Cancer can affect the spleen, though it is uncommon. Spleen cancer can be primary, originating directly within the spleen, or secondary, spreading from another part of the body. Secondary spleen cancer is more frequently observed than primary cases.
The Spleen’s Purpose
The spleen is an organ located on the upper-left side of the abdomen, tucked beneath the rib cage. It plays a significant role in the body’s immune system and blood filtration. The spleen filters out old or damaged red blood cells from the bloodstream.
Beyond filtration, the spleen produces white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, which are integral for fighting infections. It stores red blood cells and platelets, aiding in the blood clotting process.
Types of Spleen Cancer
Spleen cancers are categorized as primary or secondary based on their origin. Primary spleen cancer, which starts in the spleen, is quite rare. These include lymphomas, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma such as splenic marginal zone lymphoma.
Another rare primary type is angiosarcoma, a highly aggressive tumor that develops from the lining of blood vessels within the spleen. Secondary spleen cancer, where cancer spreads from a different location in the body, is more common. This metastatic spread often originates from blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.
Solid tumors from other organs can also metastasize to the spleen, including melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. The involvement of the spleen in these cases indicates a more advanced stage of the original cancer.
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of spleen cancer can be subtle and non-specific, making early detection challenging. A common sign is an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), which might be felt as a fullness or mass in the upper left abdomen. This enlargement can sometimes cause pain or discomfort that may extend to the left shoulder.
Other general symptoms can include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and recurring fevers or night sweats. Individuals might also experience easy bruising or bleeding, which relates to the spleen’s role in blood cell regulation. Feeling full quickly after consuming small amounts of food can also occur due to the enlarged spleen pressing on the stomach.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to visualize the spleen and identify any abnormalities. Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), help assess blood cell levels, which can be altered by spleen involvement.
For a definitive diagnosis, a spleen biopsy or surgical removal (splenectomy) is often necessary for pathological examination of the tissue. If cancer is confirmed, treatment strategies are highly individualized, depending on whether the cancer is primary or secondary, its stage, and the patient’s overall health.
Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is a common treatment option, especially for primary splenic cancers. Chemotherapy, which uses medications to destroy cancer cells, is frequently employed. Radiation therapy, involving high-energy rays to target and eliminate cancerous cells, may also be part of the treatment plan. Targeted therapy, which utilizes drugs designed to specifically attack cancer cells based on their genetic makeup, and immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer, are newer approaches. When cancer has spread to the spleen from another site, treatment typically focuses on managing the primary cancer.