Frequency and types of malignant lesions among lymphadenopathy conditions presented at Pathology Department- Makerere University College of Health Sciences

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy or adenopathy is an enlargement of the lymph nodes, in which they are abnormal in size, number, or consistency (King et al., 2014). Lymphadenopathy of an inflammatory type (the most common type) is lymphadenitis, producing swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. In clinical practice, the distinction between lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis is rarely made and the words are usually treated as synonymous. Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels is known as lymphangitis. (Dorland's Medical Dictionary). Lymphadenopathy is a common and nonspecific sign. Common causes include infections (from minor ones such as the common cold to serious ones such as HIV/AIDS), autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Lymphadenopathy is also frequently idiopathic, and may be classified by extent (localized and generalized), size.