Does Lymphadenopathy Mean Cancer?

This leads to enlargement of 1 or several lymph nodes, which is known as lymphadenopathy. In a person with cancer, lymphadenopathy can occur when cancer cells travel through the filtration system of lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes.

Is lymphadenopathy always cancer?

Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign of infection by bacteria or viruses. In a small percentage of cases, though, the swelling can be caused by cancer.

What cancers cause lymphadenopathy?

In most cases, only one area of nodes swells at a time. When more than one area of lymph nodes is swollen it's called generalized lymphadenopathy. Some infections (such as strep throat and chicken pox), certain medicines, immune system diseases, and cancers like lymphoma and leukemia can cause this kind of swelling.