Rare Paediatric Presentation of Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of Cervical Lymph Node: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an uncommon malignancy of mesenchymal origin, arising from follicular dendritic cells of the immune system. It commonly manifests at extranodal sites, and cervical lymph nodes are rarely involved [1]. These cells mainly reside in B- follicles, boosting adaptive immune response. It typically presents in middle-aged adults with no sex predisposition and has a low incidence in pediatric populations.

CASE REPORT

• We present a unique case of FDCS in a 14-year-old female who developed a right-sided neck mass that persisted for a year. Imaging revealed a well-defined heterogeneous lesion in the right cervical region involving level IIb and III lymph nodes. Surgical excision via a transcervical approach was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma.

CONCLUSION

• This case highlights the uncommon age and site of presentation. FDCS of cervical lymph node in a young child forms an important differential diagnosis in patients with malignant cervical mass. Locoregional spread, surgical resectability and histopathological findings are significantly associated with the outcome.