Echelon Health - Spleen

Spleen Enlargement

The spleen is located under your rib cage in the upper left part of your abdomen. It is part of the lymph and immune system and works as a drainage system helping protect the body against infection.

White blood cells produced in the spleen surround bacteria, dead tissue and foreign matter as the blood passes through the spleen as well as filter blood in general, removing abnormal blood cells from your bloodstream.

An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a major problem (it could be going through a period of hyperactivity) but it can be caused by infections and cancers, such as Leukaemia or Lymphoma.