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Differential Diagnosis for Infiltration of Fat of Interior Abdominal Wall with Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Lymphoma: This is a common cause of both lymph node enlargement and infiltration of the fat in the abdominal wall, particularly if the lymphoma is of a type that tends to involve the abdominal cavity, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Metastatic Cancer: Cancers from various primary sites (e.g., breast, lung, melanoma) can metastasize to the abdominal lymph nodes and infiltrate the fat of the abdominal wall.
  • Sarcoma: Although less common, sarcomas (e.g., liposarcoma) can arise in the fat of the abdominal wall and cause lymph node enlargement due to metastasis.
  • Inflammatory or Infectious Processes: Conditions like tuberculosis or fungal infections can cause both lymphadenopathy and infiltration of the abdominal wall fat, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Desmoid Tumor (Aggressive Fibromatosis): Although rare, desmoid tumors can infiltrate the abdominal wall and cause significant morbidity. They are often associated with Gardner syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis: This condition can cause infiltration of the retroperitoneal fat and lymph node enlargement, and it's crucial to diagnose it early to prevent complications like ureteral obstruction.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Castleman Disease: A rare lymphoproliferative disorder that can cause lymph node enlargement and systemic symptoms, and in some cases, may involve the abdominal wall.
  • ** Erdheim-Chester Disease**: A rare form of histiocytosis that can cause infiltration of various tissues, including the abdominal wall fat, and is associated with lymphadenopathy and systemic symptoms.
  • Whipple Disease: A rare bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy, including involvement of the abdominal lymph nodes and fat.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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