User:Mr. Ibrahem/Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy, also known as adenopathy, is the enlargement of lymph nodes. This may occur in one part of the body or diffusely. If the lymph node is tender there is a greater likelihood of an infectious cause and a lower likelihood of cancer. Enlargement for more than 3 or 4 weeks is more concerning.

Causes may include infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, reactions to medications, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Infections may be bacterial, fungal, viral, spirochetal, or protozoal. Autoimmune diseases may include amyloidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Cancers may include lymphoma, leukemia, and metastasis. They cause may also remain unknown. Generally in adults lymph nodes are smaller than 1 cm. Diagnosis may be supported by a lymph node biopsy.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Most cases are non serious, especially in children. Lymphadenopathy is relatively common. Males and females are affected equally frequently. Children are more commonly affected than adults.