Vol 10, No 3-4 (2008)
Published online: 2009-05-06
Metastatic tumours to the spleen - literature review
Dawid Hadasik, Jacek Kostecki, Maciej Zaniewski
Chirurgia Polska 2008;10(3-4):175-180.
Vol 10, No 3-4 (2008)
Published online: 2009-05-06
Abstract
Both primary and metastatic tumours of the spleen are extremely rare phenomena. They are usually
diagnosed as a result of autopsy, are not typically large and, in most cases, are accompanied by disseminated
cancer disease. The studies show that the frequency of metastatic splenic tumours is estimated at
1-9% of patients. Moreover, they are normally related to metastatic changes localized in the liver and the
pancreas. Isolated metastases to the spleen are an even more unique phenomenon and most of such
documented cases concern ovarian cancer disease. Although physicians still do not really know the
mechanism due to which the spleen seems to be an organ that is relatively resistant to cancer disease
metastases, the medical literature describes a couple of theories on this phenomenon. What is emphasized
is the role of continuous blood flow through the spleen sinuses which may reduce adhesion of
carcinoma cells in the spleen. The presence of humoral substances occurring in the spleen which destroy
carcinoma cells could also be a reason for the phenomenon. The intention of the authors of the
article is to analyse all information available from medical literature on splenic metastatic tumours, if
diagnosed, with regard to their occurrence, frequency and treatment.
Abstract
Both primary and metastatic tumours of the spleen are extremely rare phenomena. They are usually
diagnosed as a result of autopsy, are not typically large and, in most cases, are accompanied by disseminated
cancer disease. The studies show that the frequency of metastatic splenic tumours is estimated at
1-9% of patients. Moreover, they are normally related to metastatic changes localized in the liver and the
pancreas. Isolated metastases to the spleen are an even more unique phenomenon and most of such
documented cases concern ovarian cancer disease. Although physicians still do not really know the
mechanism due to which the spleen seems to be an organ that is relatively resistant to cancer disease
metastases, the medical literature describes a couple of theories on this phenomenon. What is emphasized
is the role of continuous blood flow through the spleen sinuses which may reduce adhesion of
carcinoma cells in the spleen. The presence of humoral substances occurring in the spleen which destroy
carcinoma cells could also be a reason for the phenomenon. The intention of the authors of the
article is to analyse all information available from medical literature on splenic metastatic tumours, if
diagnosed, with regard to their occurrence, frequency and treatment.
Keywords
splenic tumours; distant metastasis
Title
Metastatic tumours to the spleen - literature review
Journal
Chirurgia Polska (Polish Surgery)
Issue
Vol 10, No 3-4 (2008)
Pages
175-180
Published online
2009-05-06
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12523
Article views/downloads
25848
Bibliographic record
Chirurgia Polska 2008;10(3-4):175-180.
Keywords
splenic tumours
distant metastasis
Authors
Dawid Hadasik
Jacek Kostecki
Maciej Zaniewski
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