spleen cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms of Spleen Cancer

Spleen cancer, also known as splenic cancer, can cause a range of symptoms that may vary in severity and duration. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Abdominal pain or fullness: This is one of the most common symptoms of spleen cancer, particularly in the upper abdomen. The pain may be sharp, dull, or aching, and can radiate to other areas such as the back or left shoulder.
• Pain behind the ribs: Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs, which may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured, or enlarged spleen (1).
• Frequent infections: Spleen cancer can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections (2).
• Easy bleeding or bruising: As the spleen's function is impaired, blood cells may not be produced properly, leading to easy bleeding or bruising (8).
• Bone pain or joint pain: Spleen cancer can cause bone pain or joint pain due to the spread of cancer cells to these areas (8).
• Feeling overly full after eating: An enlarged spleen can put pressure on the stomach, causing a feeling of being overly full after eating (6).

It's essential to note that some people with spleen cancer may not experience any symptoms at all, or their symptoms may be mild and nonspecific. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

1. [3] - Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs.
2. [2] - Spleen cancer can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.
3. [7] - Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs.
4. [8] - Easy bleeding or bruising; Bone pain or joint pain
5. [6] - Feeling overly full after eating;
6. [5] - Abdominal pain or fullness, especially in the upper abdomen
7. [1] - Pain in your upper abdomen because your spleen is enlarged (splenomegaly).

Diagnosing Spleen Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview

Spleen cancer diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer in the spleen. Here are some of the key diagnostic tests used to diagnose spleen cancer:

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify abnormalities in blood cell counts, which may indicate spleen cancer. A complete blood count (CBC) test can check for changes in red and white blood cells, platelets, and other components [4].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans can help confirm an enlarged spleen and identify any lesions or tumors on the spleen. These tests can also provide information about the severity of the condition [5].
• Surgical Removal and Testing: The most direct and conclusive method for diagnosing spleen cancer is surgical removal and testing of a sample of the spleen tissue. This invasive procedure involves removing a portion of the spleen to examine the cells under a microscope [3].
• Pathology Examination: A pathologist examines the cells from the spleen tissue to determine whether they are benign or noncancerous. If cancer is present, further testing can help identify the type and stage of the disease [6].

Additional Diagnostic Tools

Other diagnostic tools that may be used in conjunction with these tests include:

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the bone marrow cells.
• Lymph Node Biopsy: A lymph node biopsy can help diagnose lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system.

Survival Rates and Factors

It's essential to note that spleen cancer survival rates vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Whether the cancer is primary or secondary
• The stage at diagnosis
• Overall health

According to one analysis, more than 83% of people with primary spleen cancer were alive five years after diagnosis [11].

References

[3] Context result 3: "The most direct and conclusive method is surgical removal and testing of a sample of the spleen tissue. This is also the most invasive..."

[4] Context result 4: "Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver..."

[5] Context result 5: "An abdominal ultrasound or CT scan can help confirm an enlarged spleen and may give additional information, such as how severe it is, whether it has a lesion or..."

[6] Context result 6: "A doctor who specializes in diagnostic tests (pathologist) examines the cells of the tissue and determines whether they are harmless (benign or noncancerous)..."

[11] Context result 11: "One analysis of spleen cancer cases showed more than 83% of people with primary spleen cancer were alive five years after diagnosis."