A thorough history and physical exam are one of the most important steps in determining the underlying cause of lymphadenopathy.Įtiologies can be determined based on lymph node groups.

Įlucidating the etiology of lymphadenopathy can be challenging. Generalized lymphadenopathy, which involves two or more non-contiguous regions, is reported to occur in 25% of lymphadenopathies. About 75% of most lymphadenopathies are localized, and about 50% of those occur in the head and neck regions. Lymphadenopathy can be localized or diffuse. Lymphoproliferative disorders such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can also manifest with the enlargement of lymph nodes. Malignant diseases like lymphoma, leukemia, metastatic cancer, and head and neck cancers are also common causes of lymphadenopathy. Autoimmune disorders that may contribute include but are not limited to sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. There is a wide range of infectious etiologies, including bacterial, fungal, viral, mycobacterial, spirochetal, and protozoal organisms. There are several potential causes of lymphadenopathy, ranging from infectious, autoimmune, malignant, and lymphoproliferative. Lymphadenopathy, while pertinent, may be nonspecific. In general, the size of a normal lymph node in the adult population should be less than 1 cm however, there are exceptions to this rule. When inspecting for lymphadenopathy, one should carefully examine all pertinent anatomic regions, including the neck, supraclavicular, axillary, and inguinal regions. They are divided into sections known as follicles, which are subdivided into B zones and T zones, which represent the base location of lymphocytic maturation.Ībnormal proliferation of lymphocytes may be a result of inflammation, infection, or malignancy, and thus, clinicians must perform a detailed history and physical to screen for lymphadenopathy.

Lymph nodes are small glands that are responsible for filtering fluid from the lymphatic system. Lymphadenopathy is a term that refers to the swelling of lymph nodes. Lymphocytes are the integral agents involved in searching for target proteins and travel through lymph nodes, which are diffusely placed throughout the body. The lymphatic system is a complex component of the immune system involved in filtering substances in the body.

Swollen lymph node back of neck