Spleen Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Guide

Factors contributing to spleen cancer

When cancer begins in the spleen, it is called primary spleen cancer. But if it starts elsewhere and then metastasises to the spleen, it is secondary. Both types are considered rare. Typically, cancer in the spleen is lymphoma, a cancer that impacts the lymphatic system. Risk factors contributing to spleen cancer include:

1. Metastasis (Malignant Spread)

Spleen cancer often develops when cancer spreads from other organs such as the liver, breast, or lungs. Leukaemia and lymphoma, which are blood-related cancers, have the potential to metastasise to spleen.

2. Primary Spleen Cancer

Although rare, certain cancers can form in the spleen itself, such as splenic marginal zone lymphoma, which has been associated with chronic hepatitis C infection and autoimmune disorders.

3. Other Causes

• Age and Gender:

Older age and being male may increase vulnerability to developing various cancers, including those that can affect the spleen.

• Family Medical History:

A family history of lymphoma or leukaemia can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions.

• Compromised Immunity:

HIV/AIDS or certain medications can impair the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and the development of cancer.

• Infections:

Infections like the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to a higher lymphoma risk.

• Environmental Exposure:

Contact with certain chemicals or radiation has been linked to cancer development, including splenic cancers.

• Unhealthy Lifestyle:

Factors like smoking, sedentary habits, and poor nutrition can increase the overall risk of developing cancer.

Symptoms of Spleen cancer

People with spleen cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, though some may have none at all. The most common symptoms include:

• Sudden weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Swelling in the abdomen, which may be tender

• Fatigue

• Chills alternating with fever

• Easy bruising

• Frequent infections

• Abdominal pain

• Anaemia (low red blood cell count)

• Enlarged spleen, which can sometimes become twice its normal size.

• Swollen, usually painless lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, and sides of the neck

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you experience any of the symptoms that we discussed above, it is important to consult a doctor for evaluation and possible treatment. If your doctor thinks you may have spleen cancer, they will likely suggest tests to check for other cancers as well. Blood tests may be necessary to assess blood cell counts, and in a few cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be recommended to look for cancer cells. Your doctor may also suggest lymph node removal for examination and imaging tests like MRI, CT, or PET scans. A splenectomy (spleen removal surgery) may also be required for diagnosis, as analysing the spleen after removal can help detect the cancer type.

If cancer is found in the spleen, a splenectomy might be required as part of your treatment. There are two surgical approaches:

Laparoscopic:

Small incisions and video cameras allow the spleen to be surgically extracted through a thin tube, resulting in faster recuperation.

Open surgery:

A larger incision is made to remove the spleen, requiring a longer recovery time.

Additional treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, or stem cell transplants, depending on the cancer type. While splenectomy was traditionally the primary treatment, research suggests that rituximab, a man-made antibody, can effectively reduce symptoms and might be a simpler alternative to surgery.

If you do not show any symptoms, you may be able to skip treatment, but regular check-ups with blood tests could be required.

Preventive Steps Against Spleen Cancer

Spleen cancer cannot be fully prevented, but you can lower your risk by:

• Treating infections early, especially viruses like Hepatitis C, associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Avoiding harmful chemicals like benzene found in plastics, smoke, and industrial products.

• Sticking to a healthy lifestyle by eating fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and keeping a normal weight.

• Preventing Hepatitis C by using sterilised equipment for tattoos/piercings, using condoms, and never sharing needles.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention can make spleen cancer manageable and treatment outcomes more favourable. Stay alert and do not ignore your body's warning signs. Learning about what causes this condition can also help you lower your risk.

A comprehensive health insurance policy can also help ease your financial worries during treatment.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on June 18, 2025