*A spleen tumor is one of the health problems that can cause significant worry for any patient, especially since the spleen is a sensitive organ that plays a major role in immunity and blood filtration. Many people wonder: Is a spleen tumor actually dangerous? And does its presence mean cancer? The truth is that the level of risk depends on the type of tumor, its size, and how early it is detected. In this Dalili Medical article, we will walk you through all the important details: the types of spleen tumors, warning signs, diagnostic methods, and when you should seek immediate medical help. The goal is to help you understand your condition clearly and manage it without unnecessary fear or anxiety.

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What Are the Survival Rates for Patients With Splenic Cancer?

Available studies indicate that more than 83% of patients with primary splenic cancer survive for five years after diagnosis.
However, it’s important to understand that survival rates vary from one person to another depending on several key factors:

Is the cancer primary or secondary?
Primary splenic cancer usually has better outcomes compared to cancer that spreads to the spleen from another organ.

Cancer stage at diagnosis
Early detection significantly increases the chances of recovery and long-term survival.

Overall health condition
Immune strength, chronic diseases, and age all affect prognosis.

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What Is Splenic Cancer?

Splenic cancer refers to abnormal growth of cells in the spleen. In most cases, it does not originate in the spleen, but appears as part of lymphatic system diseases such as lymphoma, or as a metastasis from another organ.

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Is Splenic Cancer Rare?

Yes, splenic cancer is extremely rare, which is why research on it is limited.
In most cases, the spleen is affected by other cancers—such as lymphoma or leukemia—rather than developing a primary tumor.

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Causes of Splenic Cancer

1. Primary Splenic Cancer

A very rare type that begins inside the spleen itself, usually due to:

• Abnormal lymphocyte changes
Since the spleen is rich in immune cells, mutations in lymphocytes or white blood cells can lead to cancer, such as primary splenic lymphoma.

• Genetic or hereditary disorders
Rare mutations or a family history of lymphoma or leukemia increase the risk.

• Chronic blood diseases
Conditions such as myeloproliferative disorders or polycythemia vera may trigger abnormal cell growth.

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2. Secondary / Metastatic Splenic Cancer

This is the most common type and occurs when cancer spreads from another organ.

• Blood cancers or lymphomas
Most splenic tumors result from the spread of lymphoma (Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin).

• Metastasis from other organs such as:

• Stomach

• Liver

• Colon

• Breast

Cancer cells may reach the spleen through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

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3. Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Splenic Cancer

• Long-term exposure to radiation or carcinogenic chemicals

• Chronic viral infections such as EBV

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus

• Older age (most cases appear after age 50)

• Chronic blood disorders such as thalassemia

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Symptoms of Splenic Cancer

1. Symptoms of Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen)

• Fullness or pressure in the upper left abdomen

• Pain under the left rib cage, sometimes radiating to the left shoulder

• Feeling full quickly due to pressure on the stomach

2. Symptoms Due to Low Blood Cell Counts (Cytopenias)

Anemia: fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath

Thrombocytopenia: easy bruising, unexplained bleeding

Leukopenia: weak immunity, frequent infections

3. General Cancer Symptoms

• Unexplained fever

• Night sweats

• Sudden weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Persistent fatigue

4. Symptoms Linked to Lymphoma or Metastatic Cancer

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or underarms

• Bone or joint pain

• Pressure symptoms on nearby organs

5. Serious Complications If Not Diagnosed Early

• Splenic rupture (rare but dangerous)

• Internal bleeding due to low platelets

• Recurrent infections

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Types of Splenic Cancer

1. Primary Splenic Cancer (Very Rare)

a. Primary Splenic Lymphoma

• The most common primary splenic cancer

• Includes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (more common) and Hodgkin lymphoma (rare in the spleen)

b. Splenic Angiosarcoma

• Very rare, aggressive, and fast-spreading

• Originates in the vascular tissues of the spleen

• Difficult to treat due to rapid progression

c. Histiocytic or Myeloid Sarcoma

• Starts from blood or lymphatic tissues

• Often associated with leukemia or chronic blood conditions

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2. Secondary (Metastatic) Splenic Cancer

a. Systemic Lymphoma or Leukemia

• Represents the majority of splenic tumors

b. Metastatic Cancer From Other Organs

Such as:

• Liver

• Stomach

• Colon

• Breast

• Lungs

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3. Hematologic Malignancies

• Leukemia: accumulates in the spleen, causing enlargement

• Myeloproliferative disorders: cause massive splenomegaly and may become cancerous

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How Is Spleen Removal Surgery Performed?

1. Laparoscopic Splenectomy (Minimally Invasive)

This is the preferred approach in most cases because recovery is faster and pain is less. The patient may even leave the hospital the same day.

Steps:

1. Four small incisions are made in the abdomen.

2. A laparoscope with a camera is inserted to visualize the spleen.

3. Surgical tools are inserted through the remaining incisions to detach and remove the spleen.

4. The incisions are closed with cosmetic sutures.

When laparoscopic surgery is NOT suitable?

• Ruptured spleen

• Severe internal bleeding

• Extensive scar tissue from previous surgeries

In such cases, doctors may switch to open surgery.

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2. Open Splenectomy (Traditional Surgery)

Used when laparoscopy is unsafe, especially in emergencies.

Procedure:

• A large incision is made in the middle of the abdomen

• Muscles are moved aside to reach the spleen

• The spleen is removed completely

• The incision is closed

Recovery is slower, but it is the safest option for certain cases.

What Is the Best Surgical Method?

There is no single “best” option for every patient. The choice of surgery depends on:

• The underlying medical condition

• The size of the spleen

• The surgeon’s experience

However, laparoscopic splenectomy remains the most widely preferred method because it is faster, less painful, and has a high success rate.

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Stages of Splenic Cancer (Splenic Cancer Stages)

Splenic cancer is divided into five main stages, helping doctors determine the best treatment plan and predict response rates.

1. Stage 0 – Very Early Stage

• Cancer cells are present only inside the primary splenic cells.

• No enlargement or spread.

• Usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.

2. Stage 1 – Cancer Confined to the Spleen

• The tumor is only inside the spleen.

• Mild splenic enlargement may be present.

• Symptoms: mild fullness or left upper abdominal discomfort.

3. Stage 2 – Limited Spread Outside the Spleen

• Spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding tissues.

• Noticeable splenic enlargement.

• Symptoms: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, mild anemia.

4. Stage 3 – Advanced Spread

• Involvement of multiple lymph nodes or nearby organs.

• Low blood counts and recurrent infections.

• Large spleen pressing on the stomach and liver.

• General symptoms: weight loss, fever, night sweats, severe fatigue.

5. Stage 4 – Distant Spread

• Cancer reaches distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bone marrow.

• Marked enlargement with severe symptoms.

• Possible complications: bleeding, weakened immunity, severe pain.

• Often requires intensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

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Complications and Damage Caused by Splenic Cancer

1. Problems Related to Splenic Enlargement (Splenomegaly)

• Pressure on the stomach causing early satiety and appetite loss.

• Pain in the upper left abdomen radiating to the left shoulder.

• Pressure on nearby organs leading to indigestion.

2. Effects on Blood Cells

Since the spleen filters and stores blood cells, cancer affects these functions:

• Anemia → fatigue, pale skin, weakness

• Thrombocytopenia → easy bruising, gum bleeding, nosebleeds

• Leukopenia → weak immunity and frequent infections

3. Complications of Cancer Spread

• Liver, lung, or bone involvement causing severe pain and organ dysfunction

• Swollen lymph nodes

• General symptoms: fever, night sweats, rapid weight loss, exhaustion

4. Serious Potential Complications

• Splenic rupture → sudden internal bleeding (medical emergency)

• Severe bleeding due to low platelets

• Recurrent severe infections

• Organ failure in advanced metastatic disease

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Recovery After Splenic Cancer Treatment

Recovery varies depending on:

• The type of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy)

• The cancer stage at diagnosis

• The patient’s overall health

With proper medical care, most patients regain good daily functioning and feel significantly better.

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Follow-up Schedule After Treatment

• Regular check-ups: every 3–6 months in the first 2 years

• Blood tests & imaging: to monitor for recurrence

• Yearly reviews: once the condition stabilizes

• Lifestyle recommendations: diet, physical activity, infection prevention

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Post-Treatment Recovery Tips

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and antioxidants.

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods to reduce infection risk after splenectomy.

• Maintain light physical activity to improve stamina.

• Limit alcohol and quit smoking to support immune recovery.

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How Is Splenectomy Performed? (Spleen Removal Surgery)

1. Preoperative Preparations

Laboratory Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Kidney and liver function tests

• Coagulation tests

Vaccinations Before Surgery

• Pneumococcal vaccine

• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

• Meningococcal vaccine

Fasting

• Typically 6–8 hours before surgery.

Medication Review

• Blood thinners may need to be stopped prior to surgery.

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2. Types of Splenectomy

A. Open Splenectomy (Traditional Surgery)

Performed through a large incision in the upper left abdomen.

Used when:

• The spleen is very enlarged

• Large tumors

• Complex injuries

• Cancer has spread around the spleen

Steps:

1. General anesthesia

2. Large abdominal incision

3. Separation of the spleen from surrounding tissues and vessels

4. Removal of the spleen

5. Closure of the incision and drainage placement if needed

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B. Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Performed through 3–4 small incisions using a camera and fine instruments.

Advantages: less pain, quicker recovery, minimal scarring.

Steps:

1. General anesthesia

2. Insertion of camera and instruments

3. Detaching the spleen

4. Removing it through one small incision

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C. Robotic Splenectomy

An advanced method using robotic arms for ultra-precise movements.

Advantages:

• High accuracy

• Minimal blood loss

• Fewer complications

• Faster recovery

Disadvantages:

• High cost

• Limited availability

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D. Partial Splenectomy

Rare in cancer; preserves part of the spleen.

Used mainly for children or benign tumors.

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E. Emergency Splenectomy

Performed in urgent cases such as:

• Internal bleeding

• Splenic rupture

• Trauma

Goal: save the patient’s life.

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3. During Surgery

• Careful control of bleeding (the spleen is highly vascular)

• Protecting nearby organs: stomach, pancreas, liver, intestines

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4. After Removing the Spleen

• Closing the incisions

• Drainage tube placement if needed

• Transfer to recovery room for monitoring

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5. Recovery After Surgery

• Hospital stay: 3–7 days depending on the technique

• Pain management with medications

• Gradual return to activity within 2–4 weeks

• Follow-up vaccinations and infection-prevention measures

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Drug Therapy for Splenic Cancer

Treatment depends on the cancer type (lymphoma, leukemia, rare tumors) and the patient’s overall condition.

1. Chemotherapy

Common drugs:

• Cyclophosphamide

• Doxorubicin

• Vincristine

• Prednisolone

• CHOP protocol (very common for lymphoma)

• Bendamustine

• Fludarabine

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2. Targeted Therapy

Focuses directly on cancer cells.

Common agents:

• Rituximab (key for B-cell lymphoma)

• Obinutuzumab

• Ibrutinib

• Idelalisib

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3. Immunotherapy

Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

Common drugs:

• Pembrolizumab

• Nivolumab

Often used in advanced or treatment-resistant cases.

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4. Supportive Medications

• Antibiotics to prevent infections

• Immune-boosting drugs

• Erythropoietin for anemia

• Drugs to reduce splenic enlargement in chronic blood disorders

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Medications After Splenectomy (Splenectomy Medicine)

1. Preventive Antibiotics

Especially in children:

• Penicillin V

• Alternatives for allergies: Azithromycin or Clarithromycin

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2. Essential Vaccinations

To compensate for reduced immunity:

• Pneumococcal vaccine

• Meningococcal vaccine

• Annual influenza vaccine

• Hib vaccine

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3. Blood Thinner Medications

Sometimes required to prevent clots:

• Aspirin

• Heparin

• Warfarin (in selected cases)

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4. Supportive Medications

• Immune boosters

• Pain relievers

• Anti-inflammatory drugs