Lymph nodes, also called lymph nodes, are tissues that play an important role in the body's defense system. The lymph node ensures that bacteria or viruses that enter the body are removed without causing infection or other diseases. Lymph node swelling is usually the result of infection by bacteria and viruses. Lymph node swelling may manifest itself in the form of tenderness, pain and a palpable lump where lymph tissues are present. Infection-induced lymph node swelling is a common disease and is generally seen in the head and neck, armpits, groin area, and under the chin. It often causes sore throat, cough and high fever. Although rare, cancer diseases can cause lymph node swelling. A comprehensive doctor's examination and some tests are required for the differential diagnosis of this. By following the continuation of the article, you can have detailed information on the subject of ''Lymph gland swelling''.
What is a Lymph Node?
Lymph node is a lymph node, which takes part in the immune system, is distributed all over the body, and is located outside the body. glands surrounded by a yellow capsule. There are many cells that make up the lymph node; however, the highest number of these cells is the cell called lymphocyte. The main task of the lymph nodes in the body is to defend the body against microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses coming from outside, and to act as a filter. The lymphatic system is an organ system consisting of organs, vessels and lymph nodes spread throughout the body.
Where Are Lymph Nodes Located?
Lymph nodes are also called lymph nodes and lymph nodes and are found throughout the body. . Lymph nodes are loosely connected lymphatic structures approximately the size of a pea. Lymph vessels, on the other hand, carry lymph fluid, nutrients, waste materials between body tissues and the bloodstream. Lymph vessels converge at certain points in the body known as lymph nodes, where they are involved in filtering the blood and performing immune functions. Some lymph tissues are located deep in the body, while others are located under the skin. A number of lymph node groups are located in the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen, and groin. Lymph nodes are also found in organs such as the stomach, small intestine, and spleen.
Why Do Lymph Glands Swell?
Lymph nodes glands can swell for a variety of reasons; however, the main cause of swelling is regional inflammation of the lymph nodes. In addition, proliferation and tumorization of the lymph cells that make up the lymph node can also cause lymph node swelling. For example, in lymphoma, also called lymphoma, lymphatic tissues multiply uncontrollably, which causes lymph node enlargement. The lymph node may also swell when cancer cells come from another organ and settle in the lymph nodes. An example of this is the placement of cancer cells in a woman's breast to the lymph nodes in the armpit. Lymph node swelling can also be seen as a result of a microbial disease, and this is the most common cause of lymph node swelling seen in patients. Any harmful microorganism can attach to the lymphatic tissue and form abscesses and swollen lymph nodes there. The lymph gland to which the microorganism is attached may swell and redden and cause pain. The causes that cause swelling of the lymph nodes are different from each other, depending on this, they give different symptoms and the treatment methods are different. Some of the diseases that cause lymph node swelling are discussed in more detail below.
Infectious Diseases The most common cause of lymph node swelling is some infectious diseases. Some of these infectious diseases are; tonsillitis, ear infection, dental abscess, measles, skin or wound infections. Lymph node inflammation, which develops due to such diseases, usually resolves after a while with antibiotic treatments and does not leave any medical damage. Another infectious disease is mononucleosis (kiss) disease. Mononucleosis, usually caused by the epstein-barr virus, is a contagious infectious disease. Among the most common symptoms are; swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin. Other symptoms of mononucleosis are fever, headache, and skin rash. types can cause lymph node swelling. In the presence of cancer-related lymph node enlargement, patients are usually diagnosed with a palpable swelling in the relevant areas. they apply there. After definitive diagnosis and determination of the cancer stage, routine cancer treatment is applied to the patients.
Scalp Diseases Ringworm, head lice, scalp psoriasis and scalp impetigo disease, which are among the scalp diseases, can cause lymph node swelling. These diseases, which affect the occipital (area from the scalp to the nape) lymph nodes, are mostly contagious and need to be treated quickly. If left untreated, it can progress and cause more serious health problems.
Autoimmune DiseasesAutoimmune diseases refer to the body's immune system cells attacking themselves. Some autoimmune diseases can cause swollen lymph nodes. Some of these diseases are; systemic lupus erythematosus (butterfly disease), amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Lymph Node Swelling
Lymph node swelling, also called lymphadenopathy in medicine, is a common and generally harmless is a situation. Lymph node swelling is mostly caused by microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria and tends to heal quickly with some drug treatments. Lymph node swelling in the neck and under the chin, which is common among patients, may bring to mind the questions "How is neck lymph node swelling understood?", "What are the symptoms of lymph node swelling under the chin?" Lymph node swelling in the neck is the most common form of lymph node swelling. It can be seen as lymph node swelling in only one half or all of the anterior surface of the neck. The most common symptoms of this condition, which indicates a throat infection, include sore throat and cough. In addition, under the chin is among the areas where lymph node swelling is frequently seen. This may be in the form of unilateral lymph node swelling in the chin, as well as bilaterally. Some of the symptoms that may accompany lymph node swelling in general are as follows:
- Swelling, pain and tenderness in the lymph nodes
- Pea-sized or larger lump in the lymph nodes
- Some upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (sore throat, difficulty swallowing, runny nose, etc.)
- High fever
- Night sweats and chills
- Cannot be explained amen weight loss
- Fatigue, weakness
- Stable, hard and rapid growth of lymph nodes, which is a possible sign of cancer
Lymph How Gland Swelling Is Treated?
Lymph node swelling resolves by creating a treatment plan according to the cause. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotic group drugs if deemed necessary by the doctor. However, if the lymph node swelling is of viral origin, antibiotic drugs are not used in this case and doctors may resort to other drug treatments. If swollen lymph nodes do not respond to drug treatments and other complaints are added to the lymph node swelling, this may indicate some more serious diseases. In such a case, doctors may request some tests for a definitive diagnosis. Some of the methods that can be used for diagnosis in the presence of persistent lymph node swelling are as follows:
- Taking a medical history
- Detailed physical examination
- Blood test
- CT ( Computed tomography)
- Biopsy of lymph node tissue
- Antibiotic Treatment: Antibiotic treatment, lymph node due to bacterial infection
- Antifungal Treatment: Antifungal treatment is generally used for the causes of lymph node swelling due to scalp diseases caused by fungi.
- Immune Suppressant Treatment: If lymph node swelling is caused by an autoimmune disease, immunosuppressive treatment is used. treatments are applied.
- Cancer Treatment: If any type of cancer causes lymph swelling, then cancer treatment is applied. cancer treatment; may include medications, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical operations.
- Alternative Treatments: In addition to medical treatments, some home remedies can also be used in lymph node swelling. These; good rest and nutrition, plenty of fluid consumption and the use of some vitamin-mineral supplements.
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