Lipomatosis of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Women of Late Ontogenetic Stages: Morphology and Statistical Analysis

Lipomatosis is a degenerative process characterized by the appearance and progressive accumulation of mature adipose tissue cells within the structure of axillary lymph nodes. Despite the prevalence of this phenomenon, data on the morphology and causes of lipomatosis remain limited, and information regarding its association with age is contradictory.

The aim of the study was to provide a morphological characterization of lipomatosis in axillary lymph nodes of women in late adulthood, elderly, and senile periods, and to assess the relationship between its severity and age.

Material and methods. The study was conducted on material obtained from women in late adulthood, elderly, and senile periods. Histological examination with hematoxylin and eosin staining, microphotography, and subsequent morphometric analysis were performed to calculate the proportion of adipose tissue in the structure of axillary lymph nodes. The obtained data were subjected to statistical processing using the Kruskal–Wallis, Shapiro–Wilk, Spearman, and chi-square tests.

Results. The prevalence of lipomatosis in the examined women was 95.7%, though qualitatively the phenomenon presented polymorphically. The study proposed a grading system for lipomatosis: absent (0%), minimal (0.1–15%). A morphological description was provided for each category. Statistical analysis results showed no dependence of lipomatosis on age.

Conclusion. In axillary lymph nodes of women in late adulthood, elderly, and senile periods, the process of lipomatosis begins in the medullary zones. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between age and either the prevalence or severity of lipomatosis.

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