Linfadenopatías

Linfadenopatías refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infection. They are located throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen.

Enlarged lymph nodes can be caused by a variety of factors, most commonly infections. Viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis can cause lymph nodes to swell. Bacterial infections like strep throat or skin infections can also lead to lymphadenopathy. Less frequently, lymph nodes may enlarge due to inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In rarer cases, lymphadenopathy can be a sign of cancer, either originating in the lymph nodes themselves (lymphoma) or spreading from another part of the body (metastasis).

The location and characteristics of the enlarged lymph nodes can provide clues to the underlying cause. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the neck might indicate an infection in the head or throat, while swollen nodes in the armpit could be related to an infection or malignancy in the arm or breast. The texture, tenderness, and mobility of the nodes are also important diagnostic features.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and sometimes further investigations such as blood tests, imaging studies (like ultrasound or CT scans), or a lymph node biopsy to determine the exact cause of the enlargement. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying condition. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics or antivirals, while more serious causes like cancer require specific oncological therapies.