Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

Article
Diseases & Conditions
Cancer & Benign Tumors
+1
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHSep 10, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Mediastinal Lymph Nodes with Epithelial Cell Inclusion
  • Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes of the Mediastinum

What is Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Epithelial cell inclusion in lymph nodes is a collection of benign epithelial cells in a lymph node. The presence of such cells in a lymph node raises the concern of metastatic carcinoma
  • The cancer of concern due to Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes may be lung cancer or cancer of the thymus
  • However, the presence of epithelial cells in the lymph node is a benign process. A pathologist should be aware of such a diagnosis, otherwise it might result in a misdiagnosis of cancer
  • Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes is an uncommon condition. It is believed to arise from abnormal epithelial remnants during embryological development
  • There are no significant signs and symptoms or complications associated with Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes. Due to this, there is no necessity to treat the condition
  • Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes has no clinical significance and the prognosis is typically excellent

Who gets Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes is discovered incidentally, while the lymph nodes are being examined for other health conditions.

  • This condition may occur at any age and there is no specific preference for any gender (both males and females are affected)
  • All racial and ethnic groups are affected and no predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes? (Predisposing Factors)

  • Currently, there are no identified risk factors for Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes is currently unknown
  • The presence of epithelial cells in a lymph node are thought to arise from abnormal tissue development during fetal growth

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes?

  • No significant signs and symptoms are associated with Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes
  • This condition does not cause the enlargement of lymph nodes

How is Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes is made during lymph node examination under a microscope by the pathologist.

  • A lymph node biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
  • Special immunohistochemical studies are helpful in confirming the diagnosis.
  • When a pathologist examines these cell inclusions under a microscope, they are very bland in appearance and do not show any malignancy

Note: Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes is usually detected during a lymph node biopsy, either while evaluating for a metastatic carcinoma, or a lymph node biopsy undertaken for a completely different reason, such as an enlarged lymph node.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes?

There are no complications associated with Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes, since these are benign inclusions in the lymph nodes. However, it may be mistaken for a metastatic carcinoma.

  • The cancer of concern may be metastatic carcinoma arising from the lung or the thymic gland
  • A misdiagnosis of cancer can cause severe emotional stress and may lead to additional testing and unnecessary treatment
  • It is also a cause for concern, since a false-positive misdiagnosis can lead to inaccurate staging and inappropriate/unnecessary treatment for existing cancer. This means that in individuals with cancer, a misdiagnosis can incorrectly lead to a higher staging resulting in greater emotional distress

How is Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes Treated?

No specific treatment is necessary for Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes, since the condition is not associated with any signs and symptoms.

How can Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes be Prevented?

Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent the occurrence of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes.

What is the Prognosis of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes is a benign condition which occurs infrequently. It has an excellent prognosis and has no clinical significance.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes:

  • The stains used in the study of Epithelial Cell Inclusion in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes may include Pan Cytokeratin and Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA)
  • When examined under a microscope, these benign epithelial cells do not show any mitosis
  • These epithelial cell inclusions are usually found in peripheral lymph nodes compared to lymph nodes present deep in the body
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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