What Is Spleen Cancer?

3.5 min read | Published On: 15-10-2025

Spleen cancer is a rare condition that affects the spleen, an organ in the upper left side of your abdomen that filters blood and supports your immune system.

Most cases are secondary spleen cancers, meaning cancer spreads to the spleen from another part of the body, such as the liver or lymphatic system. Primary spleen cancer, which starts in the spleen itself, is highly uncommon and often linked to blood cancers like lymphoma.

What are the Types of Spleen Cancer?

Spleen cancer isn't a single disease, it can develop in different ways depending on where it starts and how it behaves. Some cancers begin in the spleen itself, while others spread there from nearby organs such as the liver or from the blood and lymphatic system.

Knowing whether you have a primary spleen cancer, secondary (metastatic) spleen cancer, or a blood cancer with an enlarged spleen helps your healthcare team choose the most effective treatment plan and improve your outlook.

Primary spleen cancers

• Primary splenic lymphoma(rare): cancer that originates in lymphoid tissue within the spleen.
• Primary splenic sarcoma(very rare): arises from blood vessels or connective tissue in the spleen.

These are uncommon, when they occur, treatment is tailored to the specific tumor type.

Secondary (metastatic) spleen cancer

• More common than primary tumors. Cancer from another organ (for example, colorectal or melanoma) spreads to the spleen. This is often described as liver and spleen cancer when both organs are involved.

Blood cancers causing spleen involvement

• Lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) and some leukaemias frequently cause blood and an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) because the disease involves the blood-forming or lymphatic tissues.

Spleen Cancer Symptoms and Waning Signs

Spleen cancer is rare and may not show symptoms in the early stages. However, recognizing the warning signs early can help with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Here's a breakdown of common and severe symptoms associated with spleen cancer.

Common signs of spleen cancer may include:

• Persistent pain or fullness in the upper left abdomen
• Fatigue or unexplained weakness
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), sometimes causing discomfort after small meals
• Fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss
• Low red or white blood cell counts (detected during a blood test for spleen cancer)
• Swelling in the abdomen if both the liver and spleen are enlarged

Understanding these spleen cancer symptoms empowers you to seek medical care early, improving the chances of effective treatment and recovery.

What Causes Spleen Cancer?

Cancer that starts in the spleen is very rare. One type, called splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL), is a kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and makes up only a small portion of all lymphomas.

Most spleen cancers are secondary, which means they begin somewhere else in the body, like the blood, lymph system, liver, breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, or colon and then spread to the spleen.

Some factors can increase the risk of spleen-related cancers:

• For lymphoma: older age, being male, family history, immune system problems, or chronic viral infections such as Epstein-Barr or hepatitis C.
• For leukemia or other blood cancers: tobacco use, exposure to certain chemicals, past cancer treatments, or family history.

Because most spleen cancers come from other cancers, understanding these risk factors helps doctors monitor and manage the disease more effectively.

How Is Spleen Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing spleen cancer involves a thorough evaluation using imaging, laboratory tests and specialist consultations. Because the symptoms can be hard to notice or similar to other conditions, doctors often use a combination of tests to get an accurate diagnosis.

• Blood Tests: A blood test for spleen cancer helps detect abnormalities in blood cell counts or function. These tests can reveal anemia, infection or evidence of a blood cancer with an enlarged spleen.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT or MRI scans help visualize the spleen's size, texture and nearby lymph nodes or organs like the liver.
• Biopsy and Further Evaluation: If needed, a small tissue sample (biopsy) or bone marrow test can confirm the type of cancer.

Your doctor might also check for liver and spleen cancer involvement to determine the cancer's stage and spread.

What are the Treatment Options for Spleen Cancer?

Treatment depends on the type of tumor, how far it has spread and your overall health. Your care team may include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, hematologists and radiation oncologists.

• Observation and supportive care: Some low-grade or indolent lymphomas (causing an enlarged spleen) may be watched closely with regular blood tests and scans before starting treatment.
• Surgery: Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) can be diagnostic and therapeutic when the spleen is the primary or dominant site. It can relieve symptoms caused by splenomegaly (pain, early satiety) and sometimes is curative for localized tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic chemotherapy treats cancers that involve the spleen, especially blood cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia) and metastatic disease. Regimens vary by cancer type.
• Targeted therapy & immunotherapy: For certain lymphomas and cancers, targeted agents or immunotherapies (drugs that direct the immune system) can be highly effective and often have different side effect profiles than traditional chemo.
• Radiation therapy: Less commonly used, but it can control localized symptoms or treat areas not amenable to surgery.
• Combination therapy: Frequently, a mix of surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation is used depending on staging and goals (curative vs. palliative).
• Clinical trials: Trials may offer newer treatments. Ask your team if any trials are appropriate.

When to Consult a Doctor for Spleen Cancer?

Early medical evaluation can make a big difference in managing spleen cancer. Symptoms may be subtle or similar to other conditions, but certain warning signs and risk factors should prompt medical attention.

You should see a doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent pain or fullness in the upper left abdomen lasting more than two weeks
• Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or frequent infections
• Swelling or a noticeable mass under the ribcage
• Night sweats or easy bruising without a clear cause

It's important to remember that these symptoms do not always mean cancer, infections or other conditions can cause similar signs.

However, because there is no routine screening test for spleen cancer, it's best to have a healthcare professional evaluate any concerning symptoms. Early assessment allows for timely diagnosis and treatment if needed, improving outcomes and peace of mind.

Living with Spleen Cancer

Receiving a diagnosis of spleen cancer can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Compassionate care, support groups and advances in cancer therapy help patients manage both the physical and emotional challenges of treatment.

Your healthcare team will guide you through each step from testing and treatment to recovery and follow-up.

You can support your health by:

• Eating a balanced, immune-supporting diet
• Managing stress and staying physically active as tolerated
• Reporting new or worsening symptoms promptly

Early evaluation makes a difference, especially when spleen cancer is linked to other blood cancers or enlarged spleen conditions.

Prevention & Risk Reduction

Because many spleen cancers are secondary or related to blood cancers, there are no specific proven steps to completely prevent spleen cancer. However:

• Reduce cancer risk overall, avoid tobacco, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol and protect skin from UV exposure.
• Regular medical care and attention to persistent symptoms increase the chances of early detection.
• Vaccinations and infection prevention (important if splenectomy is performed) help reduce serious complications.
• For people with known hematologic conditions, regular monitoring can detect splenic involvement early.

Key Takeaway

Spleen cancer is rare but treatable, particularly when detected early. Paying attention to spleen cancer symptoms, getting timely blood tests and following through with recommended scans and specialist care can lead to better outcomes.

With today’s advances, many people find effective, personalized treatments that help them regain strength and peace of mind.