Lymphadenopathy

What is lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy (lim-fad-e-NOHP-ah-thee) is the swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small organs found throughout your body, mostly in your neck, under your arms, and around your inguinal area. The inguinal area is where your leg and your abdomen (stomach) meet. Lymph nodes contain specialized cells that fight off germs such as viruses and bacteria. When there is an infection, these cells multiply causing the lymph nodes to swell. Lymphadenopathy can occur in one or more areas of the body. It may be a symptom of many other diseases.

What causes lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by an infection. Germs called viruses or bacteria may cause the infection. Other possible causes of lymphadenopathy include:

• Allergies to certain medicines and vaccines.
  
  
• Cancer.
  
  
• Other medical conditions such as diseases of tissue that support, bind together and protect organs

What are the signs and symptoms associated with lymphadenopathy?

Different people may have different signs and symptoms associated with lymphadenopathy. Some may even have no symptoms at all. Swollen lymph nodes may appear as a lump. They can be painful, warm, and reddish in color. Other signs and symptoms may include the following:

• Enlarged spleen (body organ that filters blood).
  
  
• Fever.
  
  
• Feeling more tired than usual.
  
  
• Night sweats.
  
  
• Skin rash.
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss.

How is lymphadenopathy diagnosed?

Your caregiver will check your lymph node for its size, location, and if it is movable or not. At times, the following tests may be needed:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or to look for collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around the heart and lungs.
  
  
• Computed tomography scan: This test is also called a CT scan. It is an x-ray machine that uses a computer to take pictures of your body. Your caregivers look at the pictures to find out what may be causing your lymphadenopathy. Before taking the pictures, you may be given dye through an IV in your vein. The dye helps caregivers to see the pictures clearly. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any of these.
  
  
• Lymph node biopsy: A biopsy may be done by taking cells out through a needle or by surgically removing one or more lymph nodes. The cells or lymph nodes will be taken to a lab and tested.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging: This test is also called MRI. MRI allows caregivers to see inside your body. During the MRI pictures of different body parts may be taken. Caregivers use these pictures to look for the cause of your lymphadenopathy.
  
  
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a simple test that looks inside of your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your organs and tissues on a TV-like screen.

How is lymphadenopathy treated?

Some lymphadenopathies may be left untreated. Sometimes the swelling just disappears. Your caregiver will treat the problem that has caused the lymph nodes to swell. Medicines may be given for infections, cancer, and the other causes of your lymphadenopathy.

Where can I find support and more information?

Accepting that you have lymphadenopathy may be hard. You and those close to you may feel sad, worried, or anxious. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Call or write one of the following organizations for more information:

• American Cancer Society
  250 Williams Street
  Atlanta , GA 30303
  Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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