Enlarged Spleen

My daughter whose 11 has had two ultrasounds done.  In on it said she has spleenomegaly. So the doctor has just sent her for a second ultrasound and I just got those results.  It said that the tail of the pancreas was obscured by bowel gas.  Then it said that there is prominence of the spleen which measures 9.7 x 1.6x 16.3 cm.  It said impression 1. prominent spleen. Otherwise unremarkable ultrasound abdomen.  Does this mean that her spleen is enlarged? And,if we don't hear from the doctor who ordered the tests should I call him? Thanks for your help with this concerning matter.


This discussion is related to Enlarged Spleen.

[CalGal]

The spleen is an organ that 'filters' and destroys old red blood cells, it's also a major organ of the immune system. It can be an 'early warning system' of things that are going on from small stuff to more complicated problems. It can tend to enlarge if it's working too hard, or for a variety of reasons. See the hematologist and see what turns up there. I don't think the spleen will be 'left out' anywhere along the line and you should get an answer as they start to track down some answers.

[egbrew]

CALL HIM! The pancreas is on the upper right side of the body. They just could'nt see through her gas. That has to be noted if a measurement isn't able to be taken. HER ENLARGED SPLEEN IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! You pay him for a service. If he isn't alarmed enough to have called you immediately or he's too busy to read her results, get someone who will, even at the ER with her results in hand! Your instinct has not failed you. You're a great mom.

[CalGal]

The pancreas is located in the upper left side of the body. Spans from about mid-line toward the left upper quadrant.

An enlarged spleen is not typically considered a medical emergency unless it is the result of a traumatic blow to the area it's located in.

You should follow-up with your doc on ANY tests that are done as a matter of routine.

[rowdyrose77]

thank you for all the information you've given me.  I did take my daughter to Express Care and they had 5 tubes of blood drawn to check for all differrent kinds of viral infections.  But, while we wait for those results they want her to go to a hematologist. I can't figure out why that would be and what do I do to find out what's going on with her spleen? Should I forget about the spleen for now?

[CalGal]

The spleen is an organ that 'filters' and destroys old red blood cells, it's also a major organ of the immune system. It can be an 'early warning system' of things that are going on from small stuff to more complicated problems. It can tend to enlarge if it's working too hard, or for a variety of reasons. See the hematologist and see what turns up there. I don't think the spleen will be 'left out' anywhere along the line and you should get an answer as they start to track down some answers.

[rowdyrose77]

I just wanted to say thank you one more time for being so very helpful.  My daughter goes next Wednesday 9-15 to the hematologist and I'm very anxious to hear what they have to tell me and to see if they can help my daughter. Thank you so much again!