Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis

Lymphadenopathy Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Lymphadenopathy from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis
Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Lymphadenopathy
Risk calculators and risk factors for Lymphadenopathy natural history, complications and prognosis

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

Natural History

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

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

• Patients with lymphadenopathy may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, depending on the aetiology.
• Early clinical features include palpable tenderness, pain, and fever.

• Common complications of lymphadenopathy, include:

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy

• Superior vena cava syndrome
  • Tracheal and bronchial obstruction
  • Dysphagia
  • Hemoptysis
• Uric acid nephropathy
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypercalcemia
• Hypocalcemia
• Hyperphosphatemia
• Renal failure

Abdominal lymphadenopathy

• Intestinal obstruction

Superficial lymphadenopathy

• Abscess formation
• Cellulitis
• Fistulas (seen in lymphadenitis that is due to tuberculosis)
• Sepsis
• Prognosis will depend on the aetiology of the underlying disease.

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.