Splenic Cyst

Thank you for your response, @hopeful33250!

I was expecting to be told that I needed surgery and I had spent a lot of time psyching myself up for that. From what I understood from other doctors and information I gathered online, it seemed like the risk of leaving the cyst was greater than the risk of taking it out. Now I'm told that I should just live with it and that it's really no big deal because it's probably not a hydatid cyst. Obviously, I don't want surgery if I don't truly need it, but I'm getting what appears to be contradictory medical advice and I'm not sure who I'm supposed to believe. In the unlikely event that the cyst ruptures, is that a serious problem or not? The surgeon doesn't think so but everything else I've heard says otherwise. If it does rupture, do I have to worry about the spleen rupturing as well?

As for my low platelets, I've only been given two possible explanations. One is an enlarged spleen, which the surgeon has already discounted, and the second is ITP. According to the surgeon, my platelets, while low, are not dangerously low, and would not warrant removing the spleen even if I do have ITP. For years, I've taken way more than the recommended dosage of Ibuprofen and I've often wondered if there could be some connection with that and my platelet count - and I have mentioned it to the hematologist - but he's never seemed too concerned by it.

I'll probably hear something next week about when they're going to schedule my endoscopy. Considering how much Ibuprofen I've taken over the years, I wouldn't be surprised if they did find something. I will let you know how it goes!

Hi. I have just found this thread. I am living in England. I have a history of NHL - diagnosed 2000. Two years ago I started with abdominal pain, gas and bloating, and opening my bowels during the night. An ultrasound revealed a slightly enlarged spleen that my haematologist wasn't worried about. My GP diagnosed IBS. A pain developed in my left side in May this year. I thought I had pulled a muscle. In August when I had my annual checkup my new GP decided I needed more tests. I have seen a lower gi specialist and an ultrasound showed a1cm cyst on my spleen and enlarged liver. My haematologist says that lymphoma cysts in the spleen are not visible on an ultrasound. He has ordered a CT scan and I see a Gastroenterologist next week. I have had to push all the medical professionals to get to this stage.

@maria1969

I know how you feel. I only found out this week that I have a splenic cyst and haven't got a clue what is happening. My haematologist says it isn't lymphoma and I see a Gastroenterologist next week. I live in England.

Hello @bordercolliecra

You bring up an important attitude of being your own advocate for good medical care. Providing a push (as you say) to the medical professionals if often important and vital to taking care of ourselves. Good work on your part!

Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

After my move and now a new doctor,vhe admitted he may not be qualified to care for me. How humble. He said every organ in my body is sick. I have been with the University doctors and never heard such a statement. Bbut when I look at the conditions I have, I realize this is serious. RA has taken my teeth and is close to taking my eye sight. Don't take this disease for granted. Work hard to limit it's damage to your body.i may be too late because I had sub standard doctors. But I will fight

@oregongirl sorry to hear of your battle. My GP told me about my Splenic Cyst and when I asked her about it she admitted she didn't know anything. After a colonoscopy yesterday, which showed no problems in my bowel, I am seeing a Gastroenterologist Thursday. I see my Haematologist next Tuesday and his secretary is making sure the results of the CT that I have had are ready for my appointment. My GP did a further liver test and could only tell me what my cholesterol level is (down to 5.8 and done by diet). More news next week.

@kimboski I too have weight gain after spending 3 years losing weight. The gastroenterologist said it was better than losing it! He wants to see me again if my problem
isn't Lymphoma.

Thanks for the update, @bordercolliecra. I hope your CT scan showed good results. Is your appointment with the Hematologist tomorrow? I hope that it goes well for you.

Will you post again?

@hopeful33250 Hi. Here I am again. I saw my Haematologist/oncologist and the CT scan doesn't show any Lymphoma. As for the Splenic cyst he told me not to worry. I told him that it was giving me pain - he said that he was sorry about that. See me in 6 months!! I am seeing the Gastroenterologist again soon but not sure how a cyst in my Lymphatic system fits in. Any ideas would be welcome.