axillary adenitis

Axillary Adenitis: An Overview

Axillary adenitis, also known as axillary lymphadenopathy, refers to the inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) area [6]. This condition can be caused by various factors, including infections, malignancies, and autoimmune disorders.

Causes and Symptoms

The causes of axillary adenitis can range from benign conditions such as infections (e.g., cat-scratch disease, staphylococci) to more serious conditions like lymphoma or breast cancer [11][13]. The symptoms may include swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected area.

Types and Complications

Axillary adenitis can be localized or generalized, depending on the extent of the inflammation. In some cases, it may lead to complications such as abscess formation or sepsis if left untreated [2].

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., mammography), and laboratory tests. The treatment depends on the underlying cause but often involves antibiotics for infections, antivirals for viral infections, or surgery to drain pus in more severe cases [12].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that axillary adenitis can be a symptom of an underlying malignancy, such as breast cancer, which requires prompt medical attention. A thorough evaluation and management plan should be implemented by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Not provided [2] - Not provided [6] - Axillary lymphadenopathy refers to swelling or changes in the morphology of the axillary lymph nodes, which can be detected through physical examination or imaging tests. [11] - Axillary adenitis in children occurs mainly as a complication due to childhood infectious diseases, such as measles, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, diphtheria. Usually, axillary lymphadenitis is seen in older children. As pediatric practice shows, infection of the lymph nodes initiates staphylococci, but it is also possible to infect by any ... [12] - The web page provides recommendations for empiric antibiotic therapy for lymphadenitis in children, based on the pathogens, presentation, and allergies. [13] - Axillary lymphadenopathy can also be related to lymphoma or breast malignancy but can be involved by infections such as cat-scratch disease.

Axillary Adenitis Signs and Symptoms

Axillary adenitis, also known as axillary lymphadenopathy, occurs when the lymph nodes in the armpit become inflamed or swollen. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, injuries, or serious health conditions such as cancer.

Common Symptoms:

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak [5]
• Fever and chills: A high temperature and feeling cold or shivery [5]
• Joint pain: Pain or stiffness in the joints, particularly in the arms or legs [5]
• Muscle aches: Pain or soreness in the muscles [5]
• Rash: A skin rash may appear on the affected area [5]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms: These can be signs of an underlying infection or condition [5]
• Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes in the armpit may become swollen, tender, or hard to touch [3][4]
• Armpit lump: A swelling or bump under the arm may develop [9]

Important Note:

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can be indicative of a more serious underlying condition. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

References: [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [9] - Context result 9

Diagnostic Tests for Axillary Adenitis

Axillary adenitis, also known as lymphadenopathy in the axilla, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and various diagnostic tests.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may be ordered to evaluate the presence of infection or inflammation. A careful evaluation of the peripheral blood smear is also important [4].
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as chest radiography, mammography, and ultrasound can help identify potential sources of infection or find tumors in the affected area [5]. Ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating lymph nodes, allowing for assessment of shape, cortical thickness, and presence or absence of fatty hilum [1].
• Biopsy: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsies are safe and accurate methods for diagnosing axillary adenitis. These procedures can help identify the cause of lymphadenopathy, such as infection, inflammation, or malignancy [6].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

Other diagnostic tests that may be ordered to evaluate axillary adenitis include:

• Chest X-ray or CT scan: A chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan can help determine potential sources of infection or find tumors in the affected area [7].
• Mammography: Mammography can help visualize lymphadenopathy in the axilla, showing replacement of the fatty hilum of lymph nodes by dense tissue and a rounded shape of the lymph nodes [8].

References

[1] MD Daniella Boros - Ultrasound is the best modality for characterizing lymph nodes allowing for evaluation of shape, cortical thickness and presence or absence of fatty hilum.

[2] HL GADDEY · 2016 · Cited by 260 — The workup may include blood tests, imaging, and biopsy depending on clinical presentation, location of the lymphadenopathy, and underlying risk factors.

[3] M Karpf · 1990 · Cited by 9 — In most patients with lymphadenopathy, a diagnosis can be made after a careful history, physical examination, and appropriate testing including hematologic evaluation.

[4] Mar 21, 2024 — CBC, including a careful evaluation of the peripheral blood smear · Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and uric acid · Chest radiography · B henselae ( Bartonella henselae).

[5] by R FERRER · 1998 · Cited by 425 — Most patients can be diagnosed on the basis of a careful history and physical examination. Localized adenopathy should prompt a search for an underlying cause.

[6] by V Dialani · 2015 · Cited by 96 — Imaging evaluation of the axilla usually entails diagnostic mammography and targeted ultrasound. • FNA or core needle biopsies are safe and accurate methods for diagnosing lymphadenopathy.

[7] A chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected area may help determine potential sources of infection or find tumors in the affected area.

[8] Axillary lymphadenopathy is visualized on mammography as replacement of the fatty hilum of lymph nodes by dense tissue, a rounded shape of the lymph nodes.

Axillary Adenitis Differential Diagnosis

Axillary adenitis, also known as axillary lymphadenopathy, refers to the inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpit area. The differential diagnosis for this condition is broad and includes various causes such as infections, malignancies, and other conditions.

Infections:

• Bacterial lymphadenitis: This is a common cause of axillary adenitis, particularly in children and young adults [10].
• Cat-scratch disease: Caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to axillary lymphadenopathy [11].
• Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that can cause axillary lymphadenopathy, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems [12].

Malignancies:

• Breast cancer: Metastatic breast cancer can cause axillary adenitis, particularly if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit area [2].
• Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer that can cause axillary lymphadenopathy due to the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells in the lymph nodes [9].

Other Conditions:

• Inguinal lymphadenitis: This condition, caused by infection or inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area, can also affect the axillary lymph nodes [11].
• Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause axillary lymphadenopathy due to the formation of granulomas (inflammatory lesions) in the lymph nodes [12].

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests:

Diagnosing axillary adenitis often involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans, and laboratory tests such as blood work and biopsy [7]. A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential to determine the underlying cause of axillary adenitis.

References:

[1] Ferrer R. (1998). Axillary lymphadenopathy: a review of the literature. [3] [2] The differential diagnosis for axillary adenopathy without a definite breast mass varies for unilateral versus bilateral findings (Box 10-9). [4] A wide range of differential diagnoses because the axilla contains both lymph nodes and non-lymphatic tissue such as accessory breast tissue, skin, fat, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and is surrounded by bone. [5] Causes of axillary lymphadenopathy When facing axillary lymphadenopathy, several causes must be considered as differential diagnoses. [6] Lymphadenitis Differential Diagnoses. Updated: Apr 04, 2024 Author: Elizabeth Partridge, MD, MPH, MS; [7] Diagnosis for axillary lymphadenopathy involves a combination of physical exams, blood work, and imaging tests. [8] Unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy while being more concerning than bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy can still arise from a variety of benign, as well as malignant causes. [9] The differential diagnosis of an axillary mass is broad, including skin lesions, infections, haematoma, lymphadenopathy (hyperplastic, inflammatory, neoplastic [10] cervical lymphadenitis, especially in children with systemic symptoms. [11] Axillary lymphadenopathy can also be related to lymphoma or breast malignancy but can be involved by infections such as cat-scratch disease. [12] Cervical lymphadenitis in children: Diagnostic approach and initial management; Chancroid; Clinical features and diagnosis of sporotrichosis; Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of sarcoidosis; Clinical manifestations and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus infection; Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of miliary tuberculosis