Lymphadenopathy

Causes

There are many potential causes of lymphadenopathy, including:

• Infections: This is the most common cause, especially viral infections like the common cold, mononucleosis, or infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
• Inflammation: Conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can cause nearby lymph nodes to swell.
• Immune System Disorders: Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the lymph nodes.
• Cancer: Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and other cancers can cause lymph nodes to enlarge.

Symptoms

The main symptom of lymphadenopathy is swollen lymph nodes. These may feel:

• Pea-sized or bean-sized
• Tender or painful to the touch
• Rubbery or firm
• Fixed (attached to surrounding tissues) or mobile (move easily)

In some cases, you may also experience other symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Skin rash

When to See a Doctor

It’s generally recommended to see a doctor if:

• You have a lymph node that’s larger than 2.5 cm (about the size of a nickel)
• You have a lymph node that’s hard or fixed in place
• You have swollen lymph nodes that don’t go away within a few weeks
• You have other concerning symptoms like fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam to feel the swollen lymph nodes. They may also order tests such as:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or PET scan)
• Biopsy (removal of a small sample of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope)

Treatment

The treatment for lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, no treatment is necessary, and the swollen lymph nodes will go away on their own once the infection or other condition improves.

Here are some possible treatment approaches:

• Treating the underlying infection: If an infection is causing the lymphadenopathy, antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications may be prescribed.
• Treating the underlying condition: If another condition is responsible, such as an autoimmune disease or cancer, treatment will focus on managing that specific condition.
• Pain management: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve discomfort from swollen lymph nodes.
• Minimally Invasive Procedure: Image-guided biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach for diagnosing lymphadenopathy, allowing for precise tissue sampling while minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time (Click here to read more on Ultrasound/ CT guided biopsy of abdominal / retroperitoneal masses).