What is a disease of a lymph node?

A disease of a lymph node often refers to lymphadenopathy, which is the enlargement of lymph nodes due to infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancers such as lymphoma or metastatic disease. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected area. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the underlying cause.