page_title: Lymphadenopathy
section_title: Size
hierarchical_section_title: Lymphadenopathy / Diagnosis / Classification / Size
caption_attribution_description: English: Low magnification micrograph of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy, also dermatopathic lymphadenitis. H&amp;E stain. Features: Paracortical (sinus) histiocytosis. Melanin pigment. Using special stains one can demonstrate abundant interdigitating dendritic cells (S100 positive, CD1a negative) and Langerhans cells (S100 positive, CD1a positive). Related images Very low mag. Intermed. mag. High mag. Very high mag.
context_page_description: Lymphadenopathy or adenopathy is a disease of the lymph nodes, in which they are abnormal in size or consistency. Lymphadenopathy of an inflammatory type is lymphadenitis, producing swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. In clinical practice, the distinction between lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis is rarely made and the words are usually treated as synonymous. Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels is known as lymphangitis. Infectious lymphadenitis affecting lymph nodes in the neck is often called scrofula.
  Lymphadenopathy is a common and nonspecific sign. Common causes include infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Lymphadenopathy is also frequently idiopathic and self-limiting.
context_section_description: By size, where lymphadenopathy in adults is often defined as a short axis of one or more lymph nodes is greater than 10mm. However, there is regional variation as detailed in this table:
  Lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes can be defined as solid nodes measuring more than 15 mm without fatty hilum. Axillary lymph nodes may be normal up to 30 mm if consisting largely of fat.
  In children, a short axis of 8 mm can be used. However, inguinal lymph nodes of up to 15 mm and cervical lymph nodes of up to 20 mm are generally normal in children up to age 8–12.
  Lymphadenopathy of more than 1.5 cm - 2 cm increases the risk of cancer or granulomatous disease as the cause rather than only inflammation or infection. Still, an increasing size and persistence over time are more indicative of cancer.
caption: Micrograph of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy, a type of lymphadenopathy. H&E stain.
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