Pediatria pre prax 3/2008

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF LYMPHADENOPATHY

Enlarged lymph nodes are commonly found in children and in most instances represent transient responses to benign local or generalized infections of which upper respiratory tract and skin infections are most common. However, serious benign and malignant diseases may present with lymphadenopathy and must be concidered in the evaluation of the child with enlarged lymph nodes. Important factors in evaluation of the child with enlarged lymph nodes are the age of the patient and the size and location of the nodes. If the cause of lymphadenopathy is not evident after careful history and physical evaluation, the spectrum of examinations is needed, including the biopsy in some cases. The recent paper points to most frequent causes of lymphadenopathy and provides rational clinical approach in differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in children.

Keywords: lymphadenopathy, cause, differential diagnosis, childhood