Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy mimicking brachial cyst

Abstract

Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy is a histopathologic entity which consists on reactive lymphadenopathy in the setting of chronic cutaneous diseases. The histologic examination is characterized by paracortical hyperplasia with presence of dendritic cells, Langerhans cells and histiocytes. The most common clinical presentation is the presence of lymphadenopathy with benign characteristics with or without pruritus in patients with prior history of cuta- neous disease. The appearance of laterocervical masses is a frequent reason for consultation in otorhinolaryngology. We present the case of a 41-year-old ex-smoker who consulted due to the sudden appearance of a cystic cervical mass, suggestive of a brachial cyst or cystic adenopathy. Once malignancy had been ruled out, excision of the lesion within cervicotomy was performed in order to reach a pathological diagnosis. The histologic study confirmed the diagnosis of dermatopathic adenopathy in a patient with no history of previous skin disease.