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Hello! I just recently joined the group. I am a 25 year old female in good health. I was very active up until about end of 2017- beginning of 2018. I started having severe back pain. In 2018. I had gotten an MRI for an issue related to my back. It was noted in my file that possible cysts were found, the spleen was not completely shown and it was recommended that I follow up with an ultrasound to confirm. Well, my Primary care doctor was "not concerned" and did not mention it to me. At the time, I did not present with any symptoms, not that I recognized as being an issue anyway.
Fast forward to 2021, I make a visit to the ER. My complaints are chest pain, difficulty breathing, extremely Sharpe pain in the lower part of my ribs with pain that radiates to my shoulder. The PA in the ER does blood tests, X-ray and CT scan. All of which comes back normal, minus my elevated D-Dimer test, which they did not mention to me that was elevated. I found that out myself after reviewing my test results in the patient portal. She comes back and tells me that it was not the blood clot, which is what they thought I was wrong. She advises me that it is most likely just a pulled muscle. She gave me a muscle relaxer and advised I was okay to go home, but did mention they found a spot on my spleen. She gave me the option of getting a second CT scan that night, or following up but advised I do not ignore it. I opted to get it done and over with while I was already in the ER. When the results come back, they advise they appear benign and advised to follow up with my PCP and I could go home.
A week later, I followed up with another PA that they had referred me to. She reviews the tests done in the ER, and agrees it is likely muscle related and no need to worry. She did advised the notes recommended an ultrasound, so she ordered one. The ultrasound confirmed their were 3 simple appearing splenic cysts. The first measures 6.7 X 5.4 X 5.2 cm : second 2.3 X 1.4 X 1.5 : and last 2.5 X1.3 X1.6. The PA that I was referred to by the ER advised I have 3 cyst - most likely normal and no follow up required as there are no symptoms. I have since discussed my situation with other people diagnosed with Splenic Cysts, as my symptoms are very similar and all have recommended a second opinion. I will be seeing a GI doctor later this week, as long as the weather cooperates.
Thanks for reading my story. I am very un-educated on this topic and have been doing a lot of research but would appreciate any advice.
Replies to "Hello! I just recently joined the group. I am a 25 year old female in good..."
Hi, thank you for sharing your story. I currently have one 9 cm cyst on the top of my spleen. It has been stable.for several years. All research I have read recommends having a splenectomy for anything larger than 5 cm. My cyst is complex with a calcium lining around it. Yours are simple cysts. They may be able to go in and drain them. Splenic cysts tend to develope from a past infection or trauma to that area. I technically should have a Spleenectomy due to the size of my cyst. However, I'm a nurse and your spleen is extremely important in fighting infection. If I have my spleen removed then I probably would need to find another career. The ultimate highesy risk is splenic rupture from these cysts Even though it is very rare to happen it is a risk. Keep us posted and good luck. I do not know this if a GI doctor is the person to follow up with. You need to get a second opinion from doctors who specializes in this. Also trying to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet may help. Good luck and keep us posted.
@emmie13 you are the best advocate for your self. Even doctors can be ignorant. I had a 15cm splenic cyst “removed” in June 2016 that was initially found in 2006 only being 2cm. I was informed by multiple specialists the cyst needed to be removed once 5cm+ due to rupturing. I went for routine ultrasounds to monitor it for 5yrs. It was growing VERY SLOWLY. I stopped going for ultrasounds. Then, in 2015 I was nonstop sick, vitamin deficient, low iron, anemic, felt pressure in my left side, & lingering cough due to infections constantly setting in my left lung. Went for ultrasound & CT scan before being sent to a surgeon. A general surgeon that specializes in Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery “removed” it. I use the word “removed” loosely because in order to preserve my spleen, the surgeon cut the cyst into(capsized it) & cauterized edges. This will allow the remaining cyst to drain into the abdominal cavity, while I get to keep 75% of my spleen for immunity. Stay positive, stand up for your self, & be confident when doing so. I can’t tell you how many times I had to do this throughout the 6months leading up to surgery due to IGNORANCE with doctors.
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Hello @emmie13 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I read, with interest, your post and I am so glad that you decided to be an advocate for yourself. You checked the results of tests that were said to be OK, questioned the results and began seeking other opinions based on those results. It is extremely important in today's medical environment, where medical professionals are so extremely busy for every patient to do their own research, ask questions, and seek more help when it is needed.
I would like to invite @hs314 @leazard and @michellern to this discussion as they are members of Connect who have also discussed splenic cysts.
If you are comfortable sharing more, could you tell me other factors in your medical history and what level is your discomfort at the present time?