Lymphadenopathy

Definition

Lymphadenopathy is the abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes, commonly found in the cervical, axillary, supraclavicular, and inguinal regions. Normal nodes are less than 1 cm (less than 0.5 cm in inguinal region).

Causes

• Infection (viral, bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal)
• Malignancy (lymphoma, leukemia, metastatic cancer)
• Autoimmune disorders (RA, SLE)
• Medications (phenytoin, allopurinol)
• Sarcoidosis

Benign vs Malignant Features

• Benign: Tender, mobile, rubbery, less than 2 cm.
• Malignant: Painless, firm/hard, fixed, greater than 2 cm, matted.

Nursing Interventions

Assess all lymph node regions, such as document size, consistency, mobility, tenderness. Obtain history (fever, weight loss, night sweats, travel, exposures). Refer for biopsy if concerning features. Educate patients that most cervical lymphadenopathy is reactive (infection) and resolves.

NCLEX Relevance

Painless, firm, fixed nodes warrant oncology workup.