in

Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms and Causes

Causes of splenomegaly

In order to determine the source of splenomegaly, a doctor would need to go through a process of elimination to identify the underlying cause. This means they must assess and exclude the potential causes, such as an underlying condition or etiology, for the disease.

1. Mononucleosis

In cases of mononucleosis, splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) is a common symptom. It usually appears in the second or third week after the infection. To confirm a diagnosis, doctors should also look for cervical lymphadenopathy, a sore throat, fluctuating body temperature with an evening fever peak, jaundice, and a skin rash. These findings taken together are a clear indication of mononucleosis.