scholarly journals Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers in Axillary Lymph Nodes Mimicking Metastatic Lymphadenopathy after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Eun Park ◽  
Kyu Ran Cho ◽  
Sung Eun Song ◽  
Ok Hee Woo ◽  
Bo Kyoung Seo ◽  
...  
Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 471
Author(s):  
Min Young Lee ◽  
Eunjung Kong ◽  
Dong Gyu Lee

This study aimed to determine whether bypass circulation was present in lymphedema and its effect. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients who underwent unilateral breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection were recruited and underwent single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). SPECT/CT was performed to detect the three-dimensional locations of radio-activated lymph nodes. Patients with radioactivity in anatomical locations other than axillary lymph nodes were classified into a positive group. All patients received complete decongestive therapy (CDT). Exclusion criteria were as follows: History of bilateral breast cancer surgery, cervical lymph node dissection history, and upper extremity amputation. The difference in the upper extremity circumference (cm) was measured at four points: Mid-point of the upper arm, elbow, and 10 and 15 cm below the elbow. Twenty-nine patients were included in this study. Fifteen patients (51.7%) had bypass lymphatic systems on the affected side, six (20.7%) had a bypass lymphatic system with axillary lymph nodes on the unaffected side, and 11 (37.9%) showed new lymphatic drainage. The positive group showed significantly less swelling than the negative group at the mid-arm, elbow, and 15 cm below the elbow. Bypass lymphatic circulation had two patterns: Infraclavicular lymph nodes and supraclavicular and/or cervical lymph nodes. Changes in lymph drainage caused by surgery triggered the activation of the superficial lymphatic drainage system to relieve lymphedema. Superficial lymphatic drainage has a connection through the deltopectoral groove.


2009 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 1002-1005
Author(s):  
Futoshi KAWAHARA ◽  
Tomoko UEJIMA ◽  
Kyouko TSUCHIYA ◽  
Arata SHIMO ◽  
Yukari YABUKI ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-112
Author(s):  
Mario Taffurelli

Axillary lymph node status is one of the most reliable prognostic factors of long-term survival in breast cancer surgery. Metastatic involvement of the axillary lymph nodes is also crucial in the decision making of potentially useful adjuvant treatment. Until the last decade, Axillary Lymph Nodes Dissection (ALND) was performed in order to obtain the regional lymphatic system staging. In case of non-metastatic spread, that kind of surgery was limited only to this purpose; no further oncological benefits were obtained and the patients were exposed to several comorbidities affecting this type of surgery. Complications after ALND are reported in 15-30% of cases. They are well known and range from early bleeding, infection, symptomatic nerve damage, and longstanding limb lymph-edema with an incredible impairment of the quality of life.The Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) theory holds that the SLNs are the first nodes draining lymph from an anatomic region (i.e. the breast) where metastatic disease will most likely to be found. If that node is found to be cancer free, the entire lymphatic system is likely to be cancer free; if it is metastatic, there is an elevated chance of finding more metastatic nodes. Thanks to the application of this hypothesis, several patients over the last 10-15 years have avoided unnecessary major demolitive surgery. To obtain accurate evaluation of the SLN a multidisciplinary dedicated team is necessary. This procedure has been internationally validated and the false negative rate is nowadays less than 5% when performed by expert hands. Dedicated breast surgeons working in a high-volume centres are necessary to reach satisfactory confidence in performing this very specialised procedure in order to obtain an accurate staging. The number of women presenting to the breast oncology units is continuously increasing and the implementation of screening programs has been crucial in detecting numerous patients (more than 75%) with early disease and non-metastatic axillary lymph nodes. The practice of the SLN is clearly able to offer those patients an accurate staging with low comorbidities, preserving their quality of life.


Mastology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Clarke ◽  
Carolina Nazareth Valadares ◽  
Douglas de Miranda Pires ◽  
Nayara Carvalho de Sá

Introduction: Occult breast carcinoma is a rare presentation of breast cancer, with histological evidence of axillary lymph node involvement and clinical and radiological absence of malignant breast lesions. Its survival is similar to that of the usual presentation. The treatment consists of modified radical mastectomy or axillary drainage with breast irradiation, resulting in similar survival, associated with systemic therapy according to the staging. Neoadjuvant therapy should be considered in N2-3 axillary cases. Differential diagnoses of axillary lymphadenopathies include: non-granulomatous causes (reactive, lymphoma, metastatic carcinoma) and granulomatous causes (infectious – toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, atypical mycobacteria). Objectives: To report the case of a patient who needed a differential diagnosis among the various causes of axillary lymphadenopathy. Methods: This is a literature review conducted in the PubMed database, using the keywords "granulomatous lymphadenitis", "breast sarcoidosis", "occult breast cancer". Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Case report: V.F.S., female, 51 years old, was referred to an evaluation of axillary lymphadenopathy in May 2019. She was followed by the department of pulmonology due to mediastinal sarcoidosis since 2017. Physical examination indicated breasts without changes. Axillary lymph nodes had increased volume and were mobile and fibroelastic. Mammography revealed only axillary lymph nodes with bilaterally increased density, and the ultrasound showed the presence of atypical bilateral lymph nodes. Neither presented breast lesions. Axillary lymph node core biopsy was compatible with granulomatous lymphadenitis. This result corroborates the diagnosis of sarcoidosis affecting peripheral lymph nodes. The patient was referred back to the department of pulmonology, with no specific treatment since she is oligosymptomatic. Discussion: Despite the context of benign granulomatous disease, malignancy overlying the condition of sarcoidosis must be ruled out. The biopsy provided a safe and definitive diagnosis, excluding the possibility of occult breast carcinoma. The patient will continue to undergo breast cancer screening as indicated for her age and usual risk. Conclusion: In the presentation of axillary lymphadenopathy, the mastologist must know the various diagnoses to be considered. The most feared include lymphoma and carcinoma metastasis with occult primary site. A proper workup can determine the diagnosis and guide the appropriate treatment.


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