Adenopathy

Adenopathy is a medical term that refers to any enlargement or swelling of the lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the body that are part of the immune system. Adenopathy can occur as a result of a variety of conditions, such as infection, inflammation, cancer and immune system disorders. When an infection is present, the lymph nodes may become enlarged in order to trap and destroy the infectious organisms. This is a normal protective response of the body, and the swelling typically goes away once the infection is treated. In some cases, however, the lymph nodes can become swollen or enlarged due to an underlying condition such as cancer or an autoimmune disorder. In these cases, the swelling of the nodes may be persistent and require medical treatment. Adenopathy can be diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging tests such as CT scans and ultrasounds. Treatment for adenopathy depends on the underlying cause. For infections, antibiotics may be prescribed, while for cancers, radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary. In some cases, a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node may also be needed to determine the cause.