Axillary lymphadenopathy due to Swanson implants

Abstract

We describe a case of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in an elderly woman with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis, 7 years status post placement of Swanson silastic elastomer implants in her right hand with good surgical outcome and with no outward reason for adenopathy. Though there was concern for malignancy, pathologic evaluation of the lymph node revealed foreign body giant cells reacting to silastic from her hand implants and no evidence of malignancy. This is only the 10th such case reported, despite the number of implants placed.