Spleen Function is Very Important for the Immune System

The spleen has a very important role on the immune system or also called the immune system. Impaired spleen function can make the body vulnerable to infection. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left abdominal cavity, and is generally the size of a fist, although the size varies from individual to individual. This organ has a length of at least 2.5 cm.

Various Functions

The spleen plays an important role in the immune system because it helps cleanse and store red blood cells, and helps to recognize and attack pathogens, which are foreign bodies that cause disease that enter the body. In an effort to protect the immune system, the spleen also helps ensure that harmful microorganisms leave the bloodstream. Then the white blood cells contained in the spleen, also help prevent infection. The spleen also controls the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. In addition, spleen functions that are no less important include:

• Cleanse unhealthy, old and damaged red blood cells from the circulatory system.
• Store up to 1/3 of the supply of pieces of blood or platelets in the body. The platelets in the spleen help stop the bleeding that occurs when you are injured. If there is heavy bleeding, the spleen will release platelet reserves to stop the bleeding.
• In the fetus, red blood cells are formed in the spleen.

Can it Live without the Spleen?

The spleen does have an important role on the immune system, but due to several health conditions, a person may have to live without the spleen because if left unhealthy spleen can trigger anemia, bruising or bleeding, even increasing the risk of infection and the development of cancer cells that can be life threatening . When the spleen is no longer in a person's body, then the function of the spleen will be taken over by the liver. That is why, a person can live without a spleen. Here are some conditions that may be recommended by a doctor to do surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy):

• Blood disorders

In this condition, your spleen may need to be removed if blood disorders that occur fall into the category of weight and do not work against a variety of previous treatments. Blood disorders that may require removal of the spleen include sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, polycythemia vera, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

• Certain infections

Severe infections that occur in the spleen may make the body unable to react to antibiotics or other treatments properly. If infection of the spleen continues, swelling or buildup of pus in the spleen may cause the spleen to need to be removed.

• Enlargement or swelling

Swelling of the spleen can occur if the spleen has a viral infection such as mononucleosis, or a bacterial infection. The spleen needs to be removed to avoid the condition of hypersplenism which can cause quality and number of blood cell disorders, so that there is a risk of bleeding, anemia and even rupture (rupture) of the spleen.

• Broken spleen

In addition to swelling or enlargement of the spleen, certain conditions such as the result of a violent impact during an accident that causes the spleen to burst need to be treated quickly. Splenectomy may soon be performed to overcome internal bleeding that can be life-threatening.

• Cancer

Certain cancers such as blood cancer (leukemia), and lymph node cancer (lymphoma) can affect the condition of your spleen. This condition can cause the spleen to enlarge and may also cause the spleen to rupture so removal of the spleen needs to be done. Splenectomy may also be recommended to avoid the spread of cancer cells. In addition to cancer, cysts or tumors lodged in the spleen may also need to be removed for the sake of mental health and safety.

Severe spleen dysfunction can be a reason for removal of the spleen. However, to watch out for is the immune system will become weaker, and more susceptible to infection. To anticipate, consult with your doctor for appropriate actions. You may need vaccinations or certain medications to prevent infection.