Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy means lymph nodes are enlarged or appear abnormal.
When to get help quickly: Prompt review matters more if the nodes are rapidly enlarging, very hard, above the collarbone, or associated with weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fever.
Common symptoms
People may notice swollen glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, sometimes with tenderness, fever, weight loss, night sweats, or tiredness.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show how many lymph nodes are involved, where they are, whether they look reactive or suspicious, and whether biopsy planning is needed.
What radiology does
Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT can help assess the size, pattern, and distribution of lymph node enlargement.
What usually happens next
Management may involve observation, infection treatment, biopsy, or cancer workup depending on the context and pattern.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.