Lymphadenopathy overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amandeep Singh M.D.[2],, Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3]
Overview
Lymphadenopathy (also known as "enlarged lymph nodes") refers to lymph nodes which are abnormal in size, number, or consistency. Common causes of lymphadenopathy are infection, autoimmune disease, or malignancy. Lymphadenopathy may be classified according to distribution into 2 groups: generalized lymphadenopathy and localized lymphadenopathy. The pathogenesis of lymphadenopathy is characterized by the inflammation of lymph nodes. This process is primarily due to an elevated rate of trafficking of lymphocytes into the node from the blood, exceeding the rate of outflow from the node. Lymph nodes may also be enlarged secondarily as a result of the activation and proliferation of antigen-specific T and B cells (clonal expansion). Lymphadenopathy is very common, the estimated incidence of lymphadenopathy among children in the United States ranges from 35%- 45%. Patients of all age groups may develop lymphadenopathy. Lymphadenopathy is more commonly observed among children. Common complications of lymphadenopathy, may include: abscess formation, superior vena cava syndrome, and intestinal obstruction. Diagnostic criteria for malignant lymphadenopathy, may include: node > 2 cm, node that is draining, hard, or fixed to underlying tissue, atypical location (e.g. supraclavicular node), associated risk factors (e.g. HIV or TB), fever and/or weight loss, and splenomegaly. On the other hand, diagnostic criteria for benign lymphadenopathy, may include: node < 1 cm, node that is mobile, soft-or tender, and is not fixed to underlying tissue, typical location (e.g. supraclavicular node), no associated risk factors, and palpable and painful enlargement. Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy may include elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), mild neutropenia, and leukocytosis. There is no treatment for lymphadenopathy; the mainstay of therapy is treating the underlying condition.
Historical Perspective
Diagnosis
Positron emission tomography (PET) is used to evaluate clinically diagnosed lymphadenopathy.
Classification
Lymphadenopathy may be classified according to distribution into 2 groups localized lymphadenopathy and generalized lymphadenopathy. Lymphadenopathy may be classified as follows:
- By location:
- Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy: lymphadenopathy associated with skin disease.
- By malignancy: Benign lymphadenopathy is distinguished from malignant types which mainly refer to lymphomas or lymph node metastasis.
- By extent:
- Localized lymphadenopathy: due to localized spot of infection
- Generalized lymphadenopathy: due to systemic infection of the body. In some cases, it may persist for prolonged periods possibly without an apparent cause
- By size, where lymphadenopathy in adults is often defined as a short axis of one or more lymph nodes is greater than 10mm.
Causes
The most common causes of lymphadenopathy include infections, cancers, and connective tissue disorders.
Differentiating Lymphadenopathy from Other Diseases
Lymphadenopathy must be differentiated from syphilis, which may present as fever, myalgias, weight loss, and lymph node enlargement.[1]
Epidemiology and Demographics
The estimated incidence of lymphadenopathy in children in the United States ranges from 35%- 45%. It is more common in the pediatric population. Race and gender have no predilection in lymphadenopathy incidence.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of lymphadenopathy may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for lymphadenopathy
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
The natural course of lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause. Lymphadenopathy due to infectious causes subsides once the infection is controlled. Common complications of lymphadenopathy depend on the site of involvement, e.g. mediastinal lymphadenopathy include compression symptoms likeTracheal and bronchial obstruction and Dysphagia in Superior vena cava syndrome. Prognosis is generally excellent for infectious causes. 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.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
Malignant Lymphadenopathy
- Node > 2 cm
- Node that is draining, hard, or fixed to underlying tissue
- Atypical location (e.g. supraclavicular node)
- Risk factors (e.g. HIV or TB)
- Fever and/or weight loss
- Splenomegaly
Benign Lymphadenopathy
- Node < 1 cm
- Node that is mobile, soft-or tender, and is not fixed to underlying tissue
- Common location (e.g. supraclavicular node)
- No associated risk factors
- Palpable and painful enlargement
History and Symptoms
The hallmark of lymphadenopathy is swollen lymph node. A positive history of a lump in the neck, red, tender skin over lymph node, and swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes is suggestive of lymphadenopathy. The most common symptoms of lymphadenopathy include a lump in neck or affected part and constitutional symptoms like fatigue, fever, malaise, flu- like illness, nausea and vomiting, night sweats, weight loss, and cachexia.
Physical Examination
Common physical examination findings of lymphadenopathy include fever and tachycardia in infectious causes. There is an enlargement of different groups of lymph node chains depending upon the site of involvement and underlying causes.
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment of lymphadenopathy is based on the etiology. Generally, treatment of lymphadenopathy is as follows:
- Infectious causes of lymphadenopathy can be treated with antibiotic therapy, antiviral therapy, or antifungal therapy.
- Immune therapy, systemic glucocorticoids can be used for autoimmune causes of lymphadenopathy
- For malignancies, any combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can be used.
- If medication is the suspected cause, discontinue the medication if possible.
Medical Therapy
The medical therapy depends upon the underlying cause. Appropriate antibiotics are given for infective causes. Glucocorticoids for autoimmune conditions like sarcoidosis, and chemotherapy and radiation for malignant causes.[2]
Surgery
Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with lymphadenopathy. Surgery is usually reserved for patients with either malignancy and an indication of biopsy. It involves the removal or aspiration of lymph nodes. They are dissected when the cancer is in an advanced stage.
Primary Prevention
Good general health and hygiene are helpful in the prevention of any infection.
Secondary Prevention
Effective measures for the secondary prevention of lymphadenopathy include sentinel lymph node biopsy and early treatment if metastasis is detected.
References
- ↑ Deschenes J, Seamone CD, Baines MG (1992). "Acquired ocular syphilis: diagnosis and treatment". Ann Ophthalmol. 24 (4): 134–8. PMID 1590633.
- ↑ Mohseni S, Shojaiefard A, Khorgami Z, Alinejad S, Ghorbani A, Ghafouri A (2014). "Peripheral lymphadenopathy: approach and diagnostic tools". Iran J Med Sci. 39 (2 Suppl): 158–70. PMC 3993046. PMID 24753638.