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Silicone lymphadenopathy with concomitant malignant lymphoma
1Pathology Department, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
This study reports a rare case of malignant lymphoma in lymph nodes containing silicone particles after finger joint replacement surgery. Silicone particles may play a role in lymphoma development, particularly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Silicone elastomer (silastic) finger joint arthroplasty is used for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Axillary lymphadenopathy can occur secondary to silicone implants.
- Malignant lymphoma is a known complication of rheumatoid disease.
Observation:
- A patient developed axillary lymphadenopathy 8 years after silastic finger joint arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Histology of the lymph node revealed immunoblastic lymphoma and multinucleated giant cells containing silicone particles.
- Asteroid bodies were also observed in association with silicone particles.
Findings:
- This is the third reported case of malignant lymphoma associated with silicone lymphadenopathy after silastic arthroplasty.
- The findings suggest a potential link between silicone particles and the development of malignant lymphoma.
- Silicone particles were found alongside reactive changes and lymphoma within the lymph node.
Implications:
- Silicone particles, previously unlinked to lymphoma, may contribute to lymphomagenesis.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanism by which silicone particles might induce lymphoma.
- This case highlights the importance of considering implant materials in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in patients with autoimmune diseases.