What does adenopathy refer to?

Adenopathy specifically refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes. This enlargement can occur due to various factors, including infection, inflammation, or malignancy, but the term itself does not imply the cause of the enlargement. It simply indicates that the lymph nodes have increased in size. Understanding this distinction is crucial in medical contexts, as healthcare professionals often need to assess lymph nodes when diagnosing various conditions. The enlargement may be localized, affecting specific lymph nodes in response to an issue in a particular region, or generalized, indicating a systemic problem.