Other imaging tests and clinical history can help in some cases. It is often not possible to tell the cause of the lymph node enlargement without a biopsy. Enlarged lymph nodes can also occur because of spread of cancer, infections, inflammatory conditions or more generalized illnesses. When lymph nodes are markedly enlarged and matted, than lymphoma becomes the main consideration. These infections will often be apparent to the clinical doctor.Įnlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis on CT can therefore have many causes. Ulcers or infections of the skin result in enlarged lymph nodes on CT. These nodes should be differentiated from larger nodes, which are much more well formed. Most often they represent nothing more than the body’s attempt to fight off infection (not just HIV infection, but any infection). They are typically less than a centimeter. Infections like Syphilis, flu, fungus can cause more generalized lymph node enlargement.More systemic conditions will result in more generalized enlarged lymph nodes not isolated to the pelvis.Įnlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis are common when there are infections or inflammatory conditions of the legs and feet. Shotty nodes are smallish, ill-defined nodes. Autoimmune conditions like lupus or arthritis like rheumatoid can cause lymphadenopathy. A 50-year-old man with refractory follicular lymphoma. (letter S, A) and multiple enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes (asterisks, A, B) are also seen. Often there will be a history of cancer or associated findings.Įnlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis on CT can be seen with systemic infections like HIV/AIDS which can cause lymphadenopathy in the body. Small omental nodules associated with fine infiltration of the omental fat producing a smudged appearance can also be encountered. Many types of cancer produce enlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis on CT but some of the more common ones are prostate cancer, gynecological cancer, and cancers of the extremities. Spread of cancer to the lymph nodes in the pelvis is another cause of enlarged lymph nodes. Lymphoma staging often involves imaging the body with CT or PET scan. Lymphoma is a blood cancer and can be limited to the nodes or involve structures outside the lymph nodes. Multiple markedly enlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis that are greater than say 2 centimeters and matted raise concern for something like lymphoma. Unfortunately, distinguishing those lymph nodes that are from benign conditions and cancer may not be possible without biopsy. Enlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis are those which are abnormally shaped or larger than typical. Enlarged lymph nodes on CT in the pelvis can be present because of infections, inflammatory conditions, cancer, or even medications.
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