[Differential diagnosis of the axillary lymph node]

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Diagnostic Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Palpable abnormalities in the axilla can indicate various conditions, ranging from benign to malignant.
• Accurate differentiation between normal, benign, and malignant axillary findings is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the radiological and sonographic features of clinically abnormal axillary findings.
• To outline the differential diagnosis for axillary abnormalities.
• To establish guidelines for further investigation when benignity cannot be confirmed.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiological (e.g., mammography, ultrasound) and sonographic examinations of the axilla.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical palpation.
• Discussion of histopathological findings in cases requiring clarification.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of imaging characteristics for normal, benign, and malignant axillary lesions.
• Emphasis on the role of imaging in narrowing the differential diagnosis.
• Identification of specific scenarios necessitating histological examination.

Conclusions:

• Imaging modalities like radiology and sonography are essential for evaluating axillary findings.
• Histological confirmation is imperative for new or changing palpatory findings when benignity is uncertain.
• A systematic approach combining clinical, imaging, and pathological data ensures optimal patient care.