Differential Diagnosis for a 39-year-old Female with a Small, Lovable Mass in her Right Axillae
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which is often soft, movable, and painless, fitting the description of a "lovable mass."
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cyst (e.g., sebaceous cyst): These are common, benign lesions that can occur in the axilla and may present as a small, movable mass.
- Lymphadenopathy (reactive or infectious): Enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla can be due to a variety of causes, including infections or reactions to irritants, and might feel like a small mass.
- Fibroadenoma (ectopic breast tissue): Although less common in the axilla, ectopic breast tissue can develop fibroadenomas, which are benign tumors that can feel like a small, movable mass.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Breast cancer (metastatic to axillary lymph nodes): Although less likely, it is crucial to consider breast cancer, especially if the mass is hard, fixed, or accompanied by other symptoms like nipple discharge or a breast lump.
- Lymphoma: Enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla can be a sign of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Soft tissue sarcoma: Although rare, sarcomas can occur in the axilla and may present as a growing mass, making early detection critical.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Neurofibroma: A benign nerve sheath tumor that can occur in the axilla, often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A rare skin cancer that can present as a firm mass in the axilla or other areas.
- Metastatic disease to the axilla from other primary sites: Rarely, cancers from other parts of the body can metastasize to the axillary lymph nodes, presenting as a mass.