Clinical approach to Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common clinical finding that may be localized, limited or generalized. The enlargement of a lymph node, due to primary disease or secondary cause, is of concern to both patients and clinicians, particularly, if the underlying pathology is a malignant disease. Lymph node aspiration or biopsy for histopathological evaluation may not reveal the diagnosis due to several factors. However, a methodological approach to LAP can disclose the accurate diagnosis with minimal discomfort to the patient and in a short time. In this review article, we provide evidence-based clinical evaluation of LAP, guided by the probability of the underlying disease to assist clinicians in establishing the proper cause and hence offer appropriate management.