About Spleen Cancer
Key Highlights
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Managed by a specialist with focused expertise in cancers of the digestive and lymphatic systems.Treatment plans are highly personalized based on the specific type and stage of spleen cancer.May involve a combination of advanced therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.Aims to effectively control cancer growth, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life.Multidisciplinary approach often involves collaboration with surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of primary spleen cancer (e.g., angiosarcoma, lymphoma primarily in the spleen).
- Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the spleen from another primary site.
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) causing significant pain, fullness, or risk of rupture.
- To obtain a tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis when imaging is inconclusive.
- To manage symptoms like severe pain, anemia, or low platelet counts caused by the cancerous spleen.
- As part of a treatment plan for blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma affecting the spleen.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including CT, MRI, or PET scans to stage the cancer.
- Blood tests to assess overall health, blood cell counts, and organ function.
- Possible image-guided or laparoscopic biopsy to confirm the cancer type.
- Discussion of the treatment plan, including goals, options, and potential outcomes.
- Vaccinations (like pneumococcal, meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae) if splenectomy is planned.
- Pre-operative assessment and clearance from an anesthesiologist if surgery is required.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
Risks & possible complications
- General risks of surgery (if performed): bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anesthesia complications.
- Specific risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) after spleen removal.
- Side effects of chemotherapy/radiation: fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and lowered blood counts.
- Damage to nearby organs (pancreas, stomach, colon) during surgical procedures.
- Formation of a blood clot in the portal vein (portal vein thrombosis).
- Recurrence of cancer despite treatment.
- Complications related to the underlying cancer itself, such as rupture.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay varies from a few days for minor procedures to a week for major surgery.
- Pain management with prescribed medications to ensure comfort.
- Gradual increase in physical activity as tolerated; heavy lifting is restricted for several weeks post-surgery.
- Close monitoring for signs of infection or bleeding, especially after splenectomy.
- Lifelong need for antibiotics and immediate medical attention for fevers if the spleen is removed.
- Regular follow-up appointments for imaging and blood tests to monitor treatment response and check for recurrence.
- Nutritional support and management of treatment side effects like nausea or appetite loss.
- Possible referral to supportive care services for pain management, nutrition, or counseling.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spleen cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with gastrointestinal oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform spleen cancer. MediFyr helps you compare gastrointestinal oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for spleen cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Angel Reddy, a 58-year-old retired school...
Angel Reddy, a 58-year-old retired school teacher from Chennai, had always been active and health-conscious. For several months, she experienced persistent, dull pain in her upper left abdomen, extreme fatigue that made her afternoon walks impossible, and early satiety. Initially attributing it to stress, she finally consulted her GP after noticing unexplained weight loss. Blood tests revealed low blood counts, and a CT scan confirmed a mass in her spleen. Referred to a Gastrointestinal Oncologist, Dr. Sharma, she learned she had a rare primary splenic lymphoma. Dr. Sharma recommended a splenectomy followed by a tailored course of chemotherapy, explaining it was the best chance for a cure given the localized nature. Angel underwent laparoscopic surgery, which went smoothly, but the subsequent chemotherapy was grueling, causing nausea and profound weakness. Her recovery was slow; she had to learn to manage her increased infection risk and received vaccinations. A follow-up scan six months later showed no evidence of disease. Emotionally, Angel journeyed from initial denial and fear of the word 'cancer' to a determined focus during treatment, supported by her former students and family. Post-recovery, she feels a profound gratitude for her health and has channeled her experience into volunteering to support other cancer patients, finding new purpose.
Gastrointestinal Oncologists for Spleen Cancer
Explore experienced gastrointestinal oncologists who regularly perform spleen cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 23 Years Experience
- Gastrointestinal Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastrointestinal Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar