Splenic marginal zone lymphoma is cancer of the B-cells that are located in the spleen. Since you had the spleen and the surrounding lymph nodes removed and your blood work is clear, this means it has not moved into the bone marrow. It is common however, that this sort of cancer will metastasize into the bone marrow and I am sure you are being tested for this possibility, as you explained that your blood work is fine. Removal of the spleen can also mean remission, so don't give up on that possibility.
The only thing you can do at this point is to follow your physicians instructions and regular follow ups with your physician for bone marrow testing. Here is a website that will provide you support and more information http://www.lymphomation.org/type-mz.htm#spleenic.
As for your question about symptoms of bone marrow cancer, here is some information form the Cancer Center of America specifically about bone marrow cancer.
Bone marrow cancer most commonly occurs in the shafts of long bones. Although the first signs of bone marrow cancer inevitably vary from patient to patient, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss. However, the early symptoms of bone marrow cancer may be so sporadic and subtle that the patient may not see a doctor until the bone marrow cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Other possible symptoms of bone marrow cancer may include:
Pain
A hard lump on the bone
Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness in the bone (i.e., in or near a joint)
Restriction of movement
Unexplained fractures
Anemia (low red blood cells)
Weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness
Lowered resistance to infections
Note: Symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. Also, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer. Only a doctor can determine whether or not a patient has bone marrow cancer.
Here is the website for more information http://www.cancercenter.com/bone-marrow-cancer.htm.
Comment Reply
Hi Wisemare,
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma is cancer of the B-cells that are located in the spleen. Since you had the spleen and the surrounding lymph nodes removed and your blood work is clear, this means it has not moved into the bone marrow. It is common however, that this sort of cancer will metastasize into the bone marrow and I am sure you are being tested for this possibility, as you explained that your blood work is fine. Removal of the spleen can also mean remission, so don't give up on that possibility.
The only thing you can do at this point is to follow your physicians instructions and regular follow ups with your physician for bone marrow testing. Here is a website that will provide you support and more information http://www.lymphomation.org/type-mz.htm#spleenic.
As for your question about symptoms of bone marrow cancer, here is some information form the Cancer Center of America specifically about bone marrow cancer.
Bone marrow cancer most commonly occurs in the shafts of long bones. Although the first signs of bone marrow cancer inevitably vary from patient to patient, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss. However, the early symptoms of bone marrow cancer may be so sporadic and subtle that the patient may not see a doctor until the bone marrow cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Other possible symptoms of bone marrow cancer may include:
Pain
A hard lump on the bone
Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness in the bone (i.e., in or near a joint)
Restriction of movement
Unexplained fractures
Anemia (low red blood cells)
Weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness
Lowered resistance to infections
Note: Symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. Also, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer. Only a doctor can determine whether or not a patient has bone marrow cancer.
Here is the website for more information http://www.cancercenter.com/bone-marrow-cancer.htm.
Does this information help you?
August 14, 2010 - 9:15amThis Comment
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