Is a cyst on the spleen serious?

Is a cyst on the spleen serious?

Splenic cysts are rare clinical findings, detected due to derivative symptoms or as a random discovery in abdominal imaging. Although there still remains controversy as to their optimal treatment, bigger secondary cysts should be treated surgically.

What causes a splenic cyst?

The most common cause of a splenic cyst is trauma, followed by hydatid disease (Fig. 5-22). Other cystic lesions, such as lymphangiomas and hamartomas, are rare. CT and US can both identify the cysts as anechoic lesions; if there is flow on Doppler US, “flow” lesions may be considered.

Are lesions on the spleen serious?

Hypodense splenic lesions are frequently encountered on abdominal CT images. Although most hypodense lesions of the spleen can be considered benign, some findings and clinical conditions warrant closer attention to the lesion.

What causes spleen lesions?

Etiologies for multifocal splenic lesions include infectious and inflammatory processes, primary vascular and lymphoid neoplasms, metastatic disease, vascular processes, and systemic diseases. There is often overlap in the imaging appearance alone, so the clinical setting is very helpful in differential diagnosis.

Should splenic cyst be removed?

Superficially located cysts should be treated by laparoscopic marsupialization or fenestration. Cysts located deep in the poles of the spleen should be managed by partial splenectomy, which is the treatment of choice. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy should be performed by experienced surgeons.

What kind of doctor treats spleen cysts?

For example, hematologists (doctors who specialize in treating blood disorders), oncologists (cancer specialists), and gastroenterologists (liver and digestive tract specialists) all commonly take care of patients who may have enlarged spleen as a response to another condition.

When should a splenic cyst be removed?

Especially in the case of posttraumatic splenic cysts, according to Balzan et al,12 cysts should be managed surgically when complications develop or when their diameter is >4cm. At that size, complications are more likely to occur.

Can splenic cysts be cancerous?

Malignant, isolated splenic masses can occur but are extremely rare. While lymphoma and angiosarcoma (17) can present this way, the latter is very rare.

How do you treat a lesion on the spleen?

Total splenectomy remains the standard treatment for malignant lesions. For benign lesions, particularly those that are symptomatic and/or at risk of rupture, minimally invasive approaches and techniques for splenic conservation (partial splenectomy) have provided benefit.

How common are splenic lesions?

Splenic lesions are detected in 0.103–0.6 % of US examinations and only 1.3–4.85 % of these lesions are suspicious for metastatic disease.

Should I be worried about spleen lesions?

The presence of lesions in other organs in addition to the spleen should raise suspicion for metastases or metastatic primary splenic angiosarcoma. Rarely, patients with benign neoplasms may present with abnormal laboratory values, such as thrombocytopenia or anemia.

What is treatment for a lesion on a spleen?