What is Generalized Lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy is a common abnormal finding in patients with infections and cancers. Lymph nodes are distributed at different locations in the body and are responsible for lymphatic drainage. Generalized lymphadenopathy means enlarged lymph nodes in two or more non-contagious locations. [1]

 

The swollen nodes may be tender or non-tender. They can be fixed or mobile, discrete or matted. Generalized lymphadenopathy is usually localized. Swollen lymph nodes are usually found more in the head and neck region.

 

While examining the disease, taking a proper history of the patient is important. The physical examination especially of the head, neck, axillary, and inguinal area is significant because there are high chances of finding lymph nodes in these areas. [2]

 

 

 

What are the Other Symptoms Associated with Generalized Lymphadenopathy?

 

Swollen lymph nodes are a signal that something is wrong in your body. The common symptoms associated with generalized Lymphadenopathy are as follows:

• Tenderness in lymph nodes
• Pain in swollen lymph node
• Size of the enlarged lymph node

 

Some other symptoms can also be observed depending on the cause of the disease. Such as [3]

• Sore throat, runny nose, and fever
• Night sweats
• Hard, fixed, rapidly growing lymph nodes can be an alarming sign of cancer
• If swollen lymph nodes are present throughout your body it is an indication of a viral infection such as human immunodeficiency virus or Epstein Barr virus

 

Complications can be severe depending on the primary cause of lymphadenopathy. Anyhow, lymphadenopathy if left untreated can cause airway obstruction if present in mediastinal region. Serious metabolic complications such as uric acid nephropathy and electrolyte imbalance may occur.

 

 

 

What are the Causes of Generalized Lymphadenopathy?

 

The causes of generalized lymphadenopathy can be infections, autoimmune diseases, drug reactions, hyperplasia, malignancies, and storage diseases. [4]

 

Viral infections such as HIV, cytomegalovirus, and adenovirus can cause lymphadenopathy. Similarly, bacterial infections such as salmonella typhi, syphilis, and tuberculosis can also result in enlarged lymph nodes.

 

Acute leukemia and lymphomas are significant causes of adenopathy.  

 

Some autoimmune disorders such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can also result in generalized lymphadenopathy. 

 

 

 

What are the Treatment Options for Generalized Lymphadenopathy?

 

The treatment of generalized lymphadenopathy is primarily based on the underlying cause. The following treatment options can be opted [5]:

• Medical Care
• Surgical Care
• Diet
• Activity

 

Medical care is important before a biopsy or aspiration is performed. Antibiotics should be prescribed only if a bacterial infection is suspected.

 

Surgical care is usually done by biopsy. The aspirate is used to find any microbial organism by culture. The removal of an affected node can be indicated by surgery.

 

 

 

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513250/#:~:text=Generalized%20lymphadenopathy%20entails%20lymphadenopathy%20in,lymphatic%20drainage%20of%20their%20location
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558918/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902
4. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/956340-clinical?form=fpf#showall

        5, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/956340-treatment#showall

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