Differential Diagnosis for Right Axilla Mass
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Lymphadenopathy (reactive or infectious): The presence of a mildly heterogeneous isoechoic to mildly hyperechoic area with mild internal vascularity and a prominent fatty hilum is suggestive of a lymph node. The patient's symptoms and the location of the mass in the right axilla support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Lipoma: The description of the mass as isoechoic to mildly hyperechoic with mild internal vascularity could also be consistent with a lipoma, which is a common benign tumor.
- Cyst or abscess: The heterogeneous appearance of the mass could represent a cyst or abscess, although the presence of a prominent fatty hilum makes this less likely.
- Neurofibroma or other benign nerve sheath tumor: The location in the axilla and the ultrasound characteristics could also suggest a neurofibroma or other benign nerve sheath tumor.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Metastatic lymph node: Although less likely, a metastatic lymph node from a breast, lung, or other cancer could present with similar ultrasound characteristics, making it essential to consider and rule out with further evaluation, such as the scheduled CT scan.
- Sarcoma (e.g., liposarcoma): A soft tissue sarcoma could also present as a mass in the axilla, and although rare, it is crucial to consider due to its potential for aggressive behavior and poor prognosis if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hemangioma or other vascular malformation: Although less common, a hemangioma or other vascular malformation could present with similar ultrasound characteristics, including mild internal vascularity.
- Soft tissue tumor (e.g., schwannoma, granular cell tumor): Other rare soft tissue tumors could also present as a mass in the axilla, and while unlikely, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.