Lymph node infarction and malignant lymphoma: a case report

An infarcted lymph node can precede, or occur simultaneously with, malignant lymphoma. Not infrequently a pathologic diagnosis of necrotic lymph node leaves the clinician puzzled as to its etiology after infectious and traumatic causes are excluded. The head and neck surgeon should be aware of this association and be prepared to follow these patients closely or rebiopsy to prevent delayed diagnosis of a malignant lymphoma. The literature is reviewed and a case of lymph node infarction with malignant lymphoma is presented to illustrate this clinicopathologic correlation.