Calcified axillary lymph nodes in a case of de novo metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

At the time of a mammogram, calcifications may be seen in axillary lymph nodes. Metastatic breast cancer is the most common malignant cause of calcifications in the axillary lymph nodes. Benign causes may include but are not limited to granulomatous disease, fat necrosis, gold deposits in rheumatoid arthritis patients, pigmentation from tattoos, and sarcoidosis. We present a case of a 37-year-old female with axillary lymph node calcifications due to metastatic breast cancer. Calcification morphology seen in the primary breast tumor and the axillary lymph nodes are nearly identical on mammogram, which is seldom seen. The similar morphology almost guarantees metastatic breast cancer, underscoring the importance of identifying the etiology of any calcifications present in axillary lymph nodes on mammography.

Keywords

• Breast cancer
• Metastatic breast cancer
• Calcified axillary lymph nodes