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The presence of swollen inguinal lymph nodes is an important clinical sign because lymphadenopathy (swelling) may indicate an infection, or spread as a metastasis from cancers, such as anal cancer and vulvar cancer. Inguinal lymph nodes may normally be up to 2 cm. [1] The cut-off value for normal sized inguinal nodes is up to 10 mm. [6]
The Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) is used to determine prognosis following surgery for breast cancer. [1] [2] Its value is calculated using three pathological criteria: the size of the tumour; the number of involved lymph nodes; and the grade of the tumour. [1]
Lymphadenopathy may be classified by: Size, where lymphadenopathy in adults is often defined as a short axis of one or more lymph nodes is greater than 10mm. [29] By extent: Localized lymphadenopathy: due to localized spot of infection; e.g., an infected spot on the scalp will cause lymph nodes in the neck on that same side to swell up
The term lymphadenopathy strictly speaking refers to disease of the lymph nodes, [1] though it is often used to describe the enlargement of the lymph nodes. Similarly, the term lymphadenitis refers to inflammation of a lymph node, but often it is used as a synonym of lymphadenopathy. Cervical lymphadenopathy is a sign or a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Follicular hyperplasia is common in children and young adults, but is not limited to any age; it is also common among the elderly and is non-sex specific. [1] Children often experience reactive lymph nodes when they are younger due to new exposure of environmental pathogens , even without development of an infection.
However, when two or more lymph node groups are involved, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. Usually this is in response to significant systemic disease and will subside once the person has recovered. Sometimes it can persist long-term, even when no explanation for the lymphadenopathy can be found.
This is based on the size of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. After this, using the TNM descriptors, a group is assigned, ranging from occult cancer, through stage 0, IA (one-A), IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB to IV (four). This stage group assists with the choice of treatment and estimate of prognosis.
Nodes are typically around 15 mm in length in adults, and decrease in size during old age. [1] They tend to be some of the largest lymph nodes in the cervical chain due to their significant lymphatic drainage. [1]