WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is lymphadenopathy? Lymphadenopathy is swelling of your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small organs that are part of your immune system. Lymph nodes are found throughout your body. They are most easily felt in your neck, under your arms, and near your groin. Lymphadenopathy can occur in one or more areas of your body. What causes lymphadenopathy? Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Other causes include medicine or vaccine allergies, cancer, and diseases that affect tissue that supports, binds, and protects organs. What are the signs and symptoms of lymphadenopathy? You may have no symptoms, or you may have any of the following: - A painful, warm, or red lump under your skin
- More tiredness than usual
- Skin rash
- Unexplained weight loss
- Enlarged spleen (organ that filters blood)
- Fever or night sweats
How is lymphadenopathy diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will check your lymph node for its size and location. You may need the following tests to help healthcare providers find the cause of your lymphadenopathy: - Blood tests may show if you have an infection or other medical condition.
- A chest x-ray is a picture that helps healthcare providers check your lung and heart function.
- An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of the lymph nodes on a monitor.
- A CT scan is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your lymph nodes. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
- An MRI uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your lymph nodes. You may be given dye to help the pictures show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A lymph node biopsy is a procedure used to remove a sample of tissue to be tested. Healthcare providers may remove lymph cells through a needle or remove one or more lymph nodes during surgery.
How is lymphadenopathy treated? Your symptoms may go away without treatment. Your healthcare provider may need to treat the problem that has caused the lymph nodes to swell. Medicines may be given for infections, cancer, or other causes of your lymphadenopathy. When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have a new swollen and painful lymph node.
- You have a skin rash.
- Your lymph node remains swollen or painful, or it gets bigger.
- Your lymph node has red streaks around it, or the skin around the lymph node is red.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - The swollen lymph nodes bleed.
- The swollen lymph nodes in your neck affect your breathing or swallowing.
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