Editing Splenic cysts (section)

== '''Aetiological classification''' ==

* '''Non-parasitic'''
** Type 1 (primary - 10%)
*** True cysts - epithelial lining
*** Often positive for CA19-9 and CEA
*** Congenital
*** Epithelioid - benign
*** Mesenchymal (rare)
*** Dermoid (rare)
** Type 2 (secondary - 90%)
*** False cysts - no epithelial lining
*** Radiologically - smooth, thick-walled, unilocular, sometimes with focal calcifications
*** Usually post-traumatic - subcapsular haematoma that failed to reabsorb
*** Could also be secondary to prolonged splenic abscess or infarct
*** Asymptomatic <4cm pseudocysts do not require treatment and may involute with time
*** Consider surgical treatment as below
*** Aspiration generally leads to recurrence
* '''Parasitic'''
** Usually caused by ''Echinoccous granulosus'' (hydatid cysts - see separate topic under Liver)
** Splenectomy is usually treatment of choice