Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy Microchapters
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Epidemiology and Demographics
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1],Shyam Patel [2];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amandeep Singh M.D.[3], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [4] Ogechukwu Hannah Nnabude, MD

Synonyms and keywords: Lymph nodes enlarged; Enlarged lymph nodes; Lymphadenitis; Swollen lymph nodes; Swollen/enlarged lymph nodes
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Diagnostic Radiological Testing

• Chest x-ray: can reveal tuberculosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and pulmonary neoplasm.

• Chest CT scan: This modality of radiological imaging can define the above processes and reveal hilar adenopathy.

• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan: These images, in combination with chest CT scan, can be revealed in cases of supraclavicular adenopathy and the diagnosis of secondary neoplasm.

• Ultrasonography: can be used in the assessment of number, size, size, shape, the marginal definition, and internal structures in patients with lymphadenopathy. Color Doppler ultrasonography is of use in distinguishing the vascular pattern between more established, pre-existing lymphadenopathy and acute lymphadenopathy. Studies have indicated that a low long axis to short axis ratio of lymphadenopathy as measured by ultrasound can be a significant indicator of lymphoma and metastatic cancer as a cause of lymphadenopathy.

• MRI scanning: useful in the evaluation of thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic masses.

• PPD: can be used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis

• Tissue diagnosis of the node: this is done by incisional biopsy and remains the gold standard for diagnosis of lymphadenopathy.

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.

References

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