The spleen is typically not palpable in healthy individuals. When it enlarges, however, a physician can detect it during a physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, she may choose to perform an MRI or a CT scan, the latter of which will help determine whether or not the organ is pressing on any other organs. Blood tests may also provide clues as to what is causing the enlargement. Physicians rarely conduct spleen biopsies as the procedure often leads to uncontrollable bleeding.

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