Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
The spleen is an important organ in the immune system. It is a bean shaped
structure, located in the left upper portion of the abdominal cavity, under the
diaphragm, tucked in between the 9th and 11th ribs, in the mid-back. The spleen
typically weighs 150 grams (5.3 oz) in a typical adult and spans about 11 cm
(4.3 inches)
vertically in its longest dimension.
The functions of the spleen normally include clearance of invading organisms
in the blood (bacteria) from the circulation, production of antibodies for the
immune system, and removal of abnormal blood cells.
The spleen can enlarge by performing its normal functions in response to
another medical condition. Certain infections, diseases affecting blood cells,
increased splenic blood flow, and diseases invading the spleen are some common
reasons for the spleen to enlarge. Splenomegaly is not always abnormal, and
spleen size may not necessarily say much about its function.
A normal-sized spleen cannot be palpated (felt) during the physical
examination of the abdomen, except in slender people. Enlarged spleen
(splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during careful abdominal examination.
Approximately 2% to 5% of the American population may have a palpable or enlarged
spleen.
A spleen weighing up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or between 11 to 20 cm (4.3 to
8 inches) in its longest
dimension is considered enlarged. Splenomegaly greater than 1000 gm (2 lb 3.3
oz) or longer
than 20 cm (8 inches) is considered severe or massive.
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Splenectomy is surgery to remove the spleen. The spleen gets rid of old and damaged red blood cells. Red blood cells may be damaged by a health condition, such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease. When the blood cells pass through the spleen, they are often destroyed. This can leave the body with too few red blood cells.
Some people have their spleen removed to keep from losing too many red blood cells. Other people may need to have it removed if the spleen is injured in a car accident or by another trauma.
The spleen helps the body fight certain types of bacteria. If your spleen is removed, your body will be less able to fight serious infections.
