Primary and Metastatic Cancer of the Spleen

Malignant diseases of the spleen occur rather frequently. However, most of these cases are malignant diseases of the lymphatic and haematopoietic systems, but not local malignant neoplasms of the spleen. Most frequently, such diseases come with an enlargement of both the entire spleen and the lymph nodes of the splenic hilum. A systematic treatment of the underlying disease should be given priority over a splenectomy, which may be applied in particular cases only. It should be noted, that in order to diagnose properly or stage the systemic disease a splenectomy including the removal of the splenic hilum may become inevitable. Notwithstanding, in most of today’s cases, imagining diagnostics is an appropriate means to identify an affection of the spleen. Malignant neoplasms in the spleen are very rare. Most tumours can be identified and categorised through the use of anamnesis, imaging, chemical and laboratory examinations. If malignant neoplasms have isolatedly affected the spleen, splenectomy can be applied to cure the organ. Generally, the splenectomy can be conducted in a laparoscopic way. The use of splenectomy is not reasonable in patients with more organs affected; such cases require a systemic therapy.