Have Acute myeloid leukemia(AML) and spleen enlargement. How to manage a spleen rupture (if it occurs)?
Patient: I am a 70 year old man diagnosed with AML and in a stable condition.  My spleen is severely enlarged and painful treated with morphine 2x daily and hydrocodone every 4 hours.  My spleen has been measured in excess of 30 cm and is very hard and extended.  My concern is the possibility of a rupture of the spleen.  How much pain will be associated with this occurrence and what action should I immediately take.  My Dr has ruled out a splenectomy (sp) as he doesn't think with my very low blood cell counts that I would  survive the surgery.    If you would please advise on the possibility of a non-traumatic rupture.  Thank you, Craig Phillips Doctor: Hi,I read your query very carefully and would like to say:If the spleen rupture did occur than you should go immediately to the hospital, because of the sharp pain in the left superior abdomen.The surgery is the best way to treat spleen rupture.Hope i answered to your question?Dr. Benard