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Review
. 2022 Oct 24;14(10):e30623.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.30623. eCollection 2022 Oct.

The Evaluation of Lymphadenopathy in a Resource-Limited Setting

Mohammed Ali  1 , Ahmed Elhatw  2 , Mai Hegazy  3 , Hossam Albeyoumi  4 , Noha Sakr  5 , Ashrakat M Deyab  6 , Ammar Yasser Soliman  7 , Ebram Said  8 , Ahmad Samir Elbehwashy  9 , Mahmoud Nassar  10 , Mostafa Alfishawy  11
Affiliations
Review

The Evaluation of Lymphadenopathy in a Resource-Limited Setting

Mohammed Ali et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy (LAP) refers to abnormalities in the size or consistency of lymph nodes. A wide range of etiologies contributes to the difficulty in diagnosing LAP, from mild self-limited viral infections to grave autoimmune diseases and malignancies. Detailed history-taking and a thorough physical examination are essential. Some physicians in developing countries may consider therapeutic testing. Certain groups may require additional evaluations and special treatment. When treating LAP, the etiology is targeted, but corticosteroids should not be administered before a complete diagnosis has been established due to their ability to mask the histological diagnosis of lymphoma and malignancy. This review aims to provide more straightforward and affordable methods available in almost all healthcare settings, especially those with limited resources.

Keywords: clinical evaluation; etiology and treatment; lymph node lesion; peripheral lymphadenopathy; reactive lymphadenopathy; resource-limited setting; unilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Pathway to diagnosis to manage unexplained LAP
CBC: complete blood count, WBCs: White blood cells, HBsAg: hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV: human immunodeficiency virus, PPD: purified protein derivative, RPR: rapid plasma regain, HIV: human immunodeficiency virus, ANA: antinuclear antibody
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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