What damages the spleen?

Question

What causes the spleen to have pain? (in a 29 yr old male)
what would happen if a spleen was removed....as far as body function etc.?

Answer 1

Disorders
Enlargement of the spleen is known as splenomegaly. It may be caused by sarcoidosis, malaria, Infectious mononucleosis, bacterial endocarditis, leukemia, pernicious anaemia, Gaucher's disease, leishmaniasis, Hodgkin's disute splenomegaly includes a complete blood count with differential, platelet count, and reticulocyte and atypical lymphocyte counts to exclude hemolytic anemia and leukemia. Assessment of IgM antibodies to viral capsid antigen (a rising titer) is indicated to confirm Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus. Other infections should be excluded if these tests are negative.


[edit] Absence
The absence of a spleen predisposes to some septicaemia infections. Vaccination and antibiotic measures are discussed under asplenia.

Some people congenitally completely lack a spleen, although this is rare.
Sickle-cell disease can cause a functional asplenia (or autosplenectomy) by causing infarctions of the spleen during repeated sickle-cell crises.
It may be removed surgically (known as a splenectomy), and indeed often is. For example, it may be removed following abdominal injuries with rupture and hemorrhage of the spleen, or in the treatment of certain blood diseases (Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hereditary spherocytosis, etc.), certain forms of lymphoma or for the removal of splenic tumours or cysts.

The spleen, similar in structure to a large lymph node, acts as a blood filter. Current knowledge of its purpose includes the destruction of old red blood cells and platelets, and the detection and fight against certain bacteria. It's also known to create new blood cells. The spleen is enlarged in a variety of conditions such as malaria, mononucleosis and most commonly in "cancers" of the lymphatics, such as lymphomas or the leukemia.

It is removed under the following circumstances:

When it becomes very large such that it becomes destructive to platelets/red cells
For diagnosing certain lymphomas
When platelets are destroyed in the spleen as a result of an auto-immune process (see also idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)
When the spleen bleeds following physical trauma
Following spontaneous rupture
For long-term treatment of congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) if severe hemolytic anemia develops[1]
The classical cause of traumatic damage to the spleen is a blow to the abdomen during a sporting event. In cases where the spleen is enlarged due to illness (mononucleosis), the smallest things such as leaning over a counter or pushing hard to go to the bathroom can cause it to rupture.

Answer 2

I add a link containing 84 causes for spleen symptoms.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/
symptoms/spleen_symptoms/
causes.htm

Removal of the spleen – splenectomy – is a relatively safe procedure.The outcome varies with the underlying disease or the extent of other injuries. Complete recovery from the surgery itself should be anticipated, in the absence of other severe injuries or medical problems. All patients undergoing splenectomy should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Consult your physician regarding an appropriate vaccination regimen. In addition, some physicians recommend vaccinations against other types of bacteria, and, especially in the case of children, long-term treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent post-splenectomy sepsis. Long-term antibiotic use is usually not necessary in adults. However, any patients who have had a splenectomy should seek medical attention for even seemingly minor illnesses, such as sinus infections or sore throats, as the health care provider may wish to prescribe antibiotics.
In all cases when more detailed medical information is required, you would be advised to contact your doctor.

Hope this helps
matador 89

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

So your question is...?? He won't stop drinking, he knows it will kill him, so it's his choice. You should tell him you are not prepared to stand back and watch him slowly commit suicide, and walk away... this may shake him up enough to make him realise whats happening