If cancer cells are detected in the "wash-out" fluid, then this means that the tumor has been shedding cancer cells into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, which would indicate a more advanced stage of cancer.
The spleen and tail of the pancreas share the same blood supply and lymph nodes. Therefore, the spleen is routinely removed when treating malignant tumors of the tail of the pancreas.
Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS
www.doctorwascher.com
www.oncoguard.com