• Causes of enlarged spleen include:
• Viral infections e.g. mononucleosis
• Bacterial infections e.g. syphilis
• Parasitic infections e.g. malaria
• Liver condition such as cirrhosis
• Blood cell disorders like sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia
• Blood cancers e.g. leukemia, lymphomas
• Metabolic disorders e.g. Niemann-pick disease
• Blood clots or pressure in the veins of the liver or spleen
• Inflammatory diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Risk factors include:
• People with inherited metabolic disorders affecting the spleen
• Individuals with infections such as mononucleosis
• People living in areas with high malaria prevalence

Certain causes of splenomegaly can be prevented.

• Avoiding alcohol abuse can prevent cirrhosis which can eventually lead to an enlarged spleen.
• Many infections can be prevented by getting vaccinations against them.