Adenopathy

Adenopathy

Adenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the body's immune response by filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Adenopathy can be a sign of various underlying conditions, ranging from infections to malignancies.

Causes

Adenopathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can lead to lymph node enlargement. Common infections include infectious mononucleosis, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause adenopathy.
• Malignancies: Cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia often present with adenopathy. Metastatic cancer can also spread to lymph nodes.
• Other causes: Sarcoidosis and certain medications can also lead to lymph node enlargement.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of adenopathy is the noticeable swelling of lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include:

• Tenderness or pain in the affected lymph nodes
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of adenopathy involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests:

• Physical examination: A healthcare provider will palpate the lymph nodes to assess their size, consistency, and tenderness.
• Blood tests: These can help identify infections or other systemic conditions.
• Imaging studies: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to evaluate the extent of lymph node enlargement.
• Biopsy: A lymph node biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for histological examination, especially if malignancy is suspected.

Treatment

Treatment of adenopathy depends on the underlying cause:

• Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed for bacterial or viral infections, respectively.
• Autoimmune diseases: Immunosuppressive drugs may be used to manage conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cancer: Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical removal of affected lymph nodes.

Prognosis

The prognosis for adenopathy varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Infections often resolve with appropriate treatment, while malignancies may require more extensive management.

Also see

• Lymphadenopathy
• Lymphatic system
• Lymphoma
• Infectious mononucleosis

Classification
External resources