Treatment:

When possible, doctors treat the underlying disorder that caused the enlarged spleen. Surgical removal of the spleen may be necessary but can cause problems, including an increased susceptibility to infections. However, the risks are worth taking in certain critical situations:

• When the spleen destroys red blood cells so rapidly that severe anemia develops

• When the spleen so depletes stores of white blood cells that infection is likely

• When the spleen so depletes stores of platelets that bleeding is likely

• When the spleen is so large that it causes pain or puts pressure on other organs

• When the spleen is so large that parts of it bleed or die

As an alternative to surgery, radiation therapy can sometimes be used to shrink the spleen.