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Lymphadenopathy after the third Covid-19 vaccine
Can Özütemiz1, David A Potter2, Ayça Özbek Özütemiz1,2
1University of Minnesota, Department of Radiology, 420 Delaware St. SE, MMC 292, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
Current Problems in Cancer. Case Reports
|November 8, 2021
Summary
Axillary lymphadenopathy after COVID-19 vaccination can mimic cancer metastasis. This study highlights reactive lymph nodes in cancer patients after booster doses, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation in oncology settings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- COVID-19 vaccination is associated with temporary axillary lymphadenopathy.
- This benign finding can complicate cancer staging and re-staging.
- Distinguishing reactive lymphadenopathy from metastasis is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- Two cancer patients (breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) presented with new hypermetabolic reactive lymphadenopathy.
- These patients had received prior mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses.
- The lymphadenopathy was detected on FDG PET/CT after a third booster dose.
Findings:
- Post-vaccination lymphadenopathy can exhibit increased metabolic activity on FDG PET/CT.
- Reactive lymph nodes may mimic metastatic disease in cancer patients.
- This phenomenon was observed even after multiple vaccine doses.
Implications:
- Awareness of vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy is essential for radiologists and oncologists.
- It can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary biopsies, and altered treatment plans.
- Further research may be needed to establish guidelines for managing this in cancer patients.
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