Myeloproliferative neoplasmsare a group of diseases where the body produces too many red orwhite blood cellsorplatelets.
Often, these diseases result in an enlarged spleen.
“or"What does my spleen have to do with my blood?
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“or even, “What is the spleen?
“These are all excellent questions.
What Is the Spleen?
The spleen is a relatively small organ (about the size of your fist).
It sits on the left side of the abdomen underneath the ribcage.
However, towards the end of gestation and after birth, the bone marrow takes over this production.
Why the Spleen Becomes Enlarged
Some types of myeloproliferative neoplasms result in an enlarged spleen.
Thus, it gets overworked and becomes enlarged.
This increased number of red blood cells then collects in the spleen, leading to splenomegaly.
Primary Myelofibrosis
Inprimary myelofibrosis, abnormal blood cells build up, causing damage to the bone marrow.
In this disease, large amounts of blood stem cells become blood cells before they’ve adequately matured.
This process causes the blood inside the marrow to become thick, slowing the ability to make blood cells.
The spleen’s extra workload causes it to grow larger.
Essential Thrombocythemia
Inessentialthrombocythemia, too many platelets are made in the bone marrow.
This clumping can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
In addition, when the blood can’t flow adequately, the spleen may become enlarged.
So, your physician will likely monitor your blood counts and the size of your spleen closely.
If your doctor recommends treatment, there are three options: medical therapy,splenectomy, and radiotherapy.
Medical Therapy
In general, medications for enlarged spleen work by reducing blood cell production.
One of the most common medications used to reduce spleen size in myeloproliferative neoplasms is hydroxyurea.
Other times, doctors use therapies to treat the underlying cause of an enlarged spleen.
These may include:
JAK-2 inhibitors, such as Ruxolitinib, can be used in some circumstances.
The most significant risk of removing the spleen is the potential for serious life-threatening infections.
In addition, once the spleen is removed, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent these infections.
Radiotherapy
A third treatment option is a radiotherapy (also called radiation therapy).
Radiation directed towards the spleen can help shrink it in size.
These effects are temporary, so splenic radiotherapy is consideredpalliativetreatment to minimize symptoms to improve quality of life.
This therapy may be a good option for people who are not candidates for splenectomy.
Summary
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of blood disorders that can lead to an enlarged spleen.
If you have an enlarged spleen, you may not notice it at all.
An enlarged spleen doesn’t always require treatment.
So, check that to discuss with your physician the benefits and possible side effects of these treatments.
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