Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign lymph node: The presence of a benign-appearing axillary lymph node with a thin uniform cortex and prominent fatty hilum, as described in the findings, is most consistent with a benign lymph node. The lack of lymphadenopathy or other suspicious features supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Reactive lymphadenopathy: Although the lymph node is described as benign, it is still possible that it represents a reactive process, which could be caused by a variety of factors such as infection or inflammation.
- Lipoma or other benign soft tissue mass: Although no discrete soft tissue mass was identified, it is possible that a small lipoma or other benign mass could be present and not visualized on the current imaging.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Lymphoma: Although the lymph node appears benign, lymphoma is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially if symptoms persist.
- Metastatic disease: The presence of an axillary lymph node, even if benign-appearing, raises the possibility of metastatic disease, particularly if there is a known primary malignancy.
- Infection or abscess: Although there is no significant inflammatory stranding or induration, an infectious process or abscess could still be present and would require prompt treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Castleman disease: A rare condition characterized by lymph node hyperplasia, which could potentially present with a benign-appearing lymph node.
- Kimura disease: A rare condition characterized by lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia, which could potentially present with a benign-appearing lymph node.
- Other rare lymphoproliferative disorders: There are several rare lymphoproliferative disorders that could potentially present with a benign-appearing lymph node, such as Rosai-Dorfman disease or Langerhans cell histiocytosis.