Most common malignancy affecting spleen is –
**Core Concept**
The spleen is a lymphoid organ involved in immune surveillance, filtration of the blood, and storage of red blood cells. While rare, splenic malignancies can arise from the splenic tissue or infiltrate the spleen from adjacent organs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common malignancy affecting the spleen is lymphoma, specifically Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). This is because the spleen is a common site of involvement for lymphoma cells, which can infiltrate the red pulp and cause splenomegaly. The red pulp of the spleen is rich in lymphoid cells, making it a susceptible area for lymphoma spread.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While metastatic tumors to the spleen can occur, they are not the most common malignancy affecting the spleen.
**Option B:** Primary splenic sarcomas are rare and not the most common splenic malignancy.
**Option C:** Splenic abscesses are not a type of malignancy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Lymphoma can present with a variety of nonspecific symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats, making it essential to consider lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of splenomegaly.
**Correct Answer:** **Lymphoma**