Swollen Lymph Nodes
Persistent lymphadenopathy (>2 weeks) can indicate lymphoma, metastatic cancer, autoimmune conditions, or infections. Location, size, consistency, and duration guide clinical significance.
Body System: Immune / Oncological
Related Diseases
- Stage IV Cancer — Lymph node metastasis is a primary route of cancer spread. Persistent, hard, non-tender nodes warrant biopsy.
- Autoimmune Diseases — Generalized lymphadenopathy occurs in active lupus, sarcoidosis, and other systemic autoimmune conditions.
Related Compounds
Frequently Asked Questions
When should swollen lymph nodes be biopsied?
Biopsy indications: nodes >2cm, hard/fixed consistency, supraclavicular location (high malignancy risk), persistent >4-6 weeks without infection, associated B symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats), or age >40 with new persistent lymphadenopathy. Excisional biopsy preferred over FNA for lymphoma evaluation.