Ignore the spleen cyst?

[Mich1111]

CT ABDOMEN AND PELVIS WITH CONTRAST 1/23/2013 9:55 AM
HISTORY: Abdominal pain following hysterectomy performed in 10/2012.
Previous cholecystectomy and appendectomy.
COMPARISON: CT abdomen and pelvis 10/1/2012.
TECHNIQUE: Axial images from the lung bases to the symphysis are
performed with additional coronal reformatted images. 100 mL of
Isovue 370 are given intravenously. Oral contrast is also given.

FINDINGS: The lung bases are clear.
Abdomen: There is diffuse fatty infiltration of liver. Prior
cholecystectomy changes are noted. A probable tiny cyst is noted in
the lateral mid spleen measuring only 2 or 3 mm in size on image 27.
This appears stable and is of doubtful clinical significance. The
remaining upper abdominal organs are within normal limits. No
enlarged lymph nodes. The bowel is normal in caliber without
obstruction. No evidence of diverticulitis. The appendix is not
visualized. The anterior abdominal wall is unremarkable. No hematoma
or fluid collection.

Pelvis: The bladder is decompressed. The vaginal cuff and rectum are
unremarkable. No evidence of pelvic hematoma or fluid collection to
indicate an abscess. Adnexal regions are within normal limits. There
are no enlarged lymph nodes. No free pelvic fluid. Bone window
examination is unremarkable.
Impression

IMPRESSION:
1. No acute changes in the abdomen and pelvis following hysterectomy.
No evidence of hematoma or abscess in the surgical bed. No evidence
of fluid collection or hematoma along the anterior abdominal wall.
2. Fatty infiltration of the liver with changes of previous
cholecystectomy.
3. Probable tiny cyst lateral aspect of the spleen, unchanged and of
doubtful clinical significance.

My question is... I  am three months post op hysterectomy. My gynecologist was very happy with this report as there is no post op complications. He never even mentioned the tiny spleen cyst. Is that significant? What can cause that and am I right to just ignore this finding?

Thanks.

[Mich1111]

Thank you so much for your words! :D

Do you think eventually they might want to remove your cyst? Do splenic cysts ever disappear?  

[BOK2Bjan]

Hi - I thought I'd tell you that I too have a spleenic cyst, and it has been growing for years now.  It is complex in its composition, raising a little concern, but it is still just on a "watch" list.  I do know that it isn't easy to biopsy the spleen, and the one you are describing is truly small, and would not be considered significant.  Cysts are normally fluid filled, and only very rarely malignant.  If it were suspicious, they would take either the entire cyst out, or even the entire spleen.  Based on what I have learned from having one for many years, of a much larger size - don't worry about it.  If it becomes symptomatic, or enlarges greatly, or changes from a cyst to a more solid tumor - your doctor will give it more attention.  

Just giving my opinion - they were right to say it was not significant and didn't need action.  Hope you're recovering well still from your surgery.

Blessings, Jan

[Mich1111]

Thanks. Do you think it relates to my hysterectomy? I did have major surgery three months ago?

Also, if they would ever have to drain it should it get larger, how would they do that? Would it be another major surgery?

Do they sometimes just go away on their own?

[FTB4]

Cysts on the spleen are not uncommon, if they are small, the Md just keeps an eye on it, ones larger are drained when discovered, if it is causeing you no pain, then your MD should just monitor, small ones can be caused by light trauma or bacteria from an infection, from the description above, it did not raise any flags. I would discuss this with your MD and see what his take is. Best Wishes  FTB4