ, a place of production of lymphocytes and the grave of old red blood cells. The spleen is reddish brown. It is located in the upper left side of the abdomen, protected by the ribcage.

The spleen is shaped like an elongated oval or a three-sided pyramid. Although it varies in size between individuals, a spleen is usually about 4-12cm in diameter and weighs about 200g.

In general, the spleen is hidden in a nest. Head and back arched against the diaphragm and left chest wall. The fundus sits on the left colon, the posterior ribs rest against the left kidney, and the anterior ribs face the stomach. The spleen is held in place by fascia and ligaments. Therefore, it would normally not be palpable in the abdominal wall. When there are diseases, the spleen is enlarged, it will be palpable just under the skin of the abdomen.

The spleen is only palpable in the abdominal wall when the spleen is enlarged.

2. Function of the spleen

One of the main jobs of the spleen is to filter your blood. It affects the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. And also affects the number of platelets, the cells that help your blood clot. The spleen does this by breaking down and removing abnormal, old, or damaged cells.

The spleen retains iron, protein, and other substances needed to make new cells. It also stores red blood cells, platelets, and infection-fighting white blood cells. The spleen stores blood for the body. When contracted or expanded, it participates in the regulation of blood volume as well as the volume of blood cells in the circulation.

The spleen plays an important role in the response of your immune system. When it detects bacteria, viruses, or other germs in your blood, it produces white blood cells. Those are lymphocytes, which help fight infections.

The spleen plays an important role in red blood cells and the immune system.

3. Common diseases

Many different conditions can cause the spleen to enlarge, especially diseases that cause blood cells to break down too quickly. 

As your spleen enlarges, the filtration of the blood may not be as effective as it used to be. It can inadvertently filter out normal red blood cells and platelets. And leave fewer healthy blood cells. This condition is called hypersplenism.

An enlarged spleen may not cause symptoms at first. However, after that, it can become painful. If your spleen enlarges too much, it can rupture. The spleen can also be damaged or ruptured soon after a hard stab to the abdomen, broken ribs, or other accident.

Extra spleen

About 10-15% of people have an extra spleen. The second spleen is usually much smaller – about 1 cm in diameter. In general, it does not cause health problems.

Spleen rupture

This can happen after an injury and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Sometimes, the spleen ruptures at the time of injury. In some cases, it breaks days or weeks later.

Broken spleen image.

Strong spleen 

This can happen for many reasons. Such as infectious mononucleosis, blood cancers, bacterial infections and liver disease.

Sickle cell disease

This is an inherited form of anemia. This condition is characterized by an abnormal type of hemoglobin. In this form of anemia, the red blood cells are irregularly shaped (crescent shaped). This blocks blood flow and damages organs, including the spleen.

Thrombocytopenia

If the spleen is enlarged, it may contain too many platelets. This means that there are not enough platelets in the body's circulatory system. The main symptom of thrombocytopenia is bleeding that is difficult to stop.

Spleen cancer

If the cancer starts in the spleen, it is called primary splenic cancer. If it spreads to the spleen from another organ, it is called secondary. Both types of cancer are rare.

Spleen infarction

If the blood supply to the spleen is reduced, it is called a splenic infarction. This occurs if the blood supply through the splenic artery is interrupted. For example, it could be caused by a blood clot. This causes severe pain, and treatment will depend on the cause.

4. Is it possible to live without a spleen?

The answer is yes

You can live without your spleen. 

This is an important organ, but not essential. If it is damaged by disease or injury, it can be removed without endangering your life. 

The spleen can be removed if necessary.

Your lymph nodes and liver can take care of many of your spleen's important functions. However, without a spleen, you are more likely to get an infection. And if you do get sick, it may take longer than usual for you to recover.

Depending on your age and overall health, your doctor will likely recommend vaccinations for infections such as:

• Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)
• Flu
• Meningitis
• Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus
• Shingles
• Chicken pox
• HPV
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Pneumonia

How to protect your spleen?

It's hard to keep your spleen healthy. 

Many causes of splenomegaly, such as cancer or blood cell abnormalities, may be unavoidable. However, there are a few preventable causes. For example, avoid infection or injury that can damage it. Here are a few tips:

• Do not share personal items such as eating utensils, toothbrushes or drinks with others. Especially if you know they have an infection like infectious mononucleosis.
• If you play football or other contact sports, wear protective gear. This helps protect the spleen and other organs from injury.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. This helps protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation to protect your liver and avoid cirrhosis. (Moderate drinking means no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. See also: Alcohol poisoning)
• Wear a seat belt whenever you are driving or in a car.

If you have an enlarged spleen, follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. Avoid sports and other high-impact activities until approved by your doctor.

Although the spleen is not a large organ, it plays many important roles in your body. Infections and trauma can damage your spleen and cause it to enlarge or even rupture. If the damage is extensive, you may need surgery to remove your spleen.

Not only the spleen, but any organ in your body plays a certain role in health. Building a healthy lifestyle and protecting your health is very important. Let's learn a lot of health knowledge with SignsSymptomsList to equip yourself, friends!

>> See more : Lungs are an important body organ that you need to know  

Doctor Nguyen Trung Nghia