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What are the Different Types of Spleen Tumors?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The two primary types of spleen tumors are malignant tumors and benign tumors. A mass that is found to be malignant can be caused by a variety of cancers, as the spleen can be affected by metastatic cancers from elsewhere in the body. Lymphoma is the most common primary cancer which occurs in the spleen, since it is part of the lymphatic system. Benign tumors are sometimes filled with normal dead cells or fluid, or sometimes their source is not found.

Splenic tumors are often caused by cancer, primarily lymphoma. Lymphoma is either characterized as Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it generally begins in the lymphatic tissue which is found in lymph nodes and in various organs. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, and cancer cells can easily spread from the nodes into the spleen. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is most likely to begin in the spleen or bone marrow.

Symptoms of a spleen tumor may include itchy hands.
Symptoms of a spleen tumor may include itchy hands.

Sometimes malignant tumors may be caused by cancers which began in another part of the body. Cancer of nearly any organ or tissue can eventually spread to any other organ. Treatments and symptoms may vary slightly when non-primary cancers are the cause of tumors, although they are often similar.

Symptoms of cancer in the spleen can include loss of appetite and weight loss, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and itching of the hands and feet. These are true primarily of lymphoma, and cancer which begins elsewhere in the body may present additional symptoms. Treatment for malignant splenic tumors can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Symptoms of spleen tumors may include weight loss.
Symptoms of spleen tumors may include weight loss.

Benign spleen tumors are not cancerous and they do not usually present serious complications. Some disappear on their own if given enough time, while others may cause issues if they become large or cause the spleen to swell. These tumors are normally removed surgically. Symptoms of benign tumors are similar to cancerous ones, and can include loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

Symptoms of spleen tumors may include fatigue.
Symptoms of spleen tumors may include fatigue.

It is often hard to tell if a spleen tumor is present. Symptoms can be vague and many people do not see a doctor until several years after onset. Since early detection and treatment of any type of cancer is crucial for survival, it is recommended that any unusual symptoms be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.

Splenic tumors are also relatively common in canines. Many of these are malignant. Prognosis is generally poor, although some dogs live a year or more after diagnosis. Veterinary treatments are similar to those used in humans.

Discussion Comments

anon221161

I have a growing splenic mass. What tests can be done to rule out cancer if anyone knows? My doctor has just been watching it the last 18 months.

JaneAir

@indemnifyme - It does sound like doctors probably have their work cut out for them even deciding what kind of tests to perform on someone who has fatigue as a symptom.

One of my friends grandfathers had lymphoma. I'm not sure if it spread to the spleen, but I know it metastasized to other parts of his body besides the lymph nodes so I guess it's possible. I know his symptoms were pretty generalized in the beginning, so it took his doctors awhile to make the diagnosis.

indemnifyme

Wow, it sounds like cancer of the spleen can be hard to diagnose. The symptoms seem so generalized! Fatigue and loss of appetite can be a symptom of any number of things, including depression.

Still, I suppose it's probably a good rule of thumb to just head to the doctor if you're feeling fatigued and eating less than usual. There are plenty of tests a doctor can perform to check and make sure nothing serious is going on.

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    • Symptoms of a spleen tumor may include itchy hands.
      By: roblan
      Symptoms of a spleen tumor may include itchy hands.
    • Symptoms of spleen tumors may include weight loss.
      By: milanmarkovic78
      Symptoms of spleen tumors may include weight loss.
    • Symptoms of spleen tumors may include fatigue.
      By: Kaspars Grinvalds
      Symptoms of spleen tumors may include fatigue.
    • Canines are prone to developing spleen tumors.
      By: bigandt
      Canines are prone to developing spleen tumors.
    • Internal organs, including the spleen, which is located to the left of the stomach.
      By: adimas
      Internal organs, including the spleen, which is located to the left of the stomach.
    • Abdominal discomfort may be a symptom of spleen cancer.
      By: fred goldstein
      Abdominal discomfort may be a symptom of spleen cancer.
    • Surgery and chemotherapy are treatment options for malignant spleen tumors.
      By: llhedgehogll
      Surgery and chemotherapy are treatment options for malignant spleen tumors.
    • An ultrasound can be used to identify a spleen tumor.
      By: nyul
      An ultrasound can be used to identify a spleen tumor.
    • The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, and so spleen tumors may cause lymphoma.
      By: blueringmedia
      The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, and so spleen tumors may cause lymphoma.