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Differential Diagnosis for Left Supraclavicular Lymph Node Biopsy

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presence of a few large B cells with irregular nuclei and the preservation of normal lymph node architecture. Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia can occur in response to various stimuli, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Low-Grade B-Cell Lymphoma: Although the architecture is preserved, the presence of large B cells with irregular nuclei could suggest a low-grade lymphoma, such as follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma. Further immunophenotyping and molecular studies would be necessary to confirm this diagnosis.
  • Infectious Mononucleosis: Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), infectious mononucleosis can lead to lymphadenopathy with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and the presence of atypical lymphocytes, which might resemble the described findings.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Hodgkin Lymphoma: Although less likely given the description of only a few large B cells and preserved architecture, Hodgkin lymphoma must be considered, especially in the context of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells would be diagnostic.
  • Metastatic Carcinoma: Supraclavicular lymph node involvement can be a sign of metastatic disease from various primary sites. The presence of large, atypical cells could potentially represent metastatic carcinoma, emphasizing the need for thorough histological examination and possibly additional diagnostic tests.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Lymphoma with Specific Translocations: Certain lymphomas, like Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia or lymphomas associated with specific chromosomal translocations, can present with atypical lymphocytes. However, these are less common and typically have more distinctive histological and cytogenetic features.
  • Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD): In patients with a history of organ transplantation, PTLD should be considered, especially if there are atypical lymphoid proliferations. This condition can range from benign reactive changes to frank lymphoma.

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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