Lymphadenopathy

Rationale

Lymphadenopathy can be localized or diffuse and benign or malignant. Patients frequently present when they find a palpable lymph node.

Causal Conditions

(list not exhaustive)

1. Localized
   1. Reactive (e.g., tonsillitis)
   2. Neoplastic (e.g., metastatic cancer)
2. Diffuse
   1. Infectious (e.g., viral)
   2. Inflammatory (e.g., sarcoidosis)
   3. Neoplastic (e.g., lymphoma)
   4. Autoimmune (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
   5. Drug induced (e.g., serum sickness)

Key Objectives

Given a patient with lymphadenopathy, the candidate will diagnose the cause, severity, and complications, and will initiate an appropriate management plan. In particular, the candidate will determine the need for a biopsy.

Enabling Objectives

Given a patient with lymphadenopathy, the candidate will

1. list and interpret relevant clinical findings, including those based on an appropriate history and physical examination;
2. list and interpret relevant interventions and investigations, including
   1. laboratory and radiological studies, and
   2. referral for a biopsy;
3. construct an effective management plan, including
   1. determining whether basic observation and/or treatment is indicated, or if the patient requires urgent referral,
   2. determining if the patient requires nonurgent referral (e.g., serum sickness), and
   3. counselling and education of the patient regarding the nature and scope of needed investigations.