Lymph node enlargement (synonyms: Adenopathy; Axillary lymph node swelling; Generalized adenopathy; Generalized lymphadenopathy; Generalized lymph node hyperplasia; Generalized lymph node hypertrophy; Generalized lymph node swelling; Generalized lymph node enlargement; Cervical lymph node swelling; Hyperplasia of cervical lymph nodes; Hypertrophy of hilar lymph nodes; Inguinal adenopathy; Constitutional status lymphaticus; Inguinal gland swelling; Localized adenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy; Localized lymph node hyperplasia; Localized lymph node hypertrophy; Localized lymph node swelling; Localized lymph node enlargement; Lymphadenia; Lymphadenopathy; Lymphadenosis; Lymph gland catarrh; Lymph node hyperplasia; Lymph node hypertrophy; Mediastinal adenopathy; Mesenteric adenopathy; Tracheobronchial adenopathy; Cervical gland swelling; ICD-10-GM R59: Lymph node enlargement) refers to an enlargement of one or more lymph nodes that can be detected by palpation (palpation). There are approximately 600 lymph nodes in the human body.
Lymph node enlargement can be a symptom of many different diseases.
The following forms can be distinguished:
- Infections – so-called lymphadenitis (ICD-10-GM I88: non-specific lymphadenitis).
- Immunological diseases
- Malignant (malignant) neoplasms (new formations)
According to the spread, lymph node swelling can be divided into:
- Local lymph node enlargement
- Regional lymph node enlargement
- Generalized lymph node enlargement
According to the course, lymph node swelling can also be divided into:
- Acute swelling of the lymph nodes
- Chronic swelling of the lymph nodes
Lymph node swelling or enlargement can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: not every palpable lymph node is pathological (pathological). A sonographic lymph node enlargement of > 1 cm is considered pathologic.If unexplained lymph node swelling does not resolve after two to four weeks, a lymph node biopsy (removal of tissue from the enlarged lymph node) with subsequent histologic examination should be performed. Similarly, a lymph node biopsy should be performed if the finding is unilateral (e.g., only in the right axilla but not in the left) or if other symptoms are added, such as weight loss, fever, and increased night sweats (night sweats). In patients younger than 30 years, lymph node enlargements are usually benign (benign) in origin; in those older than 50 years, malignant (malignant) disease is present in the majority of cases.
