Presentation
CT in keeping with lung cancer. Left SCF node. Histological diagnosis needed.
Patient Data
2.4cm left supraclavicular fossa lymph node with absence of the fatty hilum and abnormal morphology.
14G core biopsy of the node undertaken.
Case Discussion
Supraclavicular fossa nodal enlargement, especially on the left (Virchow node), can occur from a range of etiologies as diverse as lung cancer, lymphoma, head and neck cancer or primary malignancies in the abdomen.
In this case it was a metastasis from a primary lung malignancy.
It is an accessible location for ultrasound guided biopsy, preventing more invasive riskier procedures such as lung biopsy. In addition unlike intra-abdominal biopsies it may be performed electively without a prolonged period for post procedural monitoring.
This more convenient for patients and significantly less costly for the healthcare provider.