A 62-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented with a large, painless left supraclavicular lump. It had grown in the course of 5 weeks and at physical examination it was firm and apparently fixed to the deep planes. An ultrasound was performed.
Ultrasound revealed a well-defined, ovoid mass of 42 x 30 x 34 mm located at the left supraclavicular fossa. This mass was predominantly hypoechogenic with some focal hyperechoic areas and Doppler signal inside the lesion (Fig. 1).
The patient subsequently underwent a CT scan of the head, neck, chest and abdomen to complete the study. CT showed no systemic lymphadenopathy or other mass-like lesions suspicious for a primary tumour. On CT the mass was homogeneous and isoattenuating to normal muscle, without infiltration of adjacent structures (Fig. 2).
On MRI, the mass was isointense to muscle on T1WI and slightly hyperintense to muscle on T2WI, without fat, haemosiderin or calcification components (Fig. 3). It also showed avid enhancement in post-contrast images and restricted diffusion on DWI (Fig. 4, 5). The lesion was located anterior to the subclavian artery and contacted the brachial plexus on its lower slope.
The patient underwent an US-guided needle biopsy, which revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Fig. 6).
Supraclavicular soft tissue masses are unspecific and a challenge for imaging diagnosis. A systematic approach should be made combining the location and infiltration of the adjacent structures together with the radiological features.
In this case our differential diagnosis included peripheral nerve sheath tumours, (PNSTs), enlarged lymph node, synovial sarcoma, nodular fasciitis and fibrous solitary tumour.
Due to the course of the brachial plexus one of the main differential diagnoses is PNSTs, especially because some of them are indolent on its clinical symptoms [1]. The elongated morphology, well-defined margins, direct relation with nerves and imaging features on US/TC/MRI were concordant with a benign PNST. However, some common signs associated with neurinoma such as split fat sign or target sign were not present [1].
The next diagnosis suggested was a large supraclavicular lymph node, since large lymph nodes are one of the most common causes of neck masses. The markedly restricted diffusion and high FDG avidity on PET support the diagnosis of malignant lymph node [2]. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the head and neck and usually presents as a rapidly enlarging, single nodal or extranodal mass [2].
Imaging features that are important to closely rule out in soft tissue masses are calcifications for vascular tumours, macroscopic fat for liposarcoma, haemosiderin deposition for a haemorrhagic mass and low signal intensity on T2 that could suggest mature fibrous tissue [3].
Soft tissue sarcomas are unfortunately unspecific in their radiological features: low signal intensity on T1, high signal intensity on T2 and strong enhancement after contrast injection [3]. Because of the smooth margins of the mass, synovial sarcoma was the more suggestive subtype.
The history of a rapidly-growing, well-circumscribed soft tissue mass and the localisation in deep subcutaneous tissue are characteristics seen on nodular fasciitis. In spite of being a benign condition, often nodular fasciitis is misdiagnosis as a sarcoma, because of its similar pathologic and clinical presentation [4].
Solitary fibrous tumour could also be considered because, as in our case, it is usually a well-demarcated, solid and lobulated mass. However, it is a very rare lesion with few cases described in the supraclavicular region and generally has a slow-growing clinical history [5].
When imaging features are nonspecific, as the therapeutic management of the differential pathologies is markedly different, it is mandatory to biopsy in order to exclude malignancy.
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Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
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Based on ultrasound, CT, and MRI, a relatively large soft tissue lesion is visible in the left supraclavicular fossa. Its shape is roughly round or oval, and the boundary is relatively clear. Color Doppler ultrasound shows abundant blood flow signals within the lesion. On CT plain scan, its density is similar to soft tissue, and moderate enhancement is observed after contrast administration. On MRI, it appears as low to intermediate signal on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and relatively high signal on T2-weighted images (T2WI), with marked enhancement post-contrast, but there is no obvious fatty component or calcification. A local capsule or interface seems to be present, but the demarcation from surrounding soft tissue planes is not entirely clear, as there is tight adjacency or mild compression of nearby structures. No distinct bony destruction or musculoskeletal abnormalities are observed.
Combining the rapid growth, restricted diffusion signals, and high metabolic uptake on PET-CT in this case, malignant lymphoma was highly suspected. Subsequent biopsy and pathological examination played a key role in finalizing the diagnosis.
By biopsy and immunohistochemical examination, the lesion was confirmed to be Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). This disease commonly presents as a rapidly growing single lymph node mass or may involve other areas, with high aggressiveness. However, with standardized treatment, a favorable prognosis can often be achieved.
(1) Treatment Strategy:
Standard treatment for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma typically involves an immunochemotherapy regimen (e.g., R-CHOP). Specific medications and treatment cycles should be tailored to the patient’s staging and overall condition. For certain stages or cases with poor treatment response, radiotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be considered.
If the tumor is large, causes local complications, or threatens vital structures, combining local radiotherapy or debulking surgery (rarely) with chemotherapy before or after may be considered. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation is crucial for determining the specific plan.
(2) Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription:
During chemotherapy or radiotherapy, patients often experience decreased physical fitness and fatigue. Appropriate rehabilitation exercises can help maintain and improve physical function and enhance treatment tolerance. The rehabilitation program should focus on individualization, gradual progression, and safety. Below is an example plan:
This report is a reference analysis based on currently provided case information and imaging data. It does not replace an in-person examination or professional medical advice. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans must be determined by specialized physicians after a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s actual condition.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
