Lymphadenopathy

 

Definitions

• Lymph node swelling. Commonly inflammatory, such that the term lymphadenitis is effectively synonymous.
• Lymphangitis is inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, usually due to Group A Strep, and presents with swelling and reddening of the skin.
• Scrofula is cervical lymphadenopathy due to mycobacteria. It is 'cold', in that it is swollen but not hot or painful.
• Not to be confused with lymphoedema, which is tissue swelling resulting from lymphatic vessel obstruction.

Causes

Regional lymphadenopathy:

• Usually due to local infection ('reactive lymphadenopathy'), or less commonly, cancer.

Generalised lymphadenopathy:

• Lymphadenopathy in ≥2 non-contiguous areas.
• Infectious causes: EBV (infectious mononucleosis), CMV, brucellosis, TB, HIV, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, actinomycosis.
• Infiltrative causes: cancer (lymphoma, carcinoma mets), sarcoidosis.