Splenic Cyst

Posted by stew201 @stew201, Jul 15, 2011

After having a CT scan with contrast for a post op mass, an unrelated 11cm cyst was found incidentally on my spleen. This finding has perplexed my primary physician and the hematologist that I was going to be referred to (I have an HMO). I am awaiting bloodwork to determine if the cyst is parasitic, but beyond that, I'm just told to take a wait and see approach if it's not parasitic. Does anyone have any experience with a splenic cyst? Isn't a mass that large on such a small organ dangerous?

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@2011panc

@maria1969 A cyst is basically a sac of fluid. Sometimes they need to be drained or removed if they are causing problems, Usually they are not harmful except for size or the possibility of tearing. Work with your medical care team and get specifics about your cyst from them. It sounds like they are still determining the exact nature of your cyst and how to deal with it in the best way.

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Thank you for the reply, I am so sore and it’s like a burning pain it’s been like that on and off for several years but only found the cysts today, I’m so scared and worrying my self sick but I have to wait for another scan to find out more.

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@kimboski
Hi Kim,
Although I don't have the same cyst as you, I do have another kind of cyst.
My cyst is called a syrinx cyst.
It is located in the spinal canal between to bottom portion of the brain and upper portion of the spine.
Without going into too much detail, I have lots of spinal issues and my neurosurgeon was looking for a cause as to why I am having certain symptoms.
Like you, it was found when I had an MRI with contrast.
I was told that the cyst is VERY SMALL and should be left alone and to take the wait and see attitude, like your doctor.
I've done lots and lots of research to confirm this plan.
It is an acceptable move.

If I were you, I'd also do some research.
If the research says wait and see, I'd wait.
If the research suggestions are mixed, I'd go for a 2nd opinion.
If the research has a definitive get surgery, I'd go to a 2nd doctor.

Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@kellynormand

Thanks for your response @hopeful33250 - I have an appointment with my PCP next Friday (the 17th) and wanted to start there to get as much detail as I could from her. All I know so far is from the brief phone call from her the day after the MRI and, at first, I was so relieved that they had an answer to this pain after so long, I didn't think to ask any other question. It's only been in this past week that I started reading about it and thinking that I need to know more. So I want to go in and ask some in depth questions - what type of cyst is it, do they even know what type, how big is it, what are the chances of a rupture, what are the chances of it being more than just a cyst, etc. I want to see how many answers I can get from her and then see if she's willing to give me a referral to someone else. My insurance insists on a referral for everything! Any other thoughts on other questions I should be asking?

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Hi @kellynormand

I was just thinking about you as I re-read your post. I hope that you appointment with your PCP on the 17th was helpful. If you are comfortable doing so, would you care to provide any updates regarding what you learned from that appointment?

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I am new on here and having difficulty navigating this site. I have no idea how to post a message, so I will reply to this one. I just found out I have a 1.6cm cyst on my spleen. They said it us growing. Had cat scan..they didn't "know exactly where cyst was" then they did an ultrasound..as I am having pain - sharp at times under left ribcage. They don't seem very concerned. They called me today with results. Cyst is inside spleen? Growing. They don't seem to concerned at Hematologist office. Frustrating.

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@eliana5

I am new on here and having difficulty navigating this site. I have no idea how to post a message, so I will reply to this one. I just found out I have a 1.6cm cyst on my spleen. They said it us growing. Had cat scan..they didn't "know exactly where cyst was" then they did an ultrasound..as I am having pain - sharp at times under left ribcage. They don't seem very concerned. They called me today with results. Cyst is inside spleen? Growing. They don't seem to concerned at Hematologist office. Frustrating.

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Thanks for your post, @eliana5.

I am sorry to hear of your pain and the cyst in your spleen that appears to be growing. Please remember that it is always your right to get a second opinion, especially if you are experiencing pain that is limiting your activities. A second opinion by a doctor who specializes in this type of problem may be a good idea. If you live near a multi-disciplinary medical center, like Mayo, or a university medical school that might be a good place to start.

Have you considered a second opinion?

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@eliana5

I am new on here and having difficulty navigating this site. I have no idea how to post a message, so I will reply to this one. I just found out I have a 1.6cm cyst on my spleen. They said it us growing. Had cat scan..they didn't "know exactly where cyst was" then they did an ultrasound..as I am having pain - sharp at times under left ribcage. They don't seem very concerned. They called me today with results. Cyst is inside spleen? Growing. They don't seem to concerned at Hematologist office. Frustrating.

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@ellana5 It can be very frustrating dealing with Dr's I agree. Just like @hopeful33250 said I would go for another opinion. You need to obtain copies of all your medical records and tests. Take them to another hematologist. How was your blood work?
Getting more than one opinion is really important in order to get a proper diagnosis.
I wish you best...
Jackie

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@eliana5

I am new on here and having difficulty navigating this site. I have no idea how to post a message, so I will reply to this one. I just found out I have a 1.6cm cyst on my spleen. They said it us growing. Had cat scan..they didn't "know exactly where cyst was" then they did an ultrasound..as I am having pain - sharp at times under left ribcage. They don't seem very concerned. They called me today with results. Cyst is inside spleen? Growing. They don't seem to concerned at Hematologist office. Frustrating.

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@ellana5
Welcome to the group!
Cysts don't seem to be a problem as tumors are.
My doc just found one in me, too.
The cyst is in my spinal canal.
They are just going to wait and see.
I did some research and that is the correct thing to do.
If you are concerned, either do some research or find another doc.

Good look!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@grandmar

@ellana5
Welcome to the group!
Cysts don't seem to be a problem as tumors are.
My doc just found one in me, too.
The cyst is in my spinal canal.
They are just going to wait and see.
I did some research and that is the correct thing to do.
If you are concerned, either do some research or find another doc.

Good look!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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Thank you so much for your kind reply. I'm sorry to hear about your cyst. I don't know why I get so many. I needed to have my left ovary and tube removed in 2011 due to several large cysts found and also on my right ovary. I constant get "abnormal" mammograms, have to go back..and they say it was false, as I have a lot of cysts there too. Now one on spleen and small one on wrist. It's no fun. I'll try not to worry to much and hope we both have a wonderful recovery. ☺

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@travelgirl

@ellana5 It can be very frustrating dealing with Dr's I agree. Just like @hopeful33250 said I would go for another opinion. You need to obtain copies of all your medical records and tests. Take them to another hematologist. How was your blood work?
Getting more than one opinion is really important in order to get a proper diagnosis.
I wish you best...
Jackie

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Thank you. My blood work when I went back to follow up was much better. Red blood cells better. Glucose better. No longer in critical anemia stage, but borderline now. The office just called me to set up B12 injections. I will have a "wait and see" with this Hematologist, as any others are too far and I have a lack of transportation and have to pay for a shuttle, the further the distance, the more I have to pay them..she is in my network. But will definitely consider another one if I am having problems again..thank you so much..☺

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@eliana5

Thank you. My blood work when I went back to follow up was much better. Red blood cells better. Glucose better. No longer in critical anemia stage, but borderline now. The office just called me to set up B12 injections. I will have a "wait and see" with this Hematologist, as any others are too far and I have a lack of transportation and have to pay for a shuttle, the further the distance, the more I have to pay them..she is in my network. But will definitely consider another one if I am having problems again..thank you so much..☺

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I'm so pleased to hear that your blood work results were improved, @eliana5. That is good news! I understand that B12 injections can be quite helpful and give you more energy!

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