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Lymphadenopathy is inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes, often caused by infections, cancer, or autoimmune disorders. Diagnosis involves physical exams, CT scans, and biopsies. Treatment includes antibiotics, surgery, and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for recovery.
Lymphadenopathy refers to inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes. The condition can be local, meaning that a single lymph node is affected, or generalized, meaning that two or more lymph nodes are involved. Most cases of lymphadenopathy are the result of bacterial or viral infections, although autoimmune disorders, cancer, and drug reactions can also lead to lymph node problems. The lumps and fluids that build up in the lymph nodes due to swelling tend to go away when the underlying cause is identified and treated.
The lymphatic system is made up of different lymph nodes and vessels found throughout the body, especially in the neck, groin and armpits. The nodes produce lymphocytes which are specialized white blood cells that are essential for fighting bacteria and viruses in the body. Lymphadenopathy occurs when nodes become damaged due to an infection, malignancy, or immune system disorder. The condition is more common in children than in adults, as young people frequently encounter novel pathogens; their immune system doesn’t know how to fight them properly.
An infected lymph node will tend to become inflamed and grow larger than normal. The skin covering the knot turns red and feels tender to the touch. The knot is usually soft when the cause is an infection and firm if a malignant tumor is present. The inflammation and swelling usually subside within a few days and don’t lead to future health problems. In some cases, however, the node may not be able to produce and release lymphocytes as effectively, which can cause an infection to spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors often continue to grow until discovered and treated by medical professionals.
A doctor can diagnose lymphadenopathy by doing a careful physical exam, doing a computed tomography of the affected body part, and collecting a blood sample for laboratory analysis. If your doctor suspects cancer, he or she may remove a piece of tissue for a thorough biopsy. After identifying the cause of lymphadenopathy, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Oral antibiotics and antiviral drugs are usually effective at relieving symptoms of the infection within one to two weeks. If an infection or autoimmune disease has caused a lymph node to grow abnormally, a surgeon may aspirate it to remove excess fluid and promote healing. Tumors can usually be removed through surgical procedures, although chemotherapy and radiation treatments may be needed if a cancer begins to spread to other parts of the body. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are usually essential to ensure a full recovery.
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