lymphadenopathy

Thân thiện

A doctor gently palpates a patient's neck to check for lymphadenopathy.

Definition

Noun: * A medical condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes. This enlargement is typically a sign of the body's immune response to an infection, inflammation, or other disease processes.

Usage

• "Lymphadenopathy" is a clinical term used primarily in medical contexts by healthcare professionals.
• It describes a physical finding (swollen lymph nodes) rather than a specific disease itself. The cause of the lymphadenopathy must be investigated.
• It can be classified by location (e.g., cervical lymphadenopathy), duration (acute or chronic), or characteristics (localized or generalized).

Examples

• The patient presented with lymphadenopathy in the neck and armpits, prompting further tests.
• Persistent lymphadenopathy is one of the symptoms that can be associated with certain autoimmune disorders.
• The doctor noted the lymphadenopathy during the physical examination and ordered a biopsy.

Advanced Usage

• Generalized lymphadenopathy: Refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes in two or more non-contiguous areas of the body (e.g., neck, armpits, and groin). This often suggests a systemic illness.
• Localized lymphadenopathy: Refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes in one specific area, often due to a local infection or injury nearby.

Variants and Related Words

• Lymphadenitis (noun): Inflammation of the lymph nodes, which is a specific cause of lymphadenopathy.
• Adenopathy (noun): A broader, sometimes synonymous term for the enlargement of glands, which can include lymph nodes.

Synonyms

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Adenopathy (in a general sense)
• Lymph node enlargement

Antonyms

• There is no direct medical antonym. The normal state would be described as "no lymphadenopathy" or "normal, non-palpable lymph nodes."

Notes

• While often used interchangeably in casual medical conversation, "lymphadenopathy" technically means disease of the lymph nodes, of which enlargement is the most common manifestation. The term "lymphadenomegaly" is a more precise term meaning "enlarged lymph nodes" but is less commonly used in general clinical practice.

Học thuật

Noun

1. chronic abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually associated with disease)