[Lymphadenopathy - infection or malignancy?].

A persistent lymphadenopathy poses a diagnostic challenge for physicians. A wide variety of different diseases can manifest with enlarged lymph nodes. The most common causes are infections and other non-malignant conditions, but it is important not to overlook warning signs of a malignant disease to avoid delaying further diagnostics and therapy. This article provides an overview of the most important diagnostic steps as well as the most common differential diagnoses in adult patients.