What is the Spleen?

The spleen is a blood filled organ located in the upper left abdominal cavity. It is a storage organ for red blood cells and contains many specialized white blood cells called "macrophages" (disease fighting cells) which filter the blood. The spleen is part of the immune system and also removes old and damaged blood particles from your system. The spleen helps the body identify and kill bacteria. The spleen can affect the platelet count, the red blood cell count and even the white blood count.

View the anatomy of where the Spleen is located in relation to other organs.

Reasons Why Someone Would Need Their Spleen Removed

• If you have a condition called idiopathic (unknown cause) thrombocytopenia (low platelets) purpura (ITP). Platelets are blood cells which aid in the blood clotting process.
• A condition called Hemolytic Anemia (a condition that breaks down red blood cells) requires a spleen removal to prevent or decrease the need for blood transfusion.
• Hereditary (genetic) Conditions, such as, Spherocystosis, Sickle Cell Disease or Thalassemia. These conditions affect the shape of red blood cells.
• Cancers, such as, Lymphoma or certain types of Leukemia.
• If the spleen becomes enlarged and removes to many platelets from you blood.
• If the blood supply to the spleen is blocked or the artery abnormally expands, forming an aneurysm.