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Benign nevus cells in the lymph nodes. An immunohistochemical study
1Institute of Pathology, Vejle Hospital, Denmark.
Summary
Aggregates of nevus cells in lymph nodes can mimic metastatic breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry confirmed these cells were benign nevi, not cancer, aiding accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Surgical pathology
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Axillary lymph node examination is crucial for breast cancer staging.
- Nevus cell aggregates can be mistaken for metastatic carcinoma in lymph nodes.
Observation:
- The study observed clusters of nevus cells within the peripheral sinus of an axillary lymph node.
- This finding differed from the usual location of nevus cells confined to the capsule or trabeculae.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis using S-100 protein and epithelial membrane antigen definitively identified the cells as nevus cells.
- This confirmed the absence of metastatic breast cancer in the examined lymph node.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation between nevus cell aggregates and metastatic cancer is critical for patient management.
- Immunohistochemistry plays a vital role in resolving diagnostic ambiguity in lymph node pathology.