Lymphatic System Disorders and Neoplasms

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering lymphatic system disorders, lymphomas, plasma cell neoplasms, and inflammatory lymphoid conditions.

Lymphadenopathy

The inflammation or infection of lymph nodes, which is the most common disease of the lymphatic system and frequently serves as a common sign of another disease.

General lymphadenopathy

A form of lymphadenopathy that is not manifested as localized pain, but includes systemic symptoms such as fatigue or fever.

Lymphoma

Malignant neoplasms involving lymphocyte proliferation within the lymph nodes.

Hodgkin lymphoma

A malignancy often starting in the lymph nodes of the upper body with an onset usually between $20$ to $40$ years old, presenting with painless, nontender enlarged lymph nodes.

Reed Sternberg cell

An atypical giant cell present in the lymph node that serves as a specific diagnostic marker for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Multiple myeloma

A neoplastic disease of unknown etiology involving mature B lymphocytes, characterized by malignant plasma cells that replace bone marrow, erode bone, impair blood cell and antibody production, and have a median survival of $3$ years.

Lymphedema

Swelling of tissues in the extremities caused by an obstruction of lymphatic vessels and subsequent accumulation of lymph, with its most common form being congenital and occurring most often in women aged $15$ to $25$.

Castleman's disease

A rare illness and group of inflammatory disorders characterized by the overgrowth of lymphoid tissue; it is not considered a cancer, but it is associated with a higher risk of lymphoma.

Unicentric Castleman's disease

A classification of Castleman's disease that only affects a single lymph node, presenting with symptoms like a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or eating, and a large lump in the neck, armpit, or groin.

Multicentric Castleman's disease

A classification of Castleman's disease affecting multiple lymph nodes and involving other organs, characterized by fever, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and unexplained weight loss.