What is lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum?
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is the swelling of lymph nodes in the chest, specifically the mediastinum (the area between the lungs containing the heart, trachea, and esophagus). Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is a sign of an underlying disease or infection.
What does reactive mediastinal lymph nodes mean?
Reactive lymph nodes are a sign that your lymphatic system is working hard to protect you. Lymph fluid builds up in lymph nodes in an effort to trap bacteria, viruses, or other harmful pathogens. This helps to keep the infection from spreading to other parts of your body.
What can cause mediastinal lymphadenopathy?
The most common causes of bilateral hilar adenopathy include sarcoidosis and lymphoma. Other less common causes include pulmonary edema and rheumatologic lung disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What are symptoms of mediastinal lymphadenopathy?
Mediastinal nodes may cause cough, wheezing, dysphagia, airway erosion with hemoptysis, atelectasis, and the obstruction of the great vessels, which constitutes superior vena cava syndrome. Airway compromise may be life threatening.
What is the treatment for mediastinal lymphadenopathy?
Doctors initially treat mediastinal lymphadenopathy with antibiotics. If malignancy is suspected due to symptoms such as persistent fevers or weight loss, a biopsy may be considered.
How is mediastinal lymphadenopathy treated?
How is mediastinal lymphadenopathy treated?
- Doctors initially treat mediastinal lymphadenopathy with antibiotics.
- If malignancy is suspected due to symptoms such as persistent fevers or weight loss, a biopsy may be considered.
Can lymphoma be diagnosed with a CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) scan This scan can help tell if any lymph nodes or organs in your body are enlarged. CT scans are useful for looking for lymphoma in the abdomen, pelvis, chest, head, and neck. CT-guided needle biopsy: A CT can also be used to guide a biopsy needle into a suspicious area.