Spleen Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Guide

Spleen Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Guide

Spleen is a small organ, roughly fist-sized, found under your left rib cage. Though rare, spleen cancer can occur either as a primary cancer in the spleen or more commonly as a secondary cancer metastasis from other organs. Blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia often affect the spleen. Even though spleen cancer is uncommon, being aware of potential risks and associated symptoms can help in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Take a look at this article to know more about this condition.

Spleen is a small organ, roughly fist-sized, found under your left rib cage. Though rare, spleen cancer can occur either as a primary cancer in the spleen or more commonly as a secondary cancer metastasis from other organs. Blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia often affect the spleen. Even though spleen cancer is uncommon, being aware of potential risks and associated symptoms can help in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Take a look at this article to know more about this condition.

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.