What causes an enlarged spleen in females?

Enlarged spleen generally refers to splenomegaly. In women, symptoms of splenic enlargement are usually associated with a series of conditions such as mononucleosis, hemolytic anemia, and cirrhosis.

1. Mononucleosis: This condition is caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It can cause the spleen tissue to remain in a prolonged state of stress-induced congestion, leading to abnormal splenic enlargement.

2. Hemolytic anemia: This is a chronic blood disorder that severely impairs the normal hematopoietic function of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Due to long-term poor blood oxygen perfusion, the splenic membrane tissue may develop compensatory hypertrophy and enlargement.

3. Cirrhosis: This disease leads to reduced or impaired metabolism of harmful toxins such as creatinine and uric acid in the body. These toxic substances accumulate excessively and are stored in the spleen and other organs, ultimately causing secondary splenomegaly.

Other diseases such as Niemann-Pick disease and hepatocellular carcinoma can also lead to splenic enlargement. Therefore, patients must undergo a face-to-face clinical evaluation and examination for a definitive diagnosis.