Resource: SBI Recommendations for the Management of Axillary Adenopathy in Patients with Recent COVID-19 Vaccination
Source: Society of Breast Imaging
Synopsis: SBI considerations for the management of axillary adenopathy in patients with recent COVID-19 vaccination:
- Consider obtaining the following information on patient intake forms: COVID-19 vaccination status, timing and side (left vs. right arm) of vaccination. To minimize patient anxiety, consider including this introductory statement: Vaccines of all types can result in temporary swelling of the lymph nodes, which may be a sign that the body is making antibodies in response as intended.
- Unilateral axillary adenopathy on screening exams warrants a BI-RADS category 0 assessment to allow for further assessment of the ipsilateral breast and documentation of medical history, including COVID-19 vaccination.
- Following appropriate diagnostic work up for unilateral axillary adenopathy in women who received a COVID-19 vaccination in the ipsilateral upper extremity within the preceding 4 weeks, consider a short term follow up exam in 4-12 weeks (BI-RADS category 3) following the second vaccine dose.
- If axillary adenopathy persists after short term follow up, then consider lymph node sampling to exclude breast and non-breast malignancy.
Comment: SBI considerations for patients and providers scheduling screening exams: If possible, and when it does not unduly delay care, consider scheduling screening exams prior to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4-6 weeks following the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
