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Although lymph node biopsies are not always necessary, doctors must perform them to diagnose conditions such as cancer.Īn individual may need to see several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. They will then send this sample for laboratory testing. Lymph node biopsy: In this surgical procedure, doctors remove all or part of a swollen lymph node.These scans can also help with planning lymph node biopsies. CT scans: Doctors may use a CT scan to check whether an individual has other swollen lymph nodes.Tests include complete blood counts, complete metabolic panel, and fungal serologies. Blood tests: Doctors may use a blood sample for testing in a laboratory.This information includes a swollen lymph node’s size, firmness, and potential pain. Detailed physical exam: Doctors can gather useful information from a physical exam.Doctors may recommend the following tests: Swollen lymph nodes can show up in imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans.īecause so many different conditions cause lymphadenopathy, doctors can find it challenging to diagnose the cause. An individual with swollen popliteal lymph nodes may feel a lump in their popliteal fossa. Learn about cancer in the lymph nodes here.ĭoctors can diagnose swollen lymph nodes based on a physical exam. Moreover, an older study notes that it is rare for cancers to spread to the popliteal lymph nodes. However, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), most swollen lymph nodes are due to a condition that is not cancer. However, other cancers can spread to the lymph nodes, from leukemia to neck cancer. These include lymphomas, which are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes. Several cancers can cause lymphadenopathy. Swollen popliteal lymph nodes may also be due to cancer. For example, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can cause lymphadenopathy. Lymphoproliferative conditions: Lymphoproliferative conditions are when the immune system produces too many lymphocytes.These conditions include sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune conditions: Some autoimmune conditions can cause dysfunctions with immune cells.These include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Infections: Several types of infection can cause lymphadenopathy.Some possible causes of swollen popliteal lymph nodes include: Lymphocytes are special types of white blood cells, a kind of immune system cell.Īccording to a 2022 review, many health conditions can cause lymphocytes to accumulate. It arises when too many lymphocytes accumulate within the lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy is swelling of the lymph nodes.
