We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Symptoms of Spleen Cancer?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 27,599
Share

It is rare for spleen cancer to actually originate in the spleen. In most cases, the cancer spreads there from other parts of the lymphatic system. The point of the lymphatic system is to fight infections, so signs of cancer in this area tend to include flu symptoms, such as swollen glands, aches and fever. Fatigue, another common sign of cancer, is usually caused by the weakened immune system. Abdominal pain is another symptom felt by many patients, but it is such a vague symptom that it doesn't necessarily indicate spleen cancer, so this sign alone does not tend to concern patients or doctors. This type of cancer also affects the skin, which may become itchy or bruised, though the bones and joints also are often affected.

In many cases of cancer of the spleen, more than just this organ is affected; the entire lymphatic system may be impacted. The result is that patients generally do not feel well, in part because their weakened immune system may make them more susceptible to the flu and other illnesses. A fever and swollen lymph nodes are some of the main symptoms, though chills and night sweats also are common signs of this type of cancer. One of the initial cancer symptoms tends to be fatigue, which may be caused by illnesses such as the flu, or it may be the result of low blood cell counts.

Abdominal pain is common in most cases of spleen cancer, because the organ gets so large that it becomes uncomfortable for most patients. In fact, it may get so big that it presses against the stomach, greatly reducing the appetite and leading patients to lose weight unexpectedly. Of course, there are various other explanations for abdominal pain so, while many patients with this type of cancer notice this symptom, it rarely leads to the correct diagnosis. For this reason, it is usually necessary to run several tests before diagnosing patients with cancer of the lymphatic system.

Even the skin is often affected by spleen cancer. It tends to become itchy early on in the disease. The reason for this is that the infected spleen cannot properly filter toxins out of the bloodstream, so they build up, which can result in itchy, inflamed skin. Patients who scratch their skin excessively are at risk of developing an infection, but even those who do not scratch may notice that their skin bleeds and bruises more easily than before. In addition, the bones and joints tend to hurt when patients suffer from spleen cancer.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for The Health Board, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Discussion Comments
By SarahGen — On Apr 14, 2013

@anamur-- My brother's dog died from canine spleen cancer. The tumor ruptured and caused internal bleeding.

He had lost his appetite and had lost a lot of weight. There was also visible swelling in his chest and abdomen. I guess it was the fluid filling up around the tumor.

If your dog loses energy and weight, you should have your vet do some diagnostic testing right away.

By serenesurface — On Apr 14, 2013

What kind of symptoms are seen when a dog has spleen cancer?

By burcinc — On Apr 13, 2013

My aunt was diagnosed with spleen cancer last year. She didn't have any symptoms, no spleen pain, nothing. She found out by chance during her routine check-up that she has an enlarged spleen. The doctors did more testing and a biopsy and that's how she found out.

Spleen cancer is a very sneaky one, it's scary.

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for The Health Board, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-spleen-cancer.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.