Download Lymphadenopathy is the enlargement/swelling of lymph

Lymphadenopathy is the
enlargement/swelling of lymph nodes.
 Classifications
Local – single lymph node affected
Generalized- 2 or more lymph nodes
involved.
 Lymph nodes are small structures that are
present all over the body. They house white
blood cells which are important for
protection against infections.

The masses and fluids that build up in the lymph
nodes as a result of swelling
Bacterial or Viral Infections – the most
common reason such as tuberculosis, rubella,
infectious mononucleosis, syphilis, amongst
others.
 Lymphomas and Leukemia – cancers of white
blood cells in the lymph nodes and blood.
 Cancers in other body parts that spread to
lymph nodes
 Diseases of the immune system, such as Lupus
and Sarcoidus


Swollen lymph nodes can cause an abscess if
it is caused by infection. Abscess may
require drainage and antibiotics.

A bacterial infection anywhere in your body
can progess to an infection of the
bloodstream known as Bacteremia.
Treatment may require hospitalization.

Because Lymphadenopathy occurs when the
nodes become damaged due to an infection,
malignancy, or immune system disorder,
this disease can occur at any time. However,
this condition is more common in children
than adults. Young people frequently
encounter pathogens in which their immune
systems do not know how to correctly fight
off.
Patients experiencing Lymphadenopathy in
the oral cavity can have difficulty breathing
or swallowing. Palpation of any involved
lymph node during an extraoral examination
can be painful for the patient. In an intraoral
examination, the lymph nodes may also be
tender when palpated.
LYMPHADENOPATHY OF THE PALATINE TONSILS
It is important for Dental Hygienist to recognize any
abnormalities in the oral cavity. Lymphadenopathy
allows the node to be easily noted during an extraoral
examination.
Lymphadenopathy in the intraoral tonsillar causes
tissue enlargement that can be seen during an intraoral
examination. This can lead to airway obstruction and
can lead to infection of the tonsillar tisssue.
If any lymph nodes are palpable or if there is an
enlargement or infection, the patient needs
appropriate physician referral for treatment.