Malignant Diseases of the Spleen

the primary malignant tumor of the spleen is

an angiosarcoma

angiosarcomas will appear

as a complex or solid mass

More often, — rather than angiosarcoma will involve the spleen

lymphoma and leukemia

the most common malignancy of the spleen

lymphoma

Diffuse involvement of lymphoma or leukemia will often produce

splenomegaly

These malignant processes can also manifest as a focal disease and be recognized as

a hypoechoic mass or masses scattered throughout spleen

focal masses are — seen with leukemia

less commonly

Lymphoma can be classified as

Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Both Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma are malignant disorders affecting the — , with subsequent immune system compromise

lymphocytes

The presence of Reed– Sternberg cells indicates

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma

can be treated and carries a high recovery rate

is not as easily managed but is more common

non-Hodgkin lymphoma

the most common primary locations of metastatic disease to the spleen are

breast, lung, skin (melanoma), and ovary

clinical findings of splenic malignancy

1. LUQ pain

2. fever

3. weight loss

4. malaise

Lymphoma. Transverse image of the spleen in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma reveals a hypoechoic mass (between calipers).

sonographic findings of splenic malignancy

1. diffuse—splenomegaly

2. focal—hypoechoic mass