The spleen is an important organ in the human body that is situated behind the stomach and under the left rib cage. It plays a vital role in the immune system, helps in the production of red blood cells and stores platelets.

Spleen cancer, also known as splenic malignancy, is a rare condition that can cause various symptoms and affect the quality of life of patients. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cancer in the spleen.

Causes of Spleen Cancer

The exact causes of spleen cancer are still unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition. These factors include:.

Age: Spleen cancer is more commonly seen in people over the age of 50.
Gender: Women are more prone to develop spleen cancer compared to men.
Past medical history: Those who had a previous history of cancer may have a higher risk of developing spleen cancer.
Genetics: Certain genetic disorders may also increase the risk of spleen cancer development.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation may contribute to the development of cancer in the spleen.

Symptoms of Spleen Cancer

The symptoms of spleen cancer may not show up until the condition has progressed. If any of the following symptoms persist, the patient should seek medical attention:.

Pain: The patient may experience pain or discomfort in the upper-left abdomen, which may get worse after eating or drinking.
Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss may occur as a result of spleen cancer.
Fever: The patient may have a fever and feel generally unwell.
Enlarged spleen: In some cases, the spleen may become enlarged, which can be felt through the skin during a physical examination.
Jaundice: Rarely, cancer in the spleen can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), due to the disruption of normal bile flow.

Diagnosis of Spleen Cancer

The diagnosis of spleen cancer begins with a thorough physical examination by a healthcare provider. Blood tests, imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, or PET-CT scan, and biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of spleen cancer.

Treatment of Spleen Cancer

The treatment options for spleen cancer may include:.

Surgery: The removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is the most effective treatment for splenic malignancies as it eliminates the cancerous cells. However, there can be side effects of surgery such as infection or bleeding.
Radiation therapy: This treatment option involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Targeted therapy: This treatment targets specific proteins or genes in cancer cells to stop their growth and spread.

Recovery and Follow-up Care

After spleen cancer treatment, the patient should take care of the surgical site and follow the care plan given by the healthcare provider.

The patient should maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, and avoid any strenuous physical activity until fully healed. The healthcare provider may schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s recovery and any potential recurrence of the cancer.

Prevention of Spleen Cancer

As the causes of spleen cancer are not fully understood, there is no specific way to prevent it. However, the following practices may help reduce the risk of developing cancer in the spleen:.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of various types of cancer.
Reducing exposure to environmental toxins: Avoiding exposure to toxins like chemicals, radiation, and industrial pollutants may help to reduce the risk of developing cancer in the spleen.
Regular screening: People at high risk of developing cancer should undergo regular screening tests to detect any signs of cancer early.

Conclusion

Spleen cancer is a rare condition that can cause various symptoms and affect the quality of life of the patient. Although the causes of spleen cancer are not fully understood, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition.

The diagnosis of spleen cancer typically involves imaging tests and biopsy. The treatment options for spleen cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Recovery and follow-up care are important to monitor the patient’s progress and prevent any recurrence of the cancer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins may help to reduce the risk of developing cancer in the spleen.