Neck Lymph nodes are a part of the immune system called the lymphatic system, which spreads to almost every part of the body. Most of us are familiar with glands growing under the ears, on both sides of the neck, on the chin and armpits.
What is Neck Lymph Node?
Usually swollen glands are the result of a regional infection. The reason for this is the increase in the number of warrior cells (lymphocyte-antibody). Generally, those up to 1 cm in diameter can be considered normal. Older ones should be followed closely. They are grouped under the chin on the neck, in front and behind the ears, on the midline and sides of the neck, and above, middle and below the largest muscle in the neck.
If there is an event that has the potential to harm the body anywhere in the head and neck, these glands become larger. Most of the cancers try to spread through the lymphatic ways and are stuck in the neck glands for a long time. In fact, this also applies to other parts of the body. Usually, lymph nodes belonging to the area around the cancer are involved. Then it spreads widely.
You don't have to worry about every enlarged lymph node. Infections are usually predominant in children. When your tooth abscesses, the swollen glands under your chin or the enlarged glands due to tonsil infection disappear after a while. It should not be confused with diseases of the thyroid gland (goiter, etc.) located in the midline of the neck.
How to differentiate?
The following is often present in those caused by infection.
1) Pain2) Recently 3) Having redness on the overlying skin4) The source of infection being visible (tonsils, adenoids, sinusitis, oral cavity etc..)5) Being soft on examination
Possible features of those caused by cancer
1) Age of the patient (over 40) )2) Presence for weeks-months3) Absence of pain4) Being hard5) Feeling more than one gland with a rubbery consistency that seems to be sticking to each other6) Presence at the lower level of the ear7) The patient's history of smoking and alcohol use
A detailed examination of the ENT physician is required. If infection is predicted (most of them are in this group), drug treatment is given and followed closely. If necessary k immediate and radiological examination is requested. If a tumor is considered, the possible origins are thoroughly examined. Head and neck radiological examinations are requested. Biopsies are taken from possible exit sites. Fine-needle biopsy can also be performed above the mass. According to the results of the examination, surgery or other treatment methods are applied.
A third possibility in swellings on the neck is the presence of congenital masses. Although these are usually noticed at a young age, they sometimes do not appear until later ages.
They may swell and appear when infected. They can cause discharge from the skin. These are masses, not lymph nodes (glands). They are good-natured. They are usually located in the midline of the neck. Their treatment is surgery.
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