Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy is swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands around the body.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are part of your immune system. These glands are found in your neck, over your clavicle, armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen. They act as filters for lymph fluid as it flows through your body. Lymph fluid contains white blood cells (lymphocytes) that help the body fight infection and disease. 

Why lymph nodes swell

Lymphadenopathy is very common. The glands often enlarge during a viral or bacterial infection. It can happen during a cold, the flu, or strep throat. The nodes may swell in just one area of the body, such as the neck (localized). Or nodes may swell all over the body (generalized). The neck (cervical) lymph nodes are the most common site of lymphadenopathy.

What causes lymphadenopathy?

Dead cells and fluid build up in the lymph nodes as they help fight infection or disease. This causes them to swell in size. Enlarged lymph nodes are often near the source of infection. This can help to find the cause of an infection. For example, swollen lymph nodes around the jaw may be because of an infection in the teeth or mouth. But lymphadenopathy may also be generalized. This is common in some viral illnesses such as infectious mononucleosis or chickenpox (varicella).

Lymphadenopathy can also be caused by:

• Infection of a lymph node or small group of nodes (lymphadenitis)

• Cancer

• Reactions to medicines such as antibiotics and certain blood pressure, gout, and seizure medicines

• Other health conditions, such as HIV infection, lupus, or sarcoidosis

Symptoms of lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy can cause symptoms such as:

• Lumps under the jaw, on the sides or back of the neck, in the armpits, in the groin, or in the chest or belly (abdomen)

• Pain or tenderness in any of these areas

• Redness or warmth in any of these areas

You may also have symptoms from an infection causing the swollen glands. These symptoms may include fever, sore throat, body aches, or cough.

Diagnosing lymphadenopathy

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and symptoms. He or she will give you a physical exam and check the areas where lymph nodes are enlarged. Your healthcare provider will check the size and location of the nodes, and ask how long they have been swollen and if they are painful. Diagnostic tests and referral to specialists may be recommended. They may include:

• Blood tests. These are done to check for signs of infection and other problems.

• Urine test. This is also done to check for infection and other problems.

• Chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scans. These tests can show enlarged lymph nodes or other problems.

• Lymph node biopsy. If lymph nodes are swollen for 3 to 4 weeks, they may be checked with a biopsy. Small samples of lymph node tissue are taken and checked in a lab for signs of cancer. You may be referred to a specialist in blood disorders and cancer (hematologist and oncologist).

Treatment for lymphadenopathy

The treatment of enlarged lymph nodes depends on the cause. Enlarged lymph nodes are often harmless and go away without any treatment. Treatment is most often done on the cause of the enlarged nodes and may include:

• Antibiotic medicine to treat a bacterial infection

• Incision and drainage of a lymph node for lymphadenitis

• Other medicines or procedures to treat the cause of the enlarged nodes

You may need follow-up exam in 3 to 4 weeks to recheck enlarged nodes.