Fatty nodal metaplasia

Last revised by Arlene Campos on 20 Feb 2024

Fatty nodal metaplasia in the neck occurs as a result of chronic inflammation or radiotherapy 3. The normal fatty nodal hilum enlarges, such that the lymph node appears cystic. However, its center is of fatty density. There is no surrounding stranding, and the node otherwise looks normal.

Differential diagnosis

Lymph nodes displaying these characteristics must be distinguished from cystic necrotic nodes and 2nd branchial cleft cysts.

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