Splenism is a medical term primarily used in the field of hematology to describe a condition related to the spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, responsible for filtering the blood and helping the immune system by removing old or damaged red blood cells.
Splenism refers to any abnormality or disorder of the spleen that can cause various symptoms or conditions. It encompasses a wide range of spleen-related abnormalities, including enlargement of the spleen (known as splenomegaly), infarction (tissue death) of the spleen, splenic abscesses, splenic cysts, and other pathologies affecting this vital organ.
The term "splenism" is often used to refer specifically to splenomegaly, which can occur due to several factors, including infections, cancers, blood disorders, or certain chronic diseases. When the spleen becomes enlarged, it may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, early onset of satiety, anemia, fatigue, or easy bleeding or bruising.
Treatment for splenism depends on the underlying cause, but it may involve addressing the specific medical condition that led to the splenic abnormality, managing symptoms, or, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove the spleen (splenectomy).
Overall, splenism is a broad term encompassing various spleen-related abnormalities, primarily used in the medical field to describe conditions affecting the structure, function, or size of the spleen.
