Lymphadenopathy in COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients: Diagnostic Dilemma in Oncology Patients

Özütemiz, Can; Krystosek, Luke A.; Church, An L.; Chauhan, Anil; Ellermann, Jutta M.; Domingo-Musibay, Evidio; Steinberger, Daniel

We present five cases of axillary lymphadenopathy which occurred after COVID-19 vaccination and that mimicked metastasis in oncologic patients. Initial radiologic diagnosis raised concerns for metastasis. However, further investigation revealed that patients received COVID-19 vaccinations in the ipsilateral arm prior to imaging. In two cases, lymph node biopsy confirmed vaccination related reactive lymphadenopathy. Ipsilateral axillary swelling / lymphadenopathy was reported based on symptoms and physical examination in COVID-19 vaccine trials. Knowledge of the potential for COVID-19 vaccine-related ipsilateral adenopathy is necessary to avoid unnecessary biopsy and change in therapy.