Lymphadenopathy classification

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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 may be classified according to distribution into 2 groups localized lymphadenopathy and generalized lymphadenopathy.

Classification

Depending upon the involvement of the lymph nodes, lymphadenopathy is classified into 2 groups:

• Localized lymphadenopathy: due to localized spot of infection e.g. an infected spot on the scalp will cause lymph nodes in the neck on that same side to swell up
• Generalized lymphadenopathy: due to generalized infection all over the body e.g. influenza
  • Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL): persisting for a long time, possibly without an apparent cause
• Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy: lymphadenopathy associated with skin disease. Tangier disease (ABCA1 deficiency) may also cause this.

Lymphadenopathy may be classified as follows:

• By location:
  • Tracheobronchial lymph nodes.
  • Mediastinal lymphadenopathy
  • Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy
• 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.