Spleen Cancer - Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

The spleen is an organ located on the left side of the body beneath the ribs. It is a component of the lymphatic system, including lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic fluid, spleen, tonsils, thymus, and lymphoid tissue of the digestive tract. The spleen filters blood and aids the body in fighting infections. Most splenic cancers do not originate in the spleen, and those which do are almost always lymphomas. Lymphoma is a blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Lymphoma is more likely to begin in another part of the lymphatic system and spread to the spleen.

Another type of blood cancer that can invade the spleen is leukemia, which begins in the bone marrow. Other types of cancer found elsewhere in the body can rarely spread, or metastasize, to the spleen. Lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer are examples. The symptoms of spleen cancer can be vague and similar to those of a cold. Pain or fullness in the upper abdomen may occur if the spleen enlarges. The treatment of spleen cancer is determined by the cause of the cancer as well as the extent to which it has spread.

What Causes Spleen Cancer?

Spleen cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the spleen and is known as splenic marginal zone lymphoma or SMZL, and it is classified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphomas and leukemias are the most common causes of splenic cancer. The causes of lymphoma include:

• Older age group.

• A condition that affects the immune system, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

• Developed an infection such as Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus.

Risk factors for leukemia are:

• Smoking.

• A history of radiation or chemotherapy.

• Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.

• Exposure to chemicals such as benzene.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Spleen Cancer?

Symptoms of spleen cancer may be due to spleen enlargement, a general decrease in infection-fighting ability, or a specific type of cancer.

Signs and symptoms of spleen cancer:

• The fullness of the abdomen.

• Abdominal pain.

• Bone pain.

• Joint pain.

• Fatigue.

• Chills and fever.

• Night sweats.

• Frequent infections.

• Bruising.

• Bleeding.

• Swollen lymph nodes.

• Anemia.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Chest pain.

• Shortness of breath.

• Cough.

Who Is at Risk for Spleen Cancer?

The risk factors for spleen cancer include:

• Older age.

• Certain infections.

• Exposure to chemicals.

• Family history of leukemia or lymphoma.

• Personal history of certain blood disorders.

• Exposure to chemotherapy or radiation.

• A compromised immune system like HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

• A person is taking corticosteroids or medications for an organ transplant or cancer.

How Is Spleen Cancer Diagnosed?

To diagnose spleen cancer, doctors use a variety of techniques. The surgical removal and testing of a sample of spleen tissue is the most direct and conclusive method. This is also the most invasive method.

The other diagnostic methods are:

• Take comprehensive medical history.

• Blood work.

• Imaging with tomography or ultrasound.

• Bone marrow analysis.

• Taking a complete history of chronic hepatitis B or C, autoimmune disease, treatment with immune-suppressing medication, and signs of a significantly enlarged spleen.

What Is the Treatment for Spleen Cancer?

The goal of spleen cancer treatment is to either permanently cure cancer or bring it to complete remission. Remission means that the disease is no longer present in the body, though it may recur or relapse later. Some types of leukemia and lymphoma grow slowly and may be treated conservatively at first, which means the patient is closely monitored for symptom development or signs of progression. It is important to continue regularly visiting the medical care team so that significant progression or relapse can be identified early and to watch for and treat any complications that might result from spleen cancer or its treatments.

Common treatments for spleen cancer:

There are several therapies available to treat spleen cancer, including:

• Biological therapy boosts the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells.

• Stem cell transplantation provides healthy stem cells capable of producing new blood cells.

• Cancer cells are targeted with targeted therapy.

• Participation in clinical trial testing.

• Radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells.

• Cancer removal or symptom relief surgery.

Other treatments include:

Other therapies may be added to help with the overall health and any complications associated with cancer or its treatment. Among these therapies are:

• If nausea occurs, antinausea medications should be taken.

• Antibiotics and other medications reduce the risk of infection.

• Blood transfusions are used to temporarily replace blood components that have been reduced or lost (such as red blood cells or platelets).

• Dental care to treat oral symptoms caused by leukemia or chemotherapy.

• Dietary advice to maintain strength and nutritional status.

• If pain relievers are required, they will be administered.

• Steroids treat autoimmune disorders that can occur with spleen cancer.

• Vaccinations protect against diseases such as the flu and pneumonia.

How to Prevent Spleen Cancer?

There is no way to completely avoid spleen cancer. However, one may be able to lower the risk. Some viruses have been linked to certain types of cancer. Avoid activities that could endanger, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles. In addition, promptly treating any known infections may help reduce the chances of developing splenic cancer. Avoid harmful chemicals that could increase the risk. One should avoid benzene, commonly used in producing plastics, dyes, lubricants, rubbers, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. It is also found in gasoline and cigarette smoke.

What Are the Complications of Spleen Cancer?

Untreated spleen cancer complications can be severe, even fatal in some cases. One can reduce the risk of serious complications by adhering to the treatment plan that the healthcare professional has created specifically for a person. Spleen cancer complications include:

Treatment-related side effects are:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count).

• Hemolytic anemia is caused by autoimmunity (an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets normal red blood cells).

• Infections and immune deficiencies.

• The spleen ruptured.

• Cancer is spreading.

Conclusion

If one develops cancer of the spleen, it is most likely lymphoma. Spleen cancer is sometimes caused by another type of cancer that has spread to this organ. The prognosis will be determined by the stage of cancer and the type of cancer a person has. If one develops spleen cancer symptoms, consult the doctor right away. Early detection, as with most cancers, can lead to a better outcome.