Primary tumors of the spleen

Abstract

Tumors of the spleen are rare compared to the incidence of such tumors in other parenchymatous organs. Their classification has varied with both time and author. They can be divided into two main categories: nonlymphoid and lymphoid. The most common nonlymphoid tumors are the vascular tumors which include benign and malignant haemangiomas, littoral cell angiomas, lymphangiomas and haemangioendotheliomas. The remaining nonlymphoid tumors, such as fibrosarcoma, neurinoma, and lipoma are very uncommon. The lymphoid tumors include Hodgkin's and non Hodgkin's lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma and plasmacytoma. Metastatic tumors to the spleen mainly originate from melanoma, breast and lung lesions. However, metastases to the spleen are rare compared to those of other parenchymatous organs.

Keywords: metastatic; primary; spleen; tumors.

Figure 1

Splenic haemangioma. Unenhanced CT scan shows a round splenic lesion with lower attenuation in the centre (arrow) than in the periphery. Weighted MR image shows that centre has low signal intensity but periphery is nearly isointense in the spleen. Lesion becomes bright on T2 weighted MR image. Cut surface of gross specimen shows an unencapsulated hemorrhagic lesion (arrows) with central stellate scar. Source: D.Disler, F.Chew, Radiologic-Pathologic Conferences of the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Figure 2

Angiosarcoma of the spleen. Source: W.M.Thomson, Angiosarcoma of the spleen: Imaging characteristics in 12 patients. Radiology. 2005; 235:106-115.