Lymphadenopathy

The aim of this topic is to gain familiarity with the common neoplasms involving the lymphoid system and to correlate the clinical features of these diseases with the underlying pathology.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this topic you should be able to:

1. Describe the normal anatomy of the lymphoid system, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus.
2. Outline the ontogeny of T and B cells, and the laboratory methods used to recognise them.
3. Describe the common causes of lymphadenopathy, and discuss clinical features that may provide information regarding the likely aetiology.
4. Describe the major differences between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
5. Outline the common classifications of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
6. Describe the staging of lymphomas, and the investigations required to determine the extent of organ involvement.
7. Discuss the aetiological factors involved in the pathogenesis of lymphomas.
8. Indicate the appropriate investigation of a patient with lymphadenopathy.
9. Describe the pathogenesis of the common local and systemic complications of lymphomas.

1. Discuss the prognostic factors in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
2. Outline an appropriate sequence of investigations to determine the cause of persistent cervical lymphadenopathy.

Case protocol associated with this topic - 24

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