• Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph node) is an abnormally enlarged lymph gland
· Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph node) is any lymph node that can be palpated but are usually larger than 1 cm.

A normal lymph node is usually small, non-tender, flat and less than 1 cm in size.
· Lymphadenopathy that is less than 1 cm is usually benign.

Generalized Lymphadenopathy is usually not a sign of cancer.

· Lymphadenopathy can result from infections or cancer.
A swollen lymph node that is tender is more likely to be infectious.
A swollen lymph node that is hard and non-tender is concerning for cancer.

· Lymphadenopathy cause by an infection includes:
· Viral infections such as
HIV
infectious mononucleosis
viral hepatitis
herpes virus
rubella
measles

· Bacterial infections such as
streptococci infection
staphylococci infections
cat-scratch disease
plague
primary and secondary syphilis

· Fungal infections such as
coccidioidomycosis
histoplasmosis

· Parasitic infections
toxoplasmosis
leishmaniasis
filariasis

· Immunologic diseases such as
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Sjögren’s syndrome

· Lymphadenopathy can also be a sign of Cancer.
types of Cancer associated with a swollen lymph node includes
Hodgkin’s disease
non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas
Leukemia
Metastatic spread of cancer from a different site

· Lymphadenopathy that persists or greater than 2 cm should be evaluated by your doctor.