When Are Lymph Nodes Dangerous?
Lymph nodes are organs that are widely found in our body and play a role in our defense system. Generally, sizes up to 1 cm are considered normal. However, this limit is accepted as 1.5 cm in the neck and inguinal region, and half a centimeter in the epitrochlear region.
Why Do Lymph Nodes Enlarge?
Lymph node enlargement can be a symptom of many different diseases such as infections, drug hypersensitivity, rheumatic diseases and cancers. The underlying cause may be a viral disease that does not require treatment, or it may be a lymph cancer that will require chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, when lymph node enlargement is noticed, the underlying cause must be investigated.
How to Understand the Cause?
To investigate the cause of lymph nodes, an appropriate physical examination, laboratory tests, environmental blood smear examination and imaging methods should be performed according to the patient's age, disease history, medications used, size, duration, location and accompanying symptoms of the lymph node.
When Should a Hematologist Be Consulted?
In very large sized growths that do not regress with 2-3 weeks of observation or antibiotic treatment, or in lymph node enlargements in more than one region at the same time, lymph node enlargement is accompanied by complaints such as fever, weight loss, weakness, night sweats. In this case, a hematologist's opinion should be obtained.
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