Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma metastasis to axillary lymph node: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2023 Oct 30;17(1):451. doi: 10.1186/s13256-023-04192-6.

Abstract

Background: We present an unusual case of a left axillary lymph node metastasis from a primary dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma. This pattern of metastasis is likely the result of circulating tumor cells reaching the node through its arterial blood supply.

Case presentation: In this report, a 68-year-old white woman with a dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma underwent a hysterectomy. She later developed an enlarged axillary lymph node due to metastatic dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma, treated with chemotherapy and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 immunotherapy resulting in a complete clinical and radiological response.

Conclusion: A review of the literature reveals the rarity of blood-borne lymph node metastasis, especially with uterine carcinoma. Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of some subtypes of metastatic uterine carcinoma.

Keywords: Axillary mass; Case report; Endometrial carcinoma; Immunotherapy; Metastatic carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology