Adenopathy is a medical term referring to the enlargement or swelling of lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped glands located throughout the body that form a part of the lymphatic system. Specifically, it is the abnormal increase in size, number, or consistency of lymph nodes, leading to their noticeable and palpable presence.
Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the body's immune system, functioning as filters that trap and destroy harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Adenopathy may be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, lymphomas (cancer of the lymphatic system), and metastatic cancer whereby cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the lymph nodes. Therefore, the observation and examination of adenopathy can be important in diagnosing underlying illnesses or determining the stage and progression of certain diseases, aiding in guiding appropriate treatment protocols.
Clinical manifestations of adenopathy may vary depending on the underlying cause, but typically include swollen, tender, or firm lymph nodes that can be felt under the skin. In some cases, additional symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, or night sweats may be present. Diagnostic methods for adenopathy commonly include physical examination, medical history assessment, imaging techniques (such as ultrasound or computed tomography scans), and sometimes biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
In summary, adenopathy refers to the pathological phenomenon of lymph node enlargement, denoting an abnormality that may be indicative of an underlying disease process.
