Lymphadenitis
Lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis refers to lymph nodes which are abnormal in size, number or consistency [1] and is often used as a synonym for swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Common causes of lymphadenopathy are infection, autoimmune disease, or malignancy.
Inflammation as a cause of lymph node enlargement is known as lymphadenitis.[2] In practice, the distinction between lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis is rarely made. Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels is also known as lymphangitis.[3] Infectious lymphadenitides affecting lymph nodes in the neck are often called scrofula.
The term comes from the word lymph and a combination of the Greek words αδένας, adenas ("gland") and παθεία, patheia ("act of suffering" or "disease").
Due to its peculiar high incidence, the presence of lymphadenopathy is a particularly important sign on the diagnosis of HIV or even, untreated later stages of the infection, AIDS.