Lümfadenopaatia

Lümfadenopaatia, also known as swollen lymph nodes, refers to the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the immune system. They filter lymph fluid, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. When the body is fighting an infection or disease, the lymph nodes may become inflamed and swell as immune cells accumulate.

The most common cause of lümfadenopaatia is infection. Viral infections such as the common cold, flu, mononucleosis, and HIV can lead to swollen lymph nodes. Bacterial infections like strep throat, skin infections, or tuberculosis are also frequent culprits. Less commonly, lümfadenopaatia can be a sign of autoimmune diseases, certain medications, or cancer, particularly lymphoma or metastatic cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes can appear in various parts of the body, including the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen. The size of the nodes can range from pea-sized to much larger. Associated symptoms may include tenderness or pain in the affected nodes, fever, sore throat, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, depending on the underlying cause.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination to assess the size, consistency, and location of the swollen nodes, along with a review of the patient's medical history and other symptoms. Further investigations may include blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy of the lymph node tissue to determine the exact cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition causing the lümfadenopaatia.