Lymphangitis carcinomatosa

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa is inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis) caused by a malignancy. Breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, and prostate cancers are the most common tumors that result in lymphangitis. Lymphangitis carcinomatosa was first described by pathologist Gabriel Andral in 1829 in a patient with uterine cancer. Lymphangitis carcinomatosa may show the presence of Kerley B lines on chest X-ray.

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa
SpecialtyOncology

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa most often affects people 40–49 years of age.[1]

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa may be caused by the following malignancies as suggested by the mnemonic: "Certain Cancers Spread By Plugging The Lymphatics" (cervical cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer/bronchiogenic carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, laryngeal cancer)

Pathology

In most cases, lymphangitis carcinomatosis is caused by the dissemination of a tumor with its cells along the lymphatics.[2] However, in about 20 percent of cases, the inflammation of the lymphatic tubules (lymphangitis) is caused by a tumor that blocks the drainage of the lymph duct. In the lung, this is often caused by a centrally located mass, near the hilum of the lung that blocks lymphatic drainage.

Prognosis

Previously, the finding of lymphangitis carcinomatosis meant about a six-month life expectancy.[2] However, improved treatment has improved survival in patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosis, with patients often surviving three or more years with treatment.[2]

History

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa was first described by pathologist Gabriel Andral in 1829 in a patient with uterine cancer.[3]

See also

References
  1. Bruce DM, Heys SD, Eremin O (February 1996). "Lymphangitis carcinomatosa: a literature review". J R Coll Surg Edinb. 41 (1): 7–13. PMID 8930034.
  2. McKean, Sylvia; Jacobson, FL (2012). Principles and practice of hospital medicine: Chapter 108: Advanced Cardiothoracic Imaging. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 9780071603898.
  3. Doyle L. (August 1989). "Gabriel Andral (1797–1876) and the first reports of lymphangitis carcinomatosa". J R Soc Med. 82 (8): 491–3. doi:10.1177/014107688908200814. PMC 1292257. PMID 2674433.
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