FYI:
I am a SMZL "survivor" tho' my oncologist/hematologist reminds me there is no cure. I was dx'd 9 years ago, and after 6 m of watch and wait, increasing white cells and reduced red cells indicated I needed more rx. I underwent 6 m of rituximab and Bendamustine and after 9 years of monitoring have had no recurrence, and bloodwork is normal. (Love my doc). He has been very helpful in my treatment as well as teaching me about SMZL. He says splenectomy is not recommended anymore due to less than ideal results: long-term problems and ineffective results.....it seems that rituximab and Bendamustine are the first-line treatments of choice. Hope this helps.