Swollen lymph node

• Swollen lymph node (lymphadenopathy) is an abnormally enlarged lymph gland
• Swollen lymph node (lymphadenopathy) is any lymph node that can be palpated but is usually larger than 1 cm.

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

Generalized swollen lymph nodes are usually not a sign of cancer.

· Swollen lymph node 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.

· Swollen lymph node 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

· Swollen lymph node 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

· Swollen lymph node that persists or greater than 2 cm should be evaluated by your doctor.

Posted on July 7, 2009

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