Cat-scratch disease simulating malignant lymphoma

Abstract

A six‐year‐old girl with induration, swelling and discoloration of the lower eyelid, a temporal mass, preauricular adenopathy and enlarged parotid gland, underwent biopsy. She was initially diagnosed as having a malignant disorder of histiocytic origin. All lesions resolved without therapy. Further evaluation revealed that the child had oculoglandular cat‐scratch disease. Cat‐scratch disease should be added to the list of nonmalignant disorders which may simulate a malignant neoplasm in its clinical and histologic appearance. Recognition of this fact is important in order to avoid erroneous diagnosis, unnecessary procedures and hazardous therapy.