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Spleen cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the spleen, an organ found in the upper-left side of the abdomen. It is a component of your lymphatic system.
Your spleen's function is to:
- Remove damaged blood cells
- Prevent infection by producing white blood cells called lymphocytes
- Aid in blood clotting by storing red blood cells and platelets.
Spleen cancer is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary spleen cancer begins in the spleen. Secondary cancer begins in another organ and spreads to the spleen. Both sorts are unusual.
The majority of the time, spleen cancer is a lymphoma, which is a kind of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Leukemia, another type of blood cancer, might affect your spleen. Leukemia cells can sometimes congregate and accumulate in this organ.
WHAT CAUSES SPLEEN CANCER?
Cancer that begins in the spleen is extremely rare.
Researchers estimate it occurs in less than 2% of all lymphomas and 1% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma, often known as SMZL, is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops in the spleen.
Because the majority of malignancies that affect the spleen are tumors that spread from elsewhere, understanding the causes of spleen cancer entails looking at what causes these other diseases.
The majority of malignancies that begin in the spleen are lymphoma or leukemia. According to Lymphoma Action, it is often impossible to pinpoint a specific cause of lymphoma.
Nonetheless, researchers have identified factors that may raise the likelihood of acquiring lymphoma, such as:
- growing older
- being a male
- having a relative suffering from lymphoma
- experiencing immune system difficulties
- being infected or at risk of infection
Several studies have found a link between chronic hepatitis C virus infection and an increased chance of developing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which can lead to spleen cancer.
Researchers have also discovered plausible correlations between spleen cancer and environmental contaminants like thorium dioxide or monomer vinyl chloride.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SPLEEN CANCER?
Cancer that begins in or spreads to the spleen can cause it to expand. If this occurs, you might:
- feel full after eating
- experience pain in the upper-left side of your belly
- develop a series of infections
- bleed easily
- have anemia (low red blood cells)
- feel fatigued
Other spleen-related cancer symptoms may include:
- lymph nodes that are big
- fever
- chills or sweating
- loosing weight
- a bloated stomach
- discomfort or pressure in the chest
- Coughing or shortness of breath
HOW IS SPLEEN CANCER DIAGNOSED?
If your doctor suspects you have spleen cancer, he or she will most likely perform testing to rule out other tumors. You may require blood tests to determine your blood cell count.
A bone marrow test may be required in some instances. This entails extracting a little amount of marrow from your hip bone and testing it for cancer cells.
Your doctor may also advise you to have a lymph node removed to see whether it contains cancer.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or PET scan, may also be carried out.
To make a diagnosis, surgeons may perform a splenectomy, which is surgery to remove the spleen. After the spleen has been removed from the body, doctors can analyze it to identify what type of cancer you have.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SPLEEN CANCER?
If your doctor discovers cancer in your spleen, you may require a splenectomy as part of your treatment plan. There are two kinds of them:
- Laparoscopic: Your surgeon will make four small incisions in your tummy and use tiny video cameras to see inside. A tiny tube is used to extract the spleen. Recovery is often easier with a laparoscopic treatment since the incisions are smaller.
- Open: To remove your spleen, your surgeon will create a bigger incision in the center of your belly. Typically, this type of surgery necessitates a lengthier recuperation period.
Depending on the type of cancer, further therapies may be required. These could include:
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- drugs that are directed against your tumor (such as biologics or targeted therapies)
- stem cell transplant (a procedure to replace unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow)
CAN SPLEEN CANCER BE PREVENTED?
Chronic hepatitis C infections have been associated to spleen cancer and other types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to research. Taking precautions to avoid Hepatitis C can thus help people lower their risk of contracting the disease.
Because Hepatitis C is spread through the blood, it is critical to do the following:
- When having a tattoo or piercing, exercise extreme caution and ensure that all equipment is sterilized.
- If you have intercourse with someone who hasn't been tested for hepatitis C or other sexually transmitted diseases, use condoms.
- In a healthcare setting, follow the safety protocols for using and discarding of needles.
- Never share needles.
HIV and HTLV-1 infection may also raise the chance of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and spleen cancer. Following safe sex recommendations and the same preventive methods used for Hepatitis C can be successful in preventing the spread of these infections.
Eating a lot of high-fat foods, as well as gaining a lot of weight, has been related to an increased chance of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Adopting a healthy, low-fat diet and keeping a healthy weight are both beneficial self-care activities that can minimize the chance of acquiring a variety of other serious and chronic conditions.
CONCLUSION
If you have cancer in your spleen, it is most likely lymphoma. Spleen cancer is sometimes caused by another type of cancer that has spread to this organ.
Your prognosis will be determined by the stage of your cancer and the type of cancer you have. If you have spleen cancer symptoms, see your doctor very soon. Early detection, like with most malignancies, can lead to a better outcome.