Lymphangitis carcinomatosa
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Lymphangitis carcinomatosis
Overview
Lymphangitis carcinomatosa is inflammation of the lymph vessels secondary to a malignancy. Breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, and prostate cancers are the most common tumors that result in lymphangitis.
Historical Perspective
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa was first discovered by Gabriel Andral, a French pathologist, in 1829.
Classification
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa may be classified according to [classification method] into [number] subtypes/groups:
- [group1]
- [group2]
- [group3]
- Other variants of lymphangitis carcinomatosa include [disease subtype 1], [disease subtype 2], and [disease subtype 3].
Pathophysiology
- The pathogenesis of lymphangitis carcinomatosa is characterized by [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3].
- The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of lymphangitis carcinomatosa, involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
- On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
Causes
- Common causes of lymphangitis carcinomatosa, include:
- Breast cancer (most common)
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Differentiating lymphangitis carcinomatosa from other Diseases
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
- [Differential dx1]
- [Differential dx2]
- [Differential dx3]
Epidemiology and Demographics
- The prevalence of lymphangitis carcinomatosa is approximately [number or range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
- In [year], the incidence of lymphangitis carcinomatosa was estimated to be [number or range] cases per 100,000 individuals in [location].
Age
- Patients of all age groups may develop lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].
Gender
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa affects men and women equally.
- [Gender 1] are more commonly affected with lymphangitis carcinomatosa than [gender 2].
- The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
Race
- There is no racial predilection for lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race.
- [Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
Risk Factors
- Common risk factors in the development of lymphangitis carcinomatosa are [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
- The majority of patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].
- Early clinical features include dyspnea, fatigue, and weight-loss.
- If left untreated, [#%] of patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
- Common complications of lymphangitis carcinomatosa include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
- Prognosis is generally [excellent/good/poor], and the [1/5/10year mortality/survival rate] of patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa is approximately [#%].
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
- The diagnosis of lymphangitis carcinomatosa is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met:
- [criterion 1]
- [criterion 2]
- [criterion 3]
- [criterion 4]
Symptoms
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa is usually asymptomatic.
- Symptoms of lymphangitis carcinomatosa may include the following:
- [symptom 1]
- [symptom 2]
- [symptom 3]
- [symptom 4]
- [symptom 5]
- [symptom 6]
Physical Examination
- Patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa usually appear [general appearance].
- Physical examination may be remarkable for:
- [finding 1]
- [finding 2]
- [finding 3]
- [finding 4]
- [finding 5]
- [finding 6]
Laboratory Findings
- There are no specific laboratory findings associated with lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- A [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of lymphangitis carcinomatosa include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
Imaging Findings
- There are no [imaging study] findings associated with lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- [Imaging study 1] is the imaging modality of choice for lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- On [imaging study 1], lymphangitis carcinomatosa is characterized by [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
- [Imaging study 2] may demonstrate [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Other Diagnostic Studies
- Lymphangitis carcinomatosa may also be diagnosed using [diagnostic study name].
- Findings on [diagnostic study name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Treatment
Medical Therapy
- There is no treatment for lymphangitis carcinomatosa; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
- The mainstay of therapy for lymphangitis carcinomatosa is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
- [Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action1].
- Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].
Surgery
- Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- [Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- [Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
Prevention
- There are no primary preventive measures available for lymphangitis carcinomatosa.
- Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].