Toxoplasma lymphadenitis mimicking malign axillary lymphadenopathy of a left breast mass

Updates Surg. 2013 Jun;65(2):169-71. doi: 10.1007/s13304-012-0135-6. Epub 2012 Mar 1.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Immunocompetent persons with primary infection are usually asymptomatic, but latent infection can persist for the life of the host. There is a risk of reactivating infection at a later time should the individual become immunocompromised, even if infection was asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic initially. Axillary lymph nodes receive 85% of the lymphatic drainage from the breast. Lymph node metastases are relatively common even with invasive breast cancers ≤1 cm in size. Here, we report a case of toxoplasma lymphadenitis in a female adult patient mimicking a malign breast lymphadenopathy of a left breast mass.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Axilla
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphadenitis / diagnosis*
  • Lymphadenitis / parasitology*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis*