Lymphadenopathy

 

Lymphadenopathy

Definition

It is a condition characterized by enlargement of lymph nodes.

 

Aetiology

Type	Causes
Local	.Septic inflammation              .Axillary:with infection of the hand.               .Inguinal:with infection of the lower limb or genitals.
General	.Cancer. .Lymphati leukemia. .Glandular fever. .Hodgkin’s disease. .Non Hodgkin’s lyphoma. .Secondary syphilis.

 

 

Treatment

Treatment is as the cause.

Hodgkin’s disease

Aetiology

Its exact aetiology is not known.

Clinical features

1.Age:Any,usually 20 to 40 years.

2.Enlargement of any one group of lymph nodes.

                .Commonest site is cervical.

                 .May be deep ones,e.g.paraaortic.

3.Hepatosplenomegaly.

4.Splenomegaly.

5.Progressive weakness as the disease advances.

6.Progressive Weight loss as the disease advances.

7.Progressive anaemia as the disease advances.

8.Fever is frequent and it lasts for 10 to 14 days (pel Ebstein’s fever).

9.Features of mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

              .Breathlessness.

              .Cough

                 .Chest pain.

                 .Cyanosis.

 10.Features of abdominal lymphadenopathy

                  .Pain in abdomen.

                  .Abdominal distention.

                  .Lump is abdomen.

                  .Ascites.

11.Features of the enlarged lymph nodes

                   .Multiple.

                   .Fixed.

                   .Rubbery feel.

                    .Matted.

                    .Painless.

 

Investigations

1.Haemogram.

2.Fine needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes.

3.Lymph node biopsy.

4.Lymphangiography.

Treatment

1.Radiotherapy for early cases.

2.Chemotherapy for advanced cases.

             .Vincristine IV.

              .Mustine IV.

              .Prednisolone to reduce toxicity of chemotherapy