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An Unrecognized Problem

Mark P. Sawicki, MD; Thomas J. Howard, MD; Edward Passaro, Jr, MD

Arch Surg. 1990;125(10):1394-1399.

Abstract
• Heterotopic tissue in lymph nodes is both unknown to clinicians and a potential source of confusion with metastatic disease. We reviewed the English literature and found 289 cases of heterotopic tissue in lymph nodes. The majority (84%) of these patients were operated on for malignant neoplasms. The most frequent sites of occurrence was the pelvis (67%), followed by the axilla (14%), neck (14%), groin (3%), abdomen (2%), and mediastinum (less than 1%). The tissue seen is site-specific and frequently resembles a neighboring organ. Three cases have been reported in which heterotopic tissue was mistaken for metastatic disease. These cases illustrate the importance of being familiar with heterotopic tissue in lymph nodes and identifying it when it does occur, to avoid inappropriate therapy.

(Arch Surg. 1990;125:1394-1399)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Surgery, UCLA Center for the Health Sciences and the Surgical Services of the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication June 29, 1990.

Read before the 61st Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, Laguna Niguel, Calif, February 21, 1990.

Reprint requests to Surgical Service W112, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073 (Dr Passaro).

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