Generalized lymphadenopathy: Difference between revisions
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[[ | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Generalized lymphadenopathy | |||
| image = [[File:Systemic_lupus_erythematosus_lymphadenopathy_-_intermed_mag.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Histopathology of lymph node showing features of generalized lymphadenopathy | |||
| field = [[Hematology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Swollen lymph nodes]], [[fever]], [[night sweats]], [[weight loss]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[autoimmune disease]], [[malignancy]] | |||
| onset = Varies depending on underlying cause | |||
| duration = Acute or chronic | |||
| causes = [[Infection]], [[autoimmune disease]], [[cancer]], [[drug reactions]] | |||
| risks = [[Immunosuppression]], [[exposure to infections]], [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[blood tests]], [[imaging studies]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Localized lymphadenopathy]], [[lymphoma]], [[leukemia]], [[HIV/AIDS]] | |||
| treatment = Depends on underlying cause; may include [[antibiotics]], [[antiviral drugs]], [[chemotherapy]], [[immunosuppressive therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; depends on underlying cause and response to treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Generalized lymphadenopathy''' is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of multiple [[lymph nodes]] in different regions of the body. This condition can be indicative of various underlying diseases, ranging from infections to malignancies. | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Generalized lymphadenopathy can be caused by a wide array of conditions, including: | Generalized lymphadenopathy can be caused by a wide array of conditions, including: | ||
* [[Infections]]: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can lead to lymph node enlargement. Common infectious causes include [[HIV/AIDS]], [[tuberculosis]], and [[infectious mononucleosis]]. | * [[Infections]]: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can lead to lymph node enlargement. Common infectious causes include [[HIV/AIDS]], [[tuberculosis]], and [[infectious mononucleosis]]. | ||
* [[Autoimmune diseases]]: Conditions such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] and [[rheumatoid arthritis]] can cause generalized lymphadenopathy. | * [[Autoimmune diseases]]: Conditions such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] and [[rheumatoid arthritis]] can cause generalized lymphadenopathy. | ||
* [[Malignancies]]: Certain cancers, including [[lymphoma]] and [[leukemia]], can present with generalized lymphadenopathy. | * [[Malignancies]]: Certain cancers, including [[lymphoma]] and [[leukemia]], can present with generalized lymphadenopathy. | ||
* [[Medications]]: Some drugs, such as [[phenytoin]] and certain antibiotics, can cause lymph node enlargement as a side effect. | * [[Medications]]: Some drugs, such as [[phenytoin]] and certain antibiotics, can cause lymph node enlargement as a side effect. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of generalized lymphadenopathy is the noticeable swelling of lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body. Other associated symptoms may include: | The primary symptom of generalized lymphadenopathy is the noticeable swelling of lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body. Other associated symptoms may include: | ||
* [[Fever]] | * [[Fever]] | ||
* [[Night sweats]] | * [[Night sweats]] | ||
| Line 17: | Line 31: | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
* [[Pain]] or tenderness in the affected lymph nodes | * [[Pain]] or tenderness in the affected lymph nodes | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of generalized lymphadenopathy involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests may include: | The diagnosis of generalized lymphadenopathy involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests may include: | ||
* [[Blood tests]]: To check for infections, autoimmune markers, and other abnormalities. | * [[Blood tests]]: To check for infections, autoimmune markers, and other abnormalities. | ||
* [[Imaging studies]]: Such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]] to assess the extent of lymph node enlargement. | * [[Imaging studies]]: Such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]] to assess the extent of lymph node enlargement. | ||
* [[Lymph node biopsy]]: To obtain a tissue sample for histopathological examination, especially if malignancy is suspected. | * [[Lymph node biopsy]]: To obtain a tissue sample for histopathological examination, especially if malignancy is suspected. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of generalized lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause. Management strategies may include: | The treatment of generalized lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause. Management strategies may include: | ||
* [[Antibiotics]] or [[antiviral drugs]] for infections. | * [[Antibiotics]] or [[antiviral drugs]] for infections. | ||
* [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] for autoimmune diseases. | * [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] for autoimmune diseases. | ||
* [[Chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], or [[surgery]] for malignancies. | * [[Chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], or [[surgery]] for malignancies. | ||
* Discontinuation or substitution of medications causing lymphadenopathy. | * Discontinuation or substitution of medications causing lymphadenopathy. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis of generalized lymphadenopathy varies widely based on the underlying cause. Infections and drug-induced lymphadenopathy often resolve with appropriate treatment, while malignancies may require more intensive therapy and have a variable outcome. | The prognosis of generalized lymphadenopathy varies widely based on the underlying cause. Infections and drug-induced lymphadenopathy often resolve with appropriate treatment, while malignancies may require more intensive therapy and have a variable outcome. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Lymphadenopathy]] | * [[Lymphadenopathy]] | ||
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* [[Hematology]] | * [[Hematology]] | ||
* [[Oncology]] | * [[Oncology]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
| Line 51: | Line 57: | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:23, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Generalized lymphadenopathy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss |
| Complications | Infection, autoimmune disease, malignancy |
| Onset | Varies depending on underlying cause |
| Duration | Acute or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Infection, autoimmune disease, cancer, drug reactions |
| Risks | Immunosuppression, exposure to infections, family history |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Localized lymphadenopathy, lymphoma, leukemia, HIV/AIDS |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause; may include antibiotics, antiviral drugs, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; depends on underlying cause and response to treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Generalized lymphadenopathy is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes in different regions of the body. This condition can be indicative of various underlying diseases, ranging from infections to malignancies.
Causes[edit]
Generalized lymphadenopathy can be caused by a wide array of conditions, including:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can lead to lymph node enlargement. Common infectious causes include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and infectious mononucleosis.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause generalized lymphadenopathy.
- Malignancies: Certain cancers, including lymphoma and leukemia, can present with generalized lymphadenopathy.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as phenytoin and certain antibiotics, can cause lymph node enlargement as a side effect.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of generalized lymphadenopathy is the noticeable swelling of lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body. Other associated symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Pain or tenderness in the affected lymph nodes
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of generalized lymphadenopathy involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests: To check for infections, autoimmune markers, and other abnormalities.
- Imaging studies: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to assess the extent of lymph node enlargement.
- Lymph node biopsy: To obtain a tissue sample for histopathological examination, especially if malignancy is suspected.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of generalized lymphadenopathy depends on the underlying cause. Management strategies may include:
- Antibiotics or antiviral drugs for infections.
- Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune diseases.
- Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery for malignancies.
- Discontinuation or substitution of medications causing lymphadenopathy.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis of generalized lymphadenopathy varies widely based on the underlying cause. Infections and drug-induced lymphadenopathy often resolve with appropriate treatment, while malignancies may require more intensive therapy and have a variable outcome.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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