Otitis

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Causes and symptoms of lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy of peripheral lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are integral part of the immune system.

Their inflammation may indicate a disease of any organ or the body as a whole.

In this case, you need to seek help from a specialist, since axillary lymphadenopathy may be only the first sign of any disease.

What is lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the size of lymphatic vessels of various origins increases.

In 75% of cases, with this disease, inflammation Only one lymph node is affected.

Most often, lymphadenopathy occurs in the axillary or .

Sometimes ordinary inflammation of the lymph nodes is confused with a disease called lymphadenitis. They are similar, but have one difference. With lymphadenitis, in places where lymphatic vessels are enlarged, accumulations of pus form, which is more dangerous to human health.

Features of the disease in the axillary region

There are several forms of the disease depending on severity:

Localized(inflammation occurs in only one lymph node);
Regional(several lymphatic vessels increase in one or two adjacent zones);
Generalized(affects three or more nodes in several different areas).

The localized form is the most common(more than 70% of the population). Generalized lymphadenopathy is considered the most dangerous type.

Also varies acute and chronic form of the disease. In the acute form, sites of inflammation of the lymph nodes are accompanied by pain, swelling and increased body temperature. Chronic lymphadenopathy is asymptomatic for a long time.

Inflammation of the lymphatic system is first sign of serious illness. Thus, unilateral (right or left) enlargement of lymph nodes may indicate diseases such as:

Breast carcinoma;
Bodice;
Brucellosis.

The appearance of so-called “bumps” in the axillary region on the left and right simultaneously (bilateral lymphadenopathy) indicates about the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Reasons

Other causes of lymphadenopathy in the axillary area include:

Symptoms

The main signs of lymphadenopathy include:

Almost the same symptoms may indicate.

Diagnostics

In order to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective course of treatment, you will need determine the cause of lymph node inflammation. Since lymphadenopathy may be just a symptom of another serious disease.

Typically, the following series of standard studies are performed for diagnosis:

UAC and OAM;
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity;
Tumor markers;
Radiography;
Biochemical blood test;
Serological tests for EBV, CMV, toxoplasmosis and HIV;
Taking a sample for tuberculosis.

Sometimes additional lymph node biopsy.

Look ultrasound procedure video for lymphadenopathy of the axillary region:

Differences between adult and childhood illnesses

Currently the disease Children under 12 years of age are more susceptible. This is because the lymphatic system is considered immature. Although the development of lymph nodes begins when the child is still in the womb.

The first year of a child's life is considered critical as the rapid enlargement of the lymph nodes begins, which are difficult to palpate.

In adulthood, lymphadenopathy is easier to detect than in adolescence or at birth.

The only difference is difficulty of detection, everything else depends on the location, severity and cause of occurrence.

Treatment

The method of treatment is determined after receiving the results of examinations, interviewing the patient and making a diagnosis.

Treatment depends only on the identified cause of the disease:

If this is the reason infectious nature, then a course of drugs aimed at combating the virus (for example, Acyclovir; Rimantadine) or antibacterial drugs (Amoxiclav; Ceftriaxone; Clindamycin) is prescribed.
If the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes is oncological diseases, then a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is prescribed.

They also conduct a course of physiotherapy:

Sometimes treatment of lymphadenopathy requires surgical intervention.

Some have a preference folk medicine, in which for recovery they use:

Herbal decoctions;
Echinacea tincture;
Warming the lymph nodes.

Attention! Warming is strictly prohibited if adenophlegmon develops, the presence of tuberculosis and a tumor in an enlarged lymph node or signs of intoxication of the body (fever, headaches).

Traditional methods of treatment can be used only after a final diagnosis has been made, in therapy with antibacterial drugs and with the permission of a doctor.

Prevention

To prevent the onset of disease several rules should be followed:

Axillary lymphadenopathy is inflammatory process in the lymph nodes. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are just a symptom of a more serious disease. Timely treatment, as well as preventive measures, will help maintain health.

The lymphatic system in the body is responsible for cleansing tissues of toxins, draining excess fluid from cells, and protecting the body from harmful substances, viruses and bacteria. This system consists of vessels and lymph nodes, which are located along the course of these vessels. It is these nodes that are the first to encounter unwanted guests - toxins, allergens, bacteria or viruses. Therefore, lymphadenopathy, or enlarged lymph nodes, is a sign that the body is fighting an antigen. The reasons for this increase may be a number of other causes or life-threatening diseases. Therefore, at the first manifestations of lymphadenopathy, you should consult a doctor.

Possible causes of enlarged lymph nodes

Infection. Lymphadenopathy can be provoked by the introduction of viruses or bacteria into the lymph node itself and the reactive enlargement of the node to the infectious process in the adjacent area (reactive lymphadenopathy). For example, axillary lymphadenitis (axillary lymphadenopathy) can accompany hidradenitis (inflammation of the sweat gland under the armpit), inguinal lymphadenopathy (enlarged inguinal lymph nodes) can be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection, and submandibular lymphadenitis (enlarged submandibular lymph nodes or submandibular lymphadenopathy) can be a symptom of tonsillitis, pulpitis or pharyngitis . Generalized infections accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes include tuberculosis, brucellosis, syphilis, HIV, viral hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, infectious mononucleosis (more common in children) and others.
Tumors. Enlargement of lymph nodes during a tumor process can be both a symptom of a malignant process in the lymph nodes themselves, and a manifestation of metastatic lesions in cancer or leukemia.
Immunoproliferation. This is a process that occurs in the lymph node and is accompanied by rapid growth of immune cells and proliferation of node tissue. It is not associated with either infection or tumors. May occur with autoimmune diseases or lymphogranulomatosis.

What are the types of lymphadenopathy?

Depending on the location and extent of spread of enlarged lymph nodes, several types of lymphadenopathy are distinguished:

Symptoms of lymphadenopathy

To establish the exact cause of enlarged lymph nodes, a complete examination of the patient is necessary. Sometimes the correct collection of complaints, medical history and examination of the patient gives a complete picture of the disease. Often, enlarged lymph nodes are accompanied by specific symptoms, such as:

Manifestations on the skin and mucous membranes (rash, hemorrhages, scratches, ulcers, animal bites). Such manifestations may indicate the infectious nature of lymphadenitis.
Enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly). As a rule, such a symptom complex accompanies viral diseases (infectious mononucleosis) and blood cancer (lymphocytic leukemia).
Pain in the joints, limitation of movements in them. As a rule, articular syndrome in combination with lymphadenopathy accompanies connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).
Fever. An increase in body temperature is a sign of any inflammatory or infectious process. The combination of fever, profuse night sweats and lymphadenitis speaks in favor of lymphogranulomatosis.
Respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis), along with enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes, can become manifestations of a tumor process in the chest or tuberculosis.
Submandibular, postauricular or anterior cervical lymphadenopathy and symptoms from the ENT organs (sore throat, nasal congestion, ear pain, headache) speak in favor of sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis and other ENT diseases.
Symptoms from the genital organs (pain during urination or sexual intercourse, discharge from the genital organs) in combination with inguinal lymphadenopathy are signs of a urogenital infection.

Treatment of lymphadenopathy

After all diagnostic measures have been carried out and a diagnosis has been made, treatment can begin. Therapeutic tactics will depend on the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes. In case of an infectious lesion, this is antiviral or antibacterial therapy; in case of a tumor lesion of the body, treatment is carried out in a specialized hematology or oncology department.

Many known human diseases at different ages of life are accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes or an inflammatory reaction of the lymphatic system. This reaction is often the body’s response to infection and is protective.

But there is a group of diseases when the increase or hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue does not have a protective function, but is a reflection of the lymphoproliferative process, which has completely different pathomorphological signs and symptoms that distinguish these diseases from banal bacterial lymphadenitis. This article will cover the topic of lymphadenopathy, which combines both of these concepts.

Lymph nodes are morphological formations that perform diverse functions, primarily immune. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which, in addition to these formations, includes lymphatic vessels and parenchymal organs involved in immune reactions.

Lymph nodes are peculiar collectors of lymph drainage pathways from the corresponding areas of the body. Often, with various diseases of infectious or other origin (for example, tumor), an enlargement of lymph nodes or their groups in combination with other signs and symptoms is observed.

Enlarged lymph nodes of an inflammatory nature are called “lymphadenitis”. In this case, as a rule, it is possible to find a connection between inflammation of the lymph node and a recent infectious disease or exacerbation of a chronic process.

Unlike lymphadenitis, lymphadenopathy is a concept that includes any pathology of the lymph nodes, and is often used as a term reflecting a preliminary diagnosis that requires further clarification.

Lymph nodes are located along the drainage of lymph from organs and tissues and are often anatomically located in groups. In various diseases, isolated damage to one lymph node may be observed, or lymphadenopathy may occur, which involves a certain number of lymphatic formations of one or more anatomical areas.

Classification of lymphadenopathy

There are several classifications of lymphadenopathy, based on different principles. The main one is the following:

If one lymph node (or several nearby) is enlarged, lymphadenopathy is called regional. Accordingly, this lymphadenopathy is localized in nature.

Localized lymphadenopathy may be non-tumor(more often) and tumor genesis (lymphomas, leukemia and other lymphoproliferative blood diseases).

If a simultaneous increase in lymphatic formations and nodes located in different and distant anatomical areas (two or more) is diagnosed, they speak of generalized lymphadenopathy.

Using another classification of diseases associated with enlarged lymph nodes, it can be noted that all lymphadenopathy is divided into two large groups - tumor and non-tumor.

In order to accurately say which lymph nodes are considered normal, consultation with a specialist is necessary. The following signs will help you suspect pathology of the lymph nodes.

The main signs and symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), regardless of the nature of the disease:

Increased size of the lymph node. First of all, an enlarged lymph node (or several lymphoid formations) can be felt or palpated by the person himself, or lymphadenopathy is detected during a medical examination. The normal size of a lymph node depends primarily on the person’s age, the location of the lymph node, the state of his lymphatic system, and recent illnesses.

Soreness of the lymph node. With lymphadenitis, as a rule, the lymph node is painful to the touch and may be warmer than the surrounding skin. In severe cases, with purulent melting of the lymph node, symptoms of fluctuation and severe pain are possible.

With lymphadenopathy, varying degrees of soreness of the nodes may also be observed. But painless (less painful) enlargement of the lymph nodes is often encountered, even when their size is very significant and the lymph nodes are visible to the eye. Therefore, the presence or absence of pain in the lymph node does not provide grounds for drawing final conclusions about the severity and nature of the disease.

Lymph node density. The density of the lymph nodes may vary; normal lymph nodes are palpated as formations of moderate density. With lymphadenopathy and other diseases of the lymph nodes, they can acquire pathological density.

Displacement in relation to neighboring tissues. When palpated or palpated, the lymph nodes can easily move or be immovably fused with surrounding tissues, formations and other lymph nodes. This symptom is very important for making a preliminary diagnosis for lymphadenopathy of various origins, but can also only be assessed by a doctor.

The color of the skin over the lymphatic formations. The skin over the lymph nodes with lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis may change its color (become red, or hyperemic, with a bluish tint) or remain unchanged. Therefore, this symptom is very important and is assessed when examining a patient with lymphadenopathy.

Changes in the shape of the lymph nodes, visible to the eye. With a significant degree of lymphadenopathy, severe inflammation with lymphadenitis, or in combination with the structural features of this area of the body, the lymph nodes may become visible to the eye. Sometimes the degree of enlargement can be quite significant (conglomerates of several fused lymph nodes in lymphomas). Often the first symptom that forces a person to see a doctor is an increase in the area of the lymph node.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)

Each group of lymph nodes is responsible for a specific anatomical area. Depending on which lymph node is enlarged, it is often possible to draw a definite conclusion about what was the root cause of the lymphadenopathy. Let's consider the possible reasons for the enlargement of different groups of lymph nodes.

Submandibular lymphadenopathy- one of the frequent companions of many diseases associated with inflammation of the lymphopharyngeal ring and ENT organs, especially manifested by purulent melting of tissue (abscess). Diseases of the lower jaw, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gums and oral cavity are often accompanied by submandibular lymphadenopathy.

Inguinal lymphadenitis(local lymphadenopathy) can be caused by the following diseases and processes:

syphilitic infection caused by a specific pathogen - Treponema pallidum;
mycoplasma infection of the genital organs;
damage by staphylococcus and other bacterial flora;
candida infection;
genital warts when infected;
chancroid;
gonorrhea;
HIV infection;
chlamydia of the genital organs.

Generalized lymphadenopathy non-tumor character may be caused by the following reasons:

HIV infection (a disease caused by the immunodeficiency virus) during the acute phase of the infectious process often occurs in the form of widespread enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Infections with viral infections such as rubella, CMV (cytomegalovirus), toxoplasma and herpes simplex viruses often manifest as generalized lymphadenopathy.
Lymphadenopathy resulting from a reaction to vaccines and serums.

Factors that are important when determining the cause of non-tumor lymphadenopathy:

The presence of trauma, wounds of the extremities, erysipelas of the skin.
Association of enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) with known local or generalized infections.
Cases of consumption of poorly thermally processed meat, fish, milk (infections transmitted by food).
Professional characteristics - work related to agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting, processing of hides and meat.
Contact with a patient with tuberculosis and possible infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
History of blood transfusion, drug addiction using intravenous infusions.
Frequent change of sexual partners, homosexuality.
Use of medications over time (certain groups of antibiotics, antihypertensive and anticonvulsants).

Another large group of generalized lymphadenopathy is lymph node involvement tumor character:

hemoblastoses and tumor processes of lymphoid tissue (lymphoma) Hodgkin and others, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia;
distant metastatic lesions of the lymph nodes from tumors located in the tissues of the lung, uterus, mammary glands, prostate, stomach, intestines, as well as tumors of almost all locations.

Enlarged lymph nodes are called lymphadenopathy. They are located in groups; with lymphadenopathy, either one or several nodes can enlarge. If the pathology immediately affects a group of nodes, for example, in the abdominal cavity, the disorder is called regional. Regional lymphadenopathy is a symptom of a number of pathologies, but not an independent disease. It is necessary to treat not enlarged lymph nodes, but the cause of their enlargement, which only a specialist can identify.

The pathology is characterized by a general loss of strength and constant malaise

The disease is treated with antibacterial drugs.

Rat bites

Enlargement of regional lymph nodes can be caused by diseases resulting from rat bites, such as sodoku and streptobacillosis. Sodoku develops as a result of infection with spirilla from rodents. Severe inflammation appears at the site of the bite, and necrosis of the affected tissue subsequently develops. The disease is accompanied by high fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. The pathology is paroxysmal in nature. The attack lasts about 4 days and then goes away on its own, but after 2-3 days it starts again. The disease must be treated with antibacterial drugs and medication for syphilis, otherwise there is a risk of severe complications, including death.

Streptobacillosis has similar symptoms, but when a person is bitten, they become infected with a different pathogen. The disease occurs in an acute form and requires antibacterial therapy. The mortality rate for infection with streptobacillosis and sodoku is 10%.

According to ICD-10, these diseases are designated by code M25.1.

Tuberculosis

Regional lymphadenopathy of the abdominal cavity can develop against the background of tuberculosis

Induration in the area of the lymph nodes is one of the first symptoms of tuberculosis. With this disease, inflammation of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes is observed; the thoracic and abdominal ones are less commonly affected. The pathology requires long-term antibacterial therapy with several potent drugs. It is worth noting that enlarged lymph nodes can be the only symptom of tuberculosis for a long time.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor, first of all you should visit a therapist. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and order tests. The necessary examinations depend on which regional lymph nodes are enlarged. Usually ultrasound is used in the area around the affected organ - the thyroid gland, abdominal cavity, chest, etc.

Enlarged lymph nodes are not an independent disease, so the doctor’s task is to identify the root cause of this disorder.

It is necessary to take a biochemical blood test. This will allow you to identify hidden infections. The list of necessary studies depends on the symptoms and general health of the patient. For lymphadenopathy, CT, MRI, X-ray with contrast, blood and urine tests are used.

Treatment principle

Lymphadenopathy is only a symptom and therefore does not require specific treatment. No homeopathic, folk or medication will help with enlarged lymph nodes until the underlying disease is identified and treated.

In the case of infectious and viral causes of lymphadenopathy, the patient is prescribed antiviral drugs and immunomodulators. If the disease is bacterial in nature, it is necessary to take antibacterial drugs specially selected by the doctor.

Enlarged lymph nodes may occur due to fungal infections affecting the body, and in such cases it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment with antifungals.

In the case of the autoimmune nature of the disease (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), the attack of the underlying disease should first be stopped with the help of glucocorticoids and other drugs.

In case of abdominal lymphadenopathy, it is necessary to examine the vessels that supply blood to the internal organs. If they become excessively wide, surgical intervention may be indicated. As a last resort, the affected lymph node is removed.

Quite often in life we encounter such a manifestation as enlarged lymph nodes. Most often this occurs in the axillary region or behind the ear, but there are other more serious locations of the lesion. In medicine, such a disease is referred to as lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes and, having seen such a diagnosis in history, many patients do not know that this is not a specific ailment, but only a sign of another more serious illness.

Lymphadenopathy of lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy is usually divided according to classifications such as location and degree of damage. We will consider the first characteristic a little later in more detail, but for now we will briefly explain the second. There are three types of disease on this basis:

localized;
regional;
generalized.

Most often, doctors diagnose the first type of lymphadenopathy - in 75% of cases, only one lymph node is affected. With the regional subtype of the disease, all or several lymph nodes in one area or in two adjacent ones are affected. The most dangerous type is generalized lymphadenopathy, which is characterized by inflammation of the lymph nodes in several non-overlapping zones.

Symptoms characteristic of the disease

The symptoms of this disease are very different and they depend on the cause of the inflammatory process. For example, the most characteristic is the appearance of “bumps” on the affected lymph node, the palpation of which brings unpleasant sensations, even severe pain. The lymph nodes of the muscle area, groin or neck become inflamed. In this case, you can visually detect redness of the skin.

The second type of lymph nodes is visceral. If they are affected, it is much more difficult to detect the inflammatory process, since the lymph nodes of the porta hepatis or mesenteric nodes are located in hard-to-reach places. And here it is no longer possible to do without diagnostic methods within the walls of the laboratory.

The main symptoms of the disease include the following:

swelling, rapid increase in body temperature, pain (an acute form of the disease, which can develop into phlegmon if the resulting cavity is not opened);
slight pain or complete absence of symptoms (in the chronic form);
weight loss;
enlarged spleen or liver;
increased sweating;
enlarged lymph nodes.

Cervical lymphadenopathy: causes

The causes of inflammation of the nodes that collect lymph in the neck can be infectious or non-infectious. Most often this is:

As we can see, cervical lymphadenopathy has a variety of causes, therefore, regardless of the symptoms and degree of discomfort, if you have the slightest suspicion, you should immediately contact your physician. This will help quickly localize the disease and prevent a more serious illness.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy: causes

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mediastinum very often has an oncological background. Therefore, the main causes of such lymphadenopathy are:

lymphomas;
corcinomas with metastases;
malignant tumors of the thyroid gland or gastrointestinal tract, mammary glands;
bronchogenic lung cancer;
tuberculosis;
metastatic lung cancer (mediastinal lymphadenopathy in 80% of all cases has this cause).

Axillary lymphadenopathy: causes

Axillary lymphadenopathy

This area of the disease is one of the most common. Surely, every person has encountered a similar phenomenon in life: the axillary region reacts painfully to touch, palpation diagnoses the appearance of swelling. This means that the immune system has begun the active phase of fighting the infection that has entered the body.

But there is another more dangerous cause of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes - the proliferation of tumor cells. To avoid irreversible consequences, you need to consult a doctor if the slightest sign of hyperplasia appears, and not self-medicate.

Let's look at other reasons that may cause axillary lymphadenopathy:

Inflammation of the sweat glands or blockage of both hair follicles and glands responsible for sweating (when self-medicating such abscesses at home) due to the use of low-quality deodorants, non-compliance with hygiene standards, etc.;
The appearance of various wounds or boils in the area of the shoulders, chest or arms;
Skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema;
HIV infection (in this case, enlarged lymph nodes are one of the first symptoms);
Various forms of mastopathy in female patients;
Childhood diseases (measles, infectious mononucleosis or chickenpox);
Serious infectious diseases (tuberculosis, syphilis, plague);
Systemic diseases (rheumatism);
Oncological diseases (in particular, breast cancer is one of the most common forms in the field of oncology).

What does lymphadenopathy treatment mean?

Undoubtedly, if the slightest signs of such a syndrome appear, it is necessary to conduct a high-quality diagnosis to determine the cause. Only after installing it can the doctor prescribe the first treatment. This means that self-medication is unacceptable. To completely get rid of the symptoms of lymphadenopathy, you just need to cure the disease that caused it. Then the pain and swelling will disappear on their own, without any additional manipulation.
After determining the true cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes, the patient will undergo further treatment from an infectious disease specialist, oncologist, endocrinologist or urologist. In rare cases, lymphadenopathy requires surgery to remove the affected lymph node.

Main advice: constant measures to improve immunity are the best way to avoid such an unpleasant disease as lymphadenopathy.