Differential Diagnosis for Left Axillary Lymphadenopathy due to GI Tumors or Cancers
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastric cancer: Gastric cancer, particularly those located in the upper or middle stomach, can metastasize to the left axillary lymph nodes via the lymphatic drainage pathway. This is because the stomach's lymphatic vessels can drain into the thoracic duct, which then empties into the left subclavian vein, leading to potential metastasis in the left axillary lymph nodes.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Esophageal cancer: Similar to gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, especially in the lower esophagus, can also spread to the left axillary lymph nodes through lymphatic drainage.
- Pancreatic cancer: Although less common, pancreatic cancer, particularly tumors located in the tail of the pancreas, can metastasize to the left axillary lymph nodes.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Colorectal cancer: While less common than other GI cancers, colorectal cancer, especially if it has spread extensively, can metastasize to unusual locations, including the left axillary lymph nodes.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma: In rare instances, hepatocellular carcinoma can spread to the left axillary lymph nodes, often indicating advanced disease.
- Rare diagnoses
- Small intestine cancer: Cancers of the small intestine, such as adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, or carcinoid tumors, can rarely metastasize to the left axillary lymph nodes.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): GISTs, which are rare tumors of the GI tract, can also rarely spread to the left axillary lymph nodes, especially if they are large or have a high mitotic rate.