Spleen, showing calcified cyst
Object numberGC.10304
TitleSpleen, showing calcified cyst
DescriptionSpleen, showing calcified cyst.
From a 21 year old male who was admitted to hospital suffering from vague upper abdominal pain, that had been going on for about two or three months. The pain was not severe nor continuous and there were no other symptoms. The only abnormality on physical examination was an enlargement of the spleen.
A straight X-ray revealed a circular shadow in the lower part of the spleen. There was no history of trauma, and he had no recollections of having had malaria though it is probable be had suffered from this infection. Splenectomy was done and he made a smooth recovery and was relieved of his symptoms.
The specimen shows the spleen is enlarged. The cut surface shows at the lower pole a cyst measuring 6 cm in diameter. The fibrous wall, 0.5 cm in thickness, contains calcareous lamellae whilst the inner surface is for the most part smooth. The section has cut across a broad band extending across the cavity. The layers of the band have been separated and. some of the calcareous material has escaped. The wall of the cyst extends to the surface of the spleen and presents as irregular white areas of fibrous tissue showing through the peritoneum. The rest of the spleen is somewhat pale and firm.
Object nameSPLEEN
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen
Dimensions
- Height: 17 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 6 cm