Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the lymph nodes throughout the body become swollen. These lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it circulates through the body, as well as aid in immune system functions. They are found in various places, including the neck, groin, chest, and abdomen. Occuring most often in the neck, lymphadenopathy is a result of accumulating fluid and infection fighting cells. This is a common pathology in children and can be caused by many different types of infections. The location of the swollen lymph node is often indicative of the area of infection. The condition may also be related to malignancy or drug reactions. Patients will exhibit redness, tenderness, and swelling of the area, in addition to fever. While the patient's symptoms and history of illness are often enough to diagnose this pathology, other 
tests may be performed to specify the affected node. For example, a biopsy may be conducted, as well as such imaging procedures as CT and MRI. Most often, the lymph node will be palpable, making a non-invasive diagnosis acheivable. Treatment is based on condition and severity of the pathology. Often times the underlying infection will be treated with antibiotics. If the swelling persists, actions may be taken upon the lymph node itself. Lymphadenopathy is rarely fatal; most related deaths are due to malignancy rather than the inflammation itself.http://www.biomedcentral.com/
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_ent/lymphpathy.cfm
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