Which cancer is most likely to spread to the spleen?

Which cancer is most likely to spread to the spleen?

• A. Melanoma
• B. Prostate cancer
• C. Osteosarcoma
• D. Thyroid cancer

Answer: (A)

Metastasis patterns determine where cancers tend to spread. The spleen is a site that cancer cells often reach through the bloodstream, so cancers with a strong tendency for hematogenous (blood-borne) spread are more likely to involve it. Melanoma is well known for widespread hematogenous dissemination and can seed distant organs, including the spleen. In contrast, prostate cancer typically goes to bone and lymph nodes; osteosarcoma mainly to the lungs and bones; thyroid cancer often spreads to cervical lymph nodes and the lungs. Among these, melanoma has the highest likelihood of reaching the spleen, making it the best answer.

Metastasis patterns determine where cancers tend to spread. The spleen is a site that cancer cells often reach through the bloodstream, so cancers with a strong tendency for hematogenous (blood-borne) spread are more likely to involve it. Melanoma is well known for widespread hematogenous dissemination and can seed distant organs, including the spleen. In contrast, prostate cancer typically goes to bone and lymph nodes; osteosarcoma mainly to the lungs and bones; thyroid cancer often spreads to cervical lymph nodes and the lungs. Among these, melanoma has the highest likelihood of reaching the spleen, making it the best answer.