Key Points for This Section

Childhood cancer survivors may have late effects that affect the spleen. Certain factors increase the risk that spleen late effects will occur. Spleen late effects may be caused by treatment for childhood Hodgkin lymphoma and other childhood cancers.

Childhood cancer survivors may have late effects that affect the spleen.

Spleen late effects may increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections.

Certain factors increase the risk that spleen late effects will occur.

The risk of spleen late effects may be increased in childhood cancer survivors who received either of the following:

• Splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen).
• High- dose radiation therapy to the spleen.

It is very important that childhood cancer survivors who received either of these treatments keep immunizations up-to-date and receive antibiotics before having any dental work.

Spleen late effects may be caused by treatment for childhood Hodgkin lymphoma and other childhood cancers.

Glossary Terms

A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.

A large group of single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.

A technique used to cause an immune response that results in resistance to a specific disease, especially an infectious disease.

Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body and can spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the natural defense system.

Side effects of cancer treatment that appear months or years after treatment has ended. Late effects include physical and mental problems and second cancers.

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy and irradiation.

An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen makes lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.

An operation to remove the spleen.

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.