Enlarged Spleen

[alevoy18]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed by tTG blood test and positive biopsy (Marsh 3B) in November 2009. Over the last couple of years I've had a few ultrasounds, due to finding lymph nodes in my neck/armpit. Prediagnosis I had a Ultrasound that showed my spleen as 11cm long. 6 months later after going gluten free, I had another ultrasound which showed my spleen was still normal sized at 10.6cm long. On my most recent U/S (Feb 2), my spleen was 14cm long and listed as mild/moderate splenomagly.

Has anyone experienced this? I have had issues with my RBC/HB/HCT counts being borderline low for the last couple of years and my reticulocyte (immature red blood cells) counts being extremely low. I saw a hematologist, but they were not concerned until my red cells dropped lower. I'm just curious if anyone knows what the enlarged spleen is likely from or if I should see my doctor about it. A specialist ordered the U/S for the lymph nodes, no nodes were found in the abdominal section, just the spleen size. Is the spleen something that needs to be investigated or do I not need to bring it up to my family doctor?

As for the lymph nodes, last check the largest in my neck was 2.0cm x 0.8cm and the largest in my right armpit is 3cm x 1.5cm. The biopsy of the armpit had a damaged specimen, so I am awaiting to see if I need another one. This is all likely nothing since my CBC tests are only borderline low, but I would like a bone marrow biopsy to ease my mind. Does anybody agree with the biopsy being done or am I just worrying too much?

Thanks a lot!

[ravenwoodglass]

If your doctors are not concerned you should try not to be either. Many things can cause enlarged lymph nodes and not all are dire. The inflammation from celiac can do it and it does take a very, very long time for them to go down. The spleen is I think a sort of filter and if the amount of increase was something to worry about the doctor should let you know. If you are really concerned make an appointment with your doctor to discuss it.

[Looking for answers]

I have enlarges lymph nodes in my neck that have been there for years. Most of my blood count comes back in on the low end as well, and sometimes low and out of range. I had a CT scan done on my neck for the lymph nodes, and results said they were not found to be malignant. For years I stirred about it, and sometime still do. However, I've seen several doctors and naturpaths that all say enlarged lymph nodes are completely "normal" for people with autoimmune issues and are nothing to be concerned about. So, basically, unless they suddenly balloon which would result in cause for concern, I just have to learn to live with them.

[SaraKat]

I had enlarged axillary lymph nodes on the left side and that really scared me- that was before the celiac dx. I thought I had lymphoma. I guess it is from celiac, they have gone down, but they were a little over 2cm (there were 2 that were enlarged). I never had an issue with the spleen though.