Can an enlarged spleen be related to an undiagnosed liver problem

[Chelseachelsea]

Hello everyone. Hope you are all having a good a day as possible. I recently discovered that my son has an enlarged spleen and as yet the doctors dont know why.

Ive only posted on here a few times and that was concerning my lovely sister who died of an unknown type of hepatitis 7 months ago.

I guess im worried about my sons liver/spleen because none of us knew my sister was even ill. She very sadly passed away extremely quickly.

So my question is can an enlarged spleen also be linked to an as yet undiagnosed liver condition. At present my sons spleen has grown from 13 cm in January to 15 1/2cm in August. Ive been told that a normal size for his age, hes 17 is 11cm.

His blood tests have come back all clear apart from a slight dip in his immunoglobulin count which was slightly low. Hes just had a bone marrow biopsy and we need to wait for the results.

Very grateful for any help.

[Hidden]

Hi Chelsea

There are many reasons for an enlarged spleen and although my spleen problems are directly linked to my hepatitis, I would think most are nothing to be concerned about.

Blood tests would always show up any cause for concern. Being a very good mother and losing your sister in such a tragic and sudden way will naturally make you more aware of small signs.

But perhaps the best course would be to contact your doctor when he has the biopsy results and confirm whether any of his blood tests were for his liver and ask about the possible causes and risks.

I hope he is fine.

Dave

[Smegmer]

HI. Sorry for your loss, must be very frustrating to not know the cause of your sisters issues. We still have alot to learn about human health it seems.

Enlarged spleen does appear with serious Liver issues, but if the doctors have already looked in that area with bloods and scans, they should not have missed it. It would be a very sick Liver causing it and should be unmistakable to the Drs. Many things can cause enlarged spleen including viral infections and bacteria.

How was your Son feeling when they found the enlarged spleen, was he in a period of illness ?

[mantana]

Enlarged spleen can surely be a sign of a liver disease.

Your doctor should order blood tests (starting with general ones - which I guess your son already had), but also should check for viral hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.