The quiet organ with a big role, and what to do when something feels off
Tucked away beneath your ribcage on the left side, the spleen is often overlooked – but it plays a vital role in your immune system and blood health. While disorders of the spleen are not as commonly discussed as heart or liver issues, they can still have a serious impact on your wellbeing.
At firstScanHealth, we offer Private Abdominal Scans to help detect spleen issues early – giving you answers, reassurance, and a clearer path forward.
What Does the Spleen Do?
Your spleen acts as a blood filter and immune defence organ. It removes old or damaged blood cells, stores white blood cells, and helps your body respond to infections. When it becomes enlarged (splenomegaly) or injured, it can lead to a range of symptoms and health concerns.
What Are Spleen Disorders?
Spleen disorders include:
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
- Ruptured spleen (usually caused by trauma)
- Hypersplenism (overactive spleen, destroying blood cells too early)
- Cysts or abscesses
According to the NHS, an enlarged spleen is most often caused by infections (such as glandular fever), liver disease, blood cancers, or inflammatory conditions.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Spleen issues are often silent at first, but you may notice:
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort under your left rib cage
- Pain that spreads to the left shoulder
- Frequent infections
- Fatigue or feeling unwell
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Anaemia or low blood counts (if the spleen is overactive)
Sudden, sharp pain in the left upper abdomen could suggest splenic rupture – a medical emergency.
How Is a Spleen Disorder Diagnosed?
The most reliable way to check for spleen problems is via abdominal ultrasound. At firstScanHealth, our Abdominal Scans allow for a safe, non-invasive assessment of:
- Spleen size and shape
- Signs of inflammation, cysts or trauma
- Blood flow in and around the organ
- Surrounding organs (including liver, kidneys, pancreas)
We offer same-day feedback and a clear report you can share with your GP or specialist.
When to Seek Help
You should speak to a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Persistent discomfort or pressure in your upper left abdomen
- Unexplained fatigue or anaemia
- A recent infection with lingering symptoms
- Any abdominal injury (sports, falls, or accidents)
Left untreated, spleen issues can interfere with immune function and lead to complications like blood disorders or ruptures.
Treatment Options
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment might include:
- Monitoring with regular scans
- Treating the underlying condition (e.g., infection, liver disease)
- Medications to manage symptoms or immune response
- In rare cases, surgical removal of the spleen may be recommended
Following removal, you’ll need vaccines and monitoring, as the spleen plays a key role in fighting infections.
How firstScanHealth Can Help
Our mission is to help you stay informed and in control of your health. With a Private Abdominal Ultrasound, you’ll get:
- Fast, discreet appointments
- Scans by qualified professionals
- A detailed report with your spleen measurements
- Peace of mind without the wait
Your spleen may be small, but its role in keeping you healthy is anything but. If something doesn’t feel quite right, or you just want peace of mind, we’re here to help you check in with your body, the right way.