Characteristics of Inflamed Lymph Nodes

Clinical Presentation

The American Thoracic Society notes that lymphadenopathy due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is generally not tender, which is an important distinguishing feature 1
Lymphoma, including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types, can present with painless adenopathy 2
Tuberculous lymphadenitis can cause significant adenopathy without marked pain 2
The size of lymph nodes is important, with nodes >1 cm generally being considered abnormal, and >1.5 cm in children increasing the risk of malignancy or chronic infection 1
The American College of Cardiology is not mentioned in this context, however, the American Thoracic Society provides guidance on NTM lymphadenopathy 1

In post-breast cancer lymphedema, patients are at higher risk of cellulitis, which is painful and requires urgent antibiotics 3, 4
In children, Kawasaki disease presents with cervical lymphadenopathy (≥1.5 cm) that may be firm and slightly tender or non-tender 5, 1
NTM lymphadenitis in children aged 1-5 years is typically unilateral and non-tender, helping to distinguish it from bacterial infections 1

For painful lymph nodes with signs of acute infection (rapid onset, fever, erythema), consider antibiotics for bacterial lymphadenitis 1
Painless, hard, or persistent lymph nodes >4 weeks require imaging studies and possible biopsy, as per general medical guidelines, although the specific society is not mentioned in this context 2