2. Examination of the
Lymphatic System
Utilizes inspection and palpation.
Generally examined region by region during
the examination of the other body systems.
Always ask patients if they are aware of any
“lumps”.
3. Examination of the Lymphatic System
Inspect:
any visible nodes for:
• edema
• erythema
Palpate:
the superficial nodes
compare side to side for:
• size
• consistency
• mobility
• discrete borders or
matted
• tenderness
• warmth
4. Nodal Character and Size
Hard and painless nodes have higher suspicion of
malignancy or granulomatous disease.
Viral infection typically produces hyperplastic nodes
that are bilateral, mobile, nontender, and clearly
demarcated.
Increasing size and persistence over time are of
greater concern for malignancy than a specific level
of nodal enlargement.
5. Differential Diagnosis of Nodes
CANCER
Firm, hard
Non-movable
No fever
Not painful
INFECTION
Soft
Movable
Fever
Painful
6. Examination of the
Lymphatic System
If an enlarged lymph node is found,
examine:
P Primary site
A All associated nodes
L Liver
S Spleen
8. Examination of Lymph Nodes
Small, mobile, discrete, nontender nodes are common
and termed shotty
Nodes are abnormal if greater than 1 cm and/or present
greater than one month
Hard nodes suggest malignancy
Tender nodes suggest infection
Rubbery nodes suggest lymphoma
9. Age Related Variations
Infants and Children
Commonly find small, discreet, firm, movable nodes in
occipital, postauricular, cervical and inguinal chains . . .
should not be warm or tender
shape usually ovoid or globular
often referred to as “shotty nodes”
May find enlarged postauricular and occipital nodes in
children < 2 years old
15. Palpation of Axillary Lymph Nodes
When examining the left axilla,
grasp the patient's left wrist or
elbow with your left hand and lift
their arm up and out laterally.
Then use your right hand to
examine the axillary region as
described above.
This technique permits the
patient's arm to remain
completely relaxed, minimizing
tension in surrounding tissues
that can mask otherwise enlarged
lymph nodes.
16. Palpation of Axillary Lymph Nodes
When examining the right axilla,
grasp the patient's right wrist or
elbow with your right hand and lift
their arm up and out laterally.
Then use your left hand to
examine the axillary region as
described above.
18. Axillary Lymphadenopathy
Most of cases are nonspecific or reactive to local
injury/infection in etiology.
Persistent lymphadenopathy is less commonly found
in the axillary nodes than in the inguinal chain.
Breast adenocarcinoma often metastasis initially
to the anterior and central axillary nodes, which may
be palpable before discovery of the primary tumor.
19. Generalized Lymphadenopathy
Generalized lymphadenopathy : lymphadenopathy
found in two or more distinct anatomic regions
More likely to result from serious infections,
autoimmune diseases, and disseminated
malignancies.
Specific testing is usually required.
Generalized adenopathy infrequently occurs in pt’s
with neoplasms, but it is occasionally seen in
patients with leukemias and lymphomas, or
advanced disseminated metastatic solid tumors.
20. Causes of Generalized Lymphadenopathy
Malignancy: lymphoma, leukemia or metastases.
Autoimmune: SLE, RA or Sjogren’s syndrome.
Infectious: Brucellosis, Cat-scratch disease, CMV,
HIV, EBV, Rubella, Tuberculosis, Typhoid Fever,
Syphilis or viral hepatitis.
Other: Kawasaki’s disease, sarcoidosis,
amyloidosis, lipid storage diseases or
hyperthyroidism