ENLARGED LYMPH NODES WITH MULTIPLE POSSIBLE CAUSES
Swollen Lymph Nodes (Generalised Lymphadenopathy)
Swollen lymph nodes can indicate infections, inflammatory conditions, malignancies or other underlying causes. Workup including history, examination and targeted tests guides treatment.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What are Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures throughout the body that play a key role in immune function. They commonly become enlarged in response to infections (reactive lymphadenopathy) but can also enlarge due to inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies including lymphoma and metastatic cancer. Localised lymph node enlargement (in one area) usually indicates a local infection or condition, while generalised enlargement (in multiple areas) often suggests systemic conditions such as viral infections (Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, dengue), bacterial infections (tuberculosis, brucellosis), autoimmune diseases (lupus), drug reactions, or haematological malignancies (lymphoma, leukaemia). Typical features include visible or palpable lumps under the skin, particularly in the neck, armpits and groin; tenderness in reactive nodes from infection; firm, fixed or rubbery character in concerning causes; and associated systemic symptoms including fever, night sweats, weight loss and tiredness. Diagnosis involves detailed history, thorough examination including all lymph node areas, blood tests, imaging and, when indicated, lymph node biopsy. Treatment is highly cause-specific. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Viral infections — common cause (EBV, HIV, dengue, COVID-19)
- Bacterial infections — strep throat, dental infections, tuberculosis
- Autoimmune diseases including lupus
- Lymphoma and leukaemia
- Metastatic cancer from other sites
- Drug reactions
- Sarcoidosis and other inflammatory conditions
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Detailed history, thorough examination, blood tests, imaging and lymph node biopsy when indicated
Localised vs generalised affects approach to evaluation
Cause-specific therapy
Hard, fixed, rubbery nodes, larger than 2 cm, persistent over 4 weeks, B-symptoms
Fever, night sweats, weight loss — concerning
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Careful Evaluation with Targeted Workup
The most effective approach is careful evaluation including thorough examination of all lymph node areas, targeted blood tests, imaging and lymph node biopsy when indicated, followed by cause-specific treatment under the appropriate specialist when needed.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms and possible causes, performs thorough examination of all lymph node areas, abdomen and other systems, and arranges initial investigations.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the identified or suspected cause, with referral for biopsy or specialist evaluation when needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Cause-specific therapy, monitoring of nodes during treatment of infections or other causes, and specialist referrals as needed.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review of nodes and symptoms, with further investigation if nodes persist or new concerning features develop.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Identifying the Underlying Cause
Detailed history including duration, associated symptoms and risk factors, combined with thorough examination and targeted tests, identifies the underlying cause.
Treatment of Infections
Specific antibiotic, antiviral or other therapy is provided for bacterial, viral or other infections causing reactive lymph node enlargement.
Lymph Node Biopsy When Indicated
Lymph node biopsy is arranged when nodes have concerning features (hard, fixed, persistent, with B-symptoms) to exclude lymphoma or other malignancies.
Specialist Referral for Concerning Cases (Referral for haematology / oncology)
Patients with suspected lymphoma, metastatic cancer or other concerning causes are referred to relevant specialists for targeted evaluation and treatment.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Specific treatment is provided for identified autoimmune diseases, sarcoidosis, drug reactions or other underlying causes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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