mesenteric lymphadenopathy
Pronunciation: mez-en-TER-ik lim-fad-en-OP-ah-thee
Enlargement of lymph nodes within the mesentery, often indicating malignancy or inflammatory disease.
Full Definition
Mesenteric lymphadenopathy refers to abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes located within the mesentery of the small and large bowel. In the context of gastrointestinal oncology, enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes may represent regional metastases from primary bowel malignancies, requiring careful staging evaluation. However, reactive lymphadenopathy can also occur due to inflammatory conditions, infections, or other benign processes. Size criteria and morphologic characteristics on imaging, combined with clinical context, help determine the significance and need for tissue sampling.
Usage
Usage note: Size and morphology should be described in imaging reports.
In Context
- "CT imaging demonstrated extensive mesenteric lymphadenopathy suggestive of nodal metastases from the colonic primary." — Staging report
- "The mesenteric lymphadenopathy was sampled during surgical resection for pathologic confirmation." — Operative note