lymphadenitis
(lim″fad″ĕn-īt′ĭs)
To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.
[lymph- + adenitis]
Inflammation of lymph nodes. It may be caused by the activation of phagocytes and lymphocytes, which encounter large numbers of microorganisms, cancer cells, or other antigenic material. Local swelling and pain are common and often help clinicians diagnose regional diseases; for example, the anterior cervical lymph nodes become tender and enlarged in people with streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat); the inguinal lymph nodes become enlarged and painful in some sexually transmitted diseases.
Lymphadenitis is sometimes associated with inflammation of the lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis) leading into the node. It subsides when the underlying infection is treated. Lymphadenitis of unknown cause may require lymph node biopsy (such as excisional or needle biopsies) or aspiration.
SEE: inflammation; SEE: lymphangitis
SYMPTOMS
The inflammation is characterized by a marked increase of tissue, with possible suppuration. Swelling, pain, and tenderness are present. The disease usually accompanies lymphangitis.
ETIOLOGY
The inflammation is caused by drainage of bacteria or toxic substances into the lymph nodes. The cause may be specific, as when caused by the organisms of typhoid, syphilis, or tuberculosis, or nonspecific, in which the causative organism is not identified.
TREATMENT
Hot, moist dressings should be applied. Incision and drainage are necessary if abscesses occur. Antibiotics should be given as indicated.
There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.
Citation
Venes, Donald, editor. "Lymphadenitis." Taber's Medical Dictionary, 24th ed., F.A. Davis Company, 2021. Nursing Central, nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/729498/all/lymphadenitis.
Lymphadenitis. In: Venes DD, ed. Taber's Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Company; 2021. https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/729498/all/lymphadenitis. Accessed November 22, 2024.
Lymphadenitis. (2021). In Venes, D. (Ed.), Taber's Medical Dictionary (24th ed.). F.A. Davis Company. https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/729498/all/lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis [Internet]. In: Venes DD, editors. Taber's Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Company; 2021. [cited 2024 November 22]. Available from: https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/729498/all/lymphadenitis.
* Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case
TY - ELEC
T1 - lymphadenitis
ID - 729498
ED - Venes,Donald,
BT - Taber's Medical Dictionary
UR - https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/729498/all/lymphadenitis
PB - F.A. Davis Company
ET - 24
DB - Nursing Central
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -