Lymphadenopathy in a tuberculosis-endemic area : diagnostic pitfalls and suggested approach

Lymphadenopathy is a common presenting complaint, or it may be an incidental finding during examination of a patient. This review focuses on the diagnostic difficulty, common misconceptions and tests that can be applied in the investigation of lymphadenopathy. A diagnostic approach is suggested with regard to the most important causes of peripheral, persistent (>3 weeks) and significant (>1 cm) lymphadenopathy, i.e. tuberculosis, lymphoma and disseminated malignancy.