Spleen cancer is a rare but serious condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the spleen or spread to it from other parts of the body. The spleen, located behind the rib cage on the left side of the abdomen, is part of the lymphatic system and plays a crucial role in filtering blood and supporting immunity. Understanding the symptoms of spleen cancer is vital for early detection and treatment, especially for Australians facing this uncommon disease.
What Is Spleen Cancer?
Spleen cancer can be classified into two types:
- Primary spleen cancer: Originates within the spleen itself, including rare cancers like lymphoma and angiosarcoma.
- Secondary spleen cancer: More common, occurring when cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, or cancers from organs like breast, lung, or colon spread (metastasize) to the spleen.
Most spleen cancers are linked to lymphomas or leukemias, which affect the lymphatic and blood systems, respectively.
Common Symptoms of Spleen Cancer
People with spleen cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, many of which overlap with other health conditions. Key signs include:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain: Usually felt in the upper left side, where the spleen is located. The spleen may become enlarged, sometimes twice its normal size.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a warning sign.
- Fatigue and weakness: Often due to anemia or the body’s response to cancer.
- Fever and night sweats: Common systemic symptoms associated with lymphoma.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged but usually painless lymph nodes in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Reduced resistance to infections: Due to impaired immune function.
- Frequent bruising or bleeding: Resulting from low platelet counts caused by spleen dysfunction.
- Joint and bone pain: Sometimes reported in blood cancers affecting the spleen.
- Chest pressure and chronic coughing: May occur if cancer spreads or causes systemic effects.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
In rare cases, spleen cancer can lead to emergencies such as severe infections or spleen rupture. Warning signs requiring urgent care include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Night sweats
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- Confusion or disorientation
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact causes of primary spleen cancer are not well understood, risk factors for lymphoma and leukemia include:
- Older age
- Male gender
- Family history of lymphoma
- Immune system deficiencies
- Certain viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus)
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals or previous cancer treatments
Secondary spleen cancer results from metastasis of cancers originating elsewhere in the body.
Diagnosis of Spleen Cancer in Australia
Diagnosis involves a combination of:
- Physical examination: Checking for spleen enlargement or swollen lymph nodes.
- Blood tests: To assess blood cell counts and detect abnormalities.
- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, PET scans, or MRI to visualize the spleen and detect tumors.
- Bone marrow biopsy: To evaluate for leukemia or lymphoma involvement.
- Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen): Sometimes performed to obtain tissue for definitive diagnosis.
Summary
Spleen cancer, though rare, can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment. Australians experiencing these symptoms should consult their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation.