Lymphadenopathy (patient information): Difference between revisions
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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Lymphadenopathy|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Lymphadenopathy|here]]''' | ||
{{CMG}} {{AE}} {{RT}} | {{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{RT}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
[[Lymphadenopathy]] is disease of the [[lymph nodes]]. | [[Lymphadenopathy]] is disease of the [[lymph nodes]]. It is, however, almost synonymously used with "swollen/enlarged lymph nodes". When the infection is of the lymph nodes themselves, it is called [[lymphadenitis]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Lymphadenopathy?== | |||
==What are the symptoms of Lymphadenopathy ?== | Most of the times lymphadenopathy is an incidental finding in physical examination. Sometimes they present as lump in the [[neck]] (e.g in tumors, [[sarcoidosis]]). Lymphandenitis presents as: | ||
Most of the times lymphadenopathy is an incidental finding in physical examination. | |||
Sometimes they present as lump in the [[neck]] (e.g in tumors, [[sarcoidosis]]). | |||
Lymphandenitis presents as: | |||
* Red, tender skin over lymph node. | * Red, tender skin over lymph node. | ||
* Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes. | * Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes. | ||
Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an [[abscess]] has formed. | Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an [[abscess]] has formed. | ||
==What causes Lymphadenopathy?== | |||
==What causes Lymphadenopathy ?== | |||
The most common causes of lymphadenopathy include: | The most common causes of lymphadenopathy include: | ||
* Acute infections (e.g. [[bacterial]], or [[viral]]) | * Acute infections (e.g. [[bacterial]], or [[viral]]) | ||
* Chronic infections (e.g [[tuberculous]] lymphadenitis, [[cat-scratch disease]]). | * Chronic infections (e.g [[tuberculous]] lymphadenitis, [[cat-scratch disease]]). [[Infectious mononucleosis]] is an acute viral infection, the hallmark of which is marked enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes. | ||
* [[Toxoplasmosis]], a parasitic disease, gives a generalized lymphadenopathy | * [[Toxoplasmosis]], a parasitic disease, gives a generalized lymphadenopathy | ||
* [[Hodgkin lymphoma]], [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]], [[hairy cell leukemia]], give lymphadenopathy in all or a few lymph nodes | * [[Hodgkin lymphoma]], [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]], [[hairy cell leukemia]], give lymphadenopathy in all or a few lymph nodes | ||
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* [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]] ([[SLE]]) | * [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]] ([[SLE]]) | ||
* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] | * [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] | ||
* [[AIDS]] - generalized lymphadenopathy is an early sign of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). | * [[AIDS]]- generalized lymphadenopathy is an early sign of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). "Lymphadenopathy syndrome" has been used to describe the first symptomatic stage of HIV progression, preceding AIDS-related complex and full-blown AIDS. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your lymph nodes and looking for signs of injury or infection around any swollen lymph nodes. | The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your lymph nodes and looking for signs of injury or infection around any swollen lymph nodes. A [[biopsy]] and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream. | ||
==When to Contact a Medical Professional?== | |||
A [[biopsy]] and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream. | |||
==When to Contact a Medical Professional ?== | |||
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy. | Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. | Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly. Treatment may include: | ||
Treatment may include: | |||
* Analgesics (painkillers) to control pain | * Analgesics (painkillers) to control pain | ||
* Antibiotics to treat any infection | * Antibiotics to treat any infection | ||
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Treatment of lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause (e.g [[chemotherapy]] for [[lymphomas]] and [[leukemias]], antibiotics for [[tuberculosis]]). | Treatment of lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause (e.g [[chemotherapy]] for [[lymphomas]] and [[leukemias]], antibiotics for [[tuberculosis]]). | ||
==Prevention of Lymphadenopathy== | ==Prevention of Lymphadenopathy== | ||
Good general health and hygiene are helpful in the prevention of any infection. | Good general health and hygiene are helpful in the prevention of any infection. | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. | Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. However, it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time to recovery depends on the cause. Prognosis is poor for [[malignant]] tumors. | ||
Prognosis is poor for [[malignant]] tumors. | |||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
* [[Abscess]] formation | * [[Abscess]] formation | ||
Revision as of 18:51, 8 March 2013
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Lymphadenopathy |
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Lymphadenopathy On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Lymphadenopathy is disease of the lymph nodes. It is, however, almost synonymously used with "swollen/enlarged lymph nodes". When the infection is of the lymph nodes themselves, it is called lymphadenitis.
What are the symptoms of Lymphadenopathy?
Most of the times lymphadenopathy is an incidental finding in physical examination. Sometimes they present as lump in the neck (e.g in tumors, sarcoidosis). Lymphandenitis presents as:
- Red, tender skin over lymph node.
- Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an abscess has formed.
What causes Lymphadenopathy?
The most common causes of lymphadenopathy include:
- Acute infections (e.g. bacterial, or viral)
- Chronic infections (e.g tuberculous lymphadenitis, cat-scratch disease). Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral infection, the hallmark of which is marked enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes.
- Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, gives a generalized lymphadenopathy
- Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia, give lymphadenopathy in all or a few lymph nodes
- Metastasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- AIDS- generalized lymphadenopathy is an early sign of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). "Lymphadenopathy syndrome" has been used to describe the first symptomatic stage of HIV progression, preceding AIDS-related complex and full-blown AIDS.
Diagnosis
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your lymph nodes and looking for signs of injury or infection around any swollen lymph nodes. A biopsy and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream.
When to Contact a Medical Professional?
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy.
Treatment
Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly. Treatment may include:
- Analgesics (painkillers) to control pain
- Antibiotics to treat any infection
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation
- Cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain
- Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.
Treatment of lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause (e.g chemotherapy for lymphomas and leukemias, antibiotics for tuberculosis).
Prevention of Lymphadenopathy
Good general health and hygiene are helpful in the prevention of any infection.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. However, it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time to recovery depends on the cause. Prognosis is poor for malignant tumors.
Possible complications
- Abscess formation
- Cellulitis (a skin infection)
- Fistulas (seen in lymphadenitis that is due to tuberculosis)
- Sepsis (bloodstream infection)