The spleen, an organ located in the upper left abdomen, plays important roles in the body. It functions as a blood filter, removing old or damaged red blood cells and recycling iron. The spleen also plays a part in the immune system, synthesizing antibodies and removing antibody-coated bacteria and blood cells, helping to fight infections. A tumor refers to an abnormal growth of cells within this organ.
Understanding Spleen Tumor Types
Spleen tumors can be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body. Examples of benign splenic tumors include hemangiomas, which are the most common benign neoplasm in the spleen and involve abnormally accumulated blood vessels. Lymphangiomas, rare benign growths common in childhood, present as collections of cysts, while hamartomas are rare lesions composed of malformations of the spleen’s red pulp.
Malignant spleen tumors can originate in the spleen (primary) or spread there from other parts of the body (metastatic or secondary). Primary splenic lymphomas, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are the most common malignant tumors to begin in the spleen. Angiosarcoma is another rare but highly aggressive primary malignant tumor originating in the spleen. More commonly, malignant tumors in the spleen are secondary, meaning cancer has spread from organs such as the breast, lung, ovaries, colon, stomach, or pancreas. The specific type of tumor significantly influences its behavior and the approach to treatment.
Recognizing the Signs of a Spleen Tumor
Spleen tumors may not cause noticeable symptoms, especially in early stages. When symptoms do occur, they often include persistent pain or discomfort in the upper left abdomen. This discomfort can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, known as early satiety, which may be due to an enlarged spleen pressing on surrounding organs.
Other general symptoms that may arise include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and fever. Some individuals might experience night sweats or frequent infections, as the spleen’s role in the immune system can be affected. An enlarged spleen, also called splenomegaly, may be detected during a physical examination and can sometimes be felt as a palpable mass. Symptoms like easy bruising or anemia can also occur due to the spleen’s role in blood cell regulation. These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, making a medical evaluation necessary for accurate diagnosis.
How Spleen Tumors Are Diagnosed and Treated
Diagnosing spleen tumors begins with a physical examination, where a doctor may feel for an enlarged spleen in the upper left abdomen. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), are often performed to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can indicate abnormalities. Imaging techniques play a significant role in diagnosis, with ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans providing detailed images of the spleen and surrounding areas to assess tumor size and characteristics. PET-CT scans can also be used to identify metabolically active tumors and detect any spread of the disease.
A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy, where a tissue sample of the tumor is taken for microscopic examination. This can be done through a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy, and it helps determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant and its specific type. Bone marrow biopsies may also be performed, especially if a blood cancer like lymphoma or leukemia is suspected, as these can involve the spleen.
Treatment options for spleen tumors are highly individualized and depend on factors such as the tumor type, size, whether it is benign or malignant, and the patient’s overall health. For some benign tumors, a “watchful waiting” approach may be adopted, where the tumor is monitored over time without immediate intervention. Surgical removal of the spleen, known as a splenectomy, may be performed for both benign and malignant tumors, either partially or totally. In cases of malignant tumors, additional treatments may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also options for certain types of splenic malignancies, particularly lymphomas.