Giant lymph node hyperplasia a diagnostic dilemma in the neck

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Oncology
• Surgical Case Report

Background:

• Giant lymph node hyperplasia (GLNH), also known as Castleman's disease, is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder.
• It typically presents as a solitary mediastinal tumor (unifocal variant) but can occur in other sites, including the head and neck.
• Pre-operative diagnosis of the unifocal variant is challenging due to inconclusive routine investigations.

Observation:

• This report details an exceptionally large, slow-growing, asymptomatic, unifocal variant of GLNH confined to the neck.
• The lesion was successfully treated with surgical excision.
• The head and neck region is the second most common site for GLNH, with limited reported cases.

Findings:

• The study reviews the histopathological characteristics of GLNH.
• Differential diagnosis for similar neck masses is discussed.
• Successful surgical excision of a large, asymptomatic, unifocal neck GLNH is presented.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of GLNH presentation and management in the head and neck.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering GLNH in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.
• Successful surgical intervention offers a positive prognosis for unifocal variants.