Follicular hyperplasia
Follicular hyperplasia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of lymph nodes due to an increase in the number of follicles, which are small compartments within the lymph nodes that contain immune system cells. This condition is often a response to various stimuli, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and sometimes, more rarely, certain types of cancer. Follicular hyperplasia is considered a type of lymphadenopathy, which refers to diseases of the lymph nodes.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Follicular hyperplasia can be caused by a variety of factors, each leading to an increased immune response. Common causes include:
- Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is associated with infectious mononucleosis
- Bacterial infections, including streptococcal infections and Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- HIV/AIDS, where the virus directly affects the immune system, leading to various lymph node changes
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of follicular hyperplasia is the enlargement of lymph nodes, which can occur in various parts of the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin. These enlarged lymph nodes are usually painless and can be felt as firm, rubbery nodules under the skin. In some cases, individuals may also experience systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss, especially if the underlying cause is an infection or a systemic disease.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of follicular hyperplasia involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. A detailed medical history and physical examination are crucial. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests to identify infections or autoimmune diseases
- Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans, to assess the size and distribution of lymph nodes
- Biopsy of the affected lymph node, which is the definitive test for diagnosing follicular hyperplasia. Histological examination will show an increase in lymphoid follicles with preserved architecture.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of follicular hyperplasia focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If an infection is identified, appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. In cases of autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive drugs may be required. In most instances, treating the underlying condition leads to a reduction in lymph node size and resolution of symptoms. In rare cases where follicular hyperplasia is associated with malignancy, more specific cancer treatments may be necessary.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with follicular hyperplasia largely depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, with appropriate treatment, the condition resolves without leading to serious complications. However, ongoing monitoring may be necessary to ensure that the lymphadenopathy does not progress or indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD