Splenic lymphomas are cancers that affect the spleen, an organ in the upper abdomen that filters the blood and helps fight infection. They are caused by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the spleen. The most common type is splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL), which mainly affects older adults. There are also other types such as diffuse red pulp lymphoma of the spleen and splenic follicular lymphoma.

Symptoms and clinical features

Typical symptoms include an enlarged spleen, which can cause abdominal pain, fatigue, pale skin due to anemia, easily occurring hematomas and frequent infections. However, these symptoms are not specific and can also occur in other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

Laboratory medical examination

Various laboratory tests are carried out to diagnose splenic lymphomas:

• Blood tests: The complete blood count (CBC) measures the number of red and white blood cells and platelets. Anemia, a reduced platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or abnormal white blood cells may occur in splenic lymphomas. Blood chemistry checks values such as electrolytes, kidney and liver function to detect possible abnormalities. Serum protein electrophoresis looks for abnormal proteins that could be produced by cancer cells. Flow cytometry analyzes the properties of blood cells to identify lymphoma cells.
  
• Tissue samples and pathological examination: A biopsy is often performed. This may be a splenectomy, where the entire spleen is removed and examined, or a needle biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken with a needle. A bone marrow biopsy is also common, especially in SMZL, as the bone marrow is often affected, to assess the spread of the disease.
  
• Other tests: Imaging procedures such as CT scans, MRI or PET scans help to assess the size of the spleen and look for other affected areas. In rare cases, genetic tests are performed to find specific mutations that may help with prognosis or treatment.

In summary, the diagnosis of splenic lymphoma relies on a combination of blood tests and examination of tissue samples to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the type and stage of the disease.

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