Understanding Changes in Spleen Size: Should I Worry About Lymphoma?
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male who has been on quite a journey with my health. I started off at 107 kg back in January and, following a cold, adopted a restrictive diet of just 1000 calories a day. By April, I managed to reduce my weight to 86 kg, and I have maintained a steady weight between 85 and 86 kg since then. Recently, I found myself in the emergency room because of a mild gastritis episode. Thankfully, all my blood tests came back normal, although a differential count for white blood cells wasn’t performed. At the ER, my alkaline phosphatase level was recorded at 138, but this was dismissed by the medical team. During an abdominal ultrasound conducted by a nephrologist, I was informed that everything appeared normal except for my spleen, which measured 16 cm. After conducting further research and diving into information on Reddit regarding health concerns, I grew increasingly anxious about potential cancer. However, a follow-up ultrasound two weeks ago noted a decrease in the spleen's size to approximately 14.25 cm. While I experience itching throughout my body, it's important to mention that I have a known psoriasis condition. The itchy areas tend to be mostly dry rather than the classic patches associated with psoriasis. I don’t suffer from severe fatigue; however, I have been feeling chills periodically at night. Additionally, I've noticed that one of my salivary glands seems slightly swollen compared to the other, although it’s only apparent when I’m active or straining my neck. I have a couple of urgent questions: 1. Is it possible that the initial sonographer could have mismeasured my spleen by almost 2 cm? 2. If the measurements are accurate, does a decrease in spleen size mean that lymphoma is unlikely? Right now, I’m feeling quite overwhelmed because my doctor isn’t available for another year, and I’m left with many uncertainties about my health.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 6:10:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when faced with health uncertainties, especially concerning potential serious conditions like lymphoma. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and what you can do.
Main Points:
- Spleen Size Measurement: While slight measurement errors can occur, a reduction in spleen size is encouraging and not typical of malignancy.
- Concerns about Lymphoma: A decrease in spleen size, coupled with no alarming symptoms, can reduce the likelihood of lymphoma.
Explanation:
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Spleen Size: A normal spleen measures approximately 11-12 cm. Your initial size of 16 cm was concerning but has since decreased to 14.25 cm, which is a positive sign. Factors like hydration status, body position during the ultrasound, and even operator experience can affect measurements, so a slight discrepancy may not indicate a serious issue.
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Symptoms: Itching could be due to psoriasis rather than lymphoma, especially if it presents as dry patches. Chills and the swelling of a salivary gland, while concerning, are not specific signs of lymphoma. They can have many benign causes, particularly in the context of your recent health changes (like weight loss and gastritis).
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a record of any new symptoms or changes in your health, including the itching, chills, and swollen gland. Note when these symptoms occur and their severity.
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Lifestyle Considerations: Continue to maintain a balanced diet with appropriate caloric intake to support your overall health. Consult with a nutritionist if possible to ensure you’re getting necessary nutrients.
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Follow-Up Ultrasound: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking another ultrasound to reassess spleen size and discuss findings with a healthcare professional in the future.
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Monitor Your Health: Make an appointment with a different healthcare provider or a specialist if your doctor remains unavailable for an extended period. This may help alleviate some of your concerns and provide you with the care you need.
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Stay Informed, but Cautious: While it's tempting to search online for answers, focus on evidence-based information from reliable sources. Reddit and similar forums can provide anecdotal evidence but may not mirror your specific situation.
It’s important to address your health concerns with a professional as soon as you can. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and reach out to supportive friends or family for reassurance. If you notice any significant changes, especially involving persistent pain or additional swelling, prioritize seeking help quickly.
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