Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Natural History

The natural course of lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause. Lymphadenopathy due to infectious causes subsides once the infection is controlled.

Complications

• Mediastinal lymphadenopathy causes pressure symptoms like:
  • Superior vena cava syndrome
  • Tracheal and bronchial obstruction
  • Dysphagia
  • Hemoptysis
• Uric acid nephropathy
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypercalcemia
• Hypocalcemia
• Hyperphosphatemia
• Renal failure
• Abdominal lymphadenopathy can cause
  • Abdominal pain
  • Intestinal obstruction
• Superficial lymphadenopathy can cause
  • Abscess formation
  • Cellulitis (a skin infection)
  • Fistulas (seen in lymphadenitis that is due to tuberculosis)
  • Sepsis (bloodstream infection)

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.