Lymphadenopathy of the soft tissues of the neck. Lymphadenopathy: swollen lymph nodes in the lungs

Lymphadenopathy is a condition characterized by an increase in the size of the lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are organs of the immune system. They are located throughout the human body, are part of the lymphatic system. Lymph is a type of connective tissue that cleanses the human body of harmful bacteria and substances and transfers them to the lymph nodes, which filter out foreign elements. In these organs of the lymphatic system, special cells are concentrated that allow you to get rid of harmful substances and viruses.

The most minimal increase in lymph nodes signals the development of pathological processes. Lymph nodes "report" a violation of the general condition of the body. The penetration of pathogenic microbes into them stimulates the active synthesis of lymphocytes, as a result of which the lymph node increases in size.

The development of a pathological process in the lymph node can provoke inflammation. The pathological condition can develop both in one and in several organs of the lymphatic system. As a result, imperceptibly developing pathology acquires a clear character.

The causes of adenopathy of the lymph nodes can be hidden in many diseases, but only a specialist can accurately determine them. Changes in these organs may indicate a severe pathology, including oncological ones. Lymphadenopathy can form anywhere in the body, often affecting even internal organs.

Etiology

On the basis of appropriate studies, it is possible to identify the root cause of the pathological condition. In most cases, the factors provoking an increase in nodes are:

Infectious lesions;
Viral diseases;
Injury and damage;
Consequences of long-term medication.

Abdominal lymphadenopathy most often occurs in a child. This is due to the penetration of a viral and bacterial infection. This condition requires the immediate intervention of a specialist, as it can signal a severe infection of the body.

Symptoms of lymphadenopathy

The main symptom of lymphadenopathy is enlargement of the lymph nodes. In addition to the increased size of the organs of the lymphatic system, accompanying signs are:

Rashes on the skin;
chills;
Increase in body temperature;
Excessive sweating (most pronounced at night);
Enlargement of the spleen, liver;
A sharp unreasonable decrease in weight indicators;
puffiness;
Soreness of the lymph node is another important sign of lymphadenopathy.

Causes of lymphadenopathy

The development of a pathological condition can be provoked by many reasons, among which:

Depending on the location of the inflamed organs of the lymphatic system, we can talk about the presence of certain diseases in the patient.

Abdominal lymphadenopathy may indicate the development of an infection that is generalized in the body.

Submandibular lymphadenopathy indicates possible tumor processes, carious lesions or diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

According to the nature of the course, lymphadenopathy is divided into 2 types: acute and chronic. In the acute form of pathology, the organs of the lymphatic system are painful, the body temperature rises very quickly, and edema appears.

Chronic lymphadenopathy is characterized by mild symptoms and a long course. Manifestations intensify when the body is weakened and an exacerbation of chronic diseases occurs, and disappear after the onset of remission of the disease. Inguinal lymphadenopathy often acquires a chronic form, it often occurs as a result of sexually transmitted diseases. These infections can be treated for a long time or not undergo any correction at all, so the lymph nodes will be constantly enlarged.

Pathological condition can be specific and non-specific. Nonspecific lymphadenopathy, a condition when patients with local lymphadenitis have nonspecific changes in the node, which have the character of an inflammatory process.

Classification

Forms of lymphadenopathy can be of 3 types, subdivided depending on the location, nature of the manifestation of the pathology:

Generalized type;
Reactive;
Local.

Generalized lymphadenopathy

Generalized lymphadenopathy is one of the most complex types of pathological condition. This type of disease can affect any area of the body, characterized by a change in the state of 3 or more groups of lymphatic organs. Pathology may be due to the following reasons:

autoimmune disorders;
allergic reactions;
Infectious and inflammatory lesions of an acute nature.

Reactive lymphadenopathy

Reactive lymphadenopathy is a pathology that develops as a result of an infectious lesion of the human body. This species is able to affect a different number of lymph nodes. The condition is almost asymptomatic, pain is not observed.

Local

The local form is characterized by damage to a certain group of lymphatic organs and is the most common type of disease (more than 70% of cases).

Stages of development

In its development, lymphadenopathy can go through certain stages:

Acute form of pathology;
Chronic course of the disease;
Recurrent changes in the organs of the lymphatic system.

Each of their varieties of lymphadenopathy can transform into a tumor form and carries a serious danger for the patient.

Abdominal lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy of the abdominal cavity is a pathology that is characterized by enlargement of the lymphatic vessels.

In most cases, localized lymphadenopathy develops in the abdominal cavity when one of the nodes undergoes changes.

Pathology of a regional nature, affects this area much less frequently. The regional form of the disease is characterized by a change in the state (enlargement) of several lymph nodes concentrated in one area or it affects nodes located in 2 adjacent anatomical areas.

Clinical manifestations that characterize the defeat of the lymphatic organs of the abdominal cavity are:

Enlarged liver, spleen;
Excessive sweating, most pronounced at night;
High temperatures.

Lymphadenopathy of the breast

Enlarged lymph nodes of the breast can signal the development of dangerous processes, including cancer.

In most cases, the enlargement of the lymphatic organs of the upper region of the mammary gland is benign. More dangerous is the increase in nodes in the lower chest area - this may indicate the development of an oncological process.

Lymphadenopathy of the mediastinum of the lungs

The mediastinum is a space that forms in the cavity of the chest. From the front, this anatomical region is limited by the chest, from behind - by the spinal column. On both sides of this structure are the pleural cavities.

Lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes of the mediastinum signals a current underlying disease. Simultaneously with the pathological process in the lungs, a change in the state of the nodes of the cervical region may develop.

Clinical manifestations:

Coughing fits;
Difficulty and pain when swallowing;
Violations of the respiratory function (difficulties in inhalation-exhalation);
Pain syndrome localized in the sternum.

The development of a pathological process in the lungs can provoke a serious disease of an infectious nature (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis), trauma. Factors contributing to the occurrence of the condition can be bad habits: smoking, alcoholism.

Lymphadenopathy of the mediastinum has severe symptoms. The development of the pathological process is accompanied by the following manifestations:

Acute pain syndrome of high intensity, localized in the sternum;
Retraction of the eyeball;
Headache attacks, sensation of noise in the head;
Violations of the voice timbre (hoarseness);
swallowing disorders;
In some cases, there may be cyanosis of the face, swollen neck veins.

In the chronic course of the pathology, the symptoms are more extensive:

Increase in temperature indicators;
swelling of the hands and feet;
Severe weakness, fatigue;
heart rhythm disturbances;
Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, pharyngitis);
Enlarged spleen, liver.

Mediastinal pulmonary lymphadenopathy is one of the rare and difficult to diagnose pathologies. This pathological condition is not a separate disease, presenting a symptom that signals the development of a serious underlying pathology.

At the beginning of development, with a slight enlargement of the nodes, this type of lymphadenopathy practically does not manifest itself. The progression of the pathology, as a result of which the enlarged lymphatic organs begin to put pressure on nearby organs and tissues, is characterized by the following symptoms:

Pain in the chest area;
Compression of the nerve roots of the larynx leads to hoarseness;
Coughing fits, respiratory failure;
Compression of the esophagus leads to impaired swallowing;
Compression of the veins provokes swelling of the face, neck, shoulders.

Such manifestations can accompany not only lymphadenopathy, but also a number of other pathologies. For this reason, patients with these symptoms are assigned a comprehensive diagnostic examination. It is necessary to do a computed tomography of the chest, an ultrasound examination, x-rays, blood tests, urine tests.

In cases of determining enlarged mediastinal nodes, it is necessary to study the biopsy (biopsy). The procedure will allow to determine in detail the nature of the pathology: infectious and inflammatory process, sarokidosis, oncology.

Lymphadenopathy of the roots of the lungs is a fairly common phenomenon. A unilateral change in this area is characteristic of tuberculous bronchoadenitis, in the case of a bilateral lesion, one can speak of the initial development of sarcoidosis. Stage 2 of Besnier's disease is characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process to the lungs, hilar lymphadenopathy persists, but the development of the pathology gradually subsides.

Unilateral enlargement of the roots of the lungs may signal metastasis to the lymph nodes of this area. In most cases, metastases spread from the corresponding organ. An increase in the root of the lung may accompany malignant lymphomas when the root nodes of the organ are affected.

Para-aortic lymphadenopathy is a disease in which there is swelling of the vessels that drain lymph from the tissues and organs located in the retroperitoneal space. Such a pathology develops due to the rapid progression of a serious disease in the human body. In most cases, the condition signals the development of cancer. To accurately identify the root cause of para-aortic pathology, it is necessary to conduct a series of laboratory and instrumental studies.

Submandibular lymphadenopathy

Submandibular lymphadenopathy is a condition characterized by an increase in the organs of the lymphatic system in the region of the submandibular space.

Since the lymph nodes in this area are located quite close to the zone of various infections, this type of pathology is characterized by asymptomatic development.

The leading cause that provokes changes in the state of the nodes of the submandibular region are infectious lesions. In the case of timely detection of pathology, lymphadenopathy of the submandibular lymph nodes can be successfully treated, a favorable prognosis for a full recovery is possible. The uncontrolled course of the disease, untimely diagnosis and therapy can lead to serious consequences and complications.

Axillary lymphadenopathy

This type of pathological condition can be the result of an infectious lesion, injury to the axillary region. An increase in the lymph nodes in this area can signal inflammatory processes in the mammary gland, including oncological lesions. Therefore, even with a slight increase in the lymph nodes under the arm, you need to consult a specialist.

Lymphadenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes is a change in the state, enlargement of the lymph nodes located in the cervical region: the zone of the chin, occiput, palate, submandibular, parotid space. The specialist determines the degree of damage and enlargement of the nodes in this area.

Adenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes can develop for many reasons, therefore, regardless of the symptoms and the degree of discomfort, if there is the slightest suspicion, you should immediately contact your therapist. This will help to quickly stop the disease and prevent a more serious pathology.

Cervical lymphadenopathy in most cases is accompanied by painful sensations, but even the absence of a pronounced pain syndrome does not mean the absence of an inflammatory process. There may simply be other reasons for this.

Diagnostic procedures

The doctor collects an anamnesis to identify pathological processes that could serve as the root cause of damage to the organs of the lymphatic system. This condition can be accompanied by many diseases. Therefore, in order to accurately determine the root cause that provoked changes in the nodes, the degree of development of the pathology, the nature of the underlying disease, it is necessary to carry out a number of diagnostic measures.

The main diagnostic methods combine:

Tests for the detection of HIV and hepatitis;
Detailed blood test;
Ultrasound examination of the organs of the abdominal, thoracic cavity, affected lymph nodes;
Histological studies of the biopsy;
Radiography;
Examinations on a tomograph (CT, MRI).

Treatment of lymphadenopathy

The choice of treatment direction determines the diagnosis. When prescribing a therapeutic course, the specialist takes into account the following factors:

Age and individual characteristics of the patient;
The presence of chronic diseases;
Lifestyle (bad habits);
Survey results.

It is strictly forbidden to self-prescribe drugs and treat lymphadenopathy with traditional medicine, such actions can worsen the condition, lead to the development of severe complications and consequences.

Primary therapy is aimed at eliminating the disease, which was the root cause of the development of changes in the organs of the lymphatic system.

Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of lymphadenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes is indicated in cases of purulent infection, bacterial lesions. In some cases, acute purulent formation is removed surgically or by drainage.

Antiviral drugs and immunomodulators are prescribed for viral lesions of the body.

In the presence of pain, antibiotics are prescribed to relieve symptoms.

In most cases, when the root cause of the pathology is eliminated, the condition of the nodes can return to normal within 4-6 weeks. Persistence of lymphadenopathy after the prescribed treatment is the reason for the biopsy and the appointment of a new treatment plan, after the results of the procedure.

Prevention of lymphadenopathy

The development of lymphadenopathy is a sign of the development of pathological processes in the body. The condition can signal various disorders - from SARS, to more serious diseases, up to malignant formations. Any change in the state of the lymph nodes: an increase in size, thickening, soreness, are the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.

The main preventive measures are:

Strengthening immunity: adequate physical activity, a complete balanced diet, giving up bad habits, a stable psycho-emotional state. A strong immune system is able to withstand many diseases and pathological conditions, including lymphadenopathy;
Planned visits to the therapist to control existing diseases, prevent new pathologies;
An immediate visit to the doctor if a change in the state of the organs of the lymphatic system is detected, which will allow timely identification of the root cause and cure of the pathology.

Possible complications of the pathological condition

Untimely treatment, uncontrolled course of the condition for a long time, can provoke serious complications:

Purulent softening, dissolution of the affected node, development of abscesses, fistulous passages;
Bleeding due to the germination of the vascular wall;
Blockage of the veins of the affected area;
Violations of the lymph flow in the affected area, resulting in the development of lymphostasis;
Blood poisoning.

Timely adequate therapy will help get rid of the pathological condition, will prevent possible consequences and serious complications.

Quite often in life we meet with such a manifestation as an increase in lymph nodes. Most often this occurs in the armpit 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 the lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy is usually divided according to such classifications as the 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 this disease:

localized;
regional;
generalized.

Most often, doctors diagnose the first type of lymphadenopathy - in 75% of cases only one lymph node is affected. With a regional subspecies 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 inflammatory processes of the lymph nodes in several non-overlapping zones.

Symptoms characteristic of the disease

Symptoms of such a 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, palpation of which brings discomfort, up to severe pain. The lymph nodes of the muscular region, inguinal or cervical, become inflamed. In this case, reddening of the skin can be visually detected.

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 gates of the liver or mesenteric nodes are in hard-to-reach places. And here we cannot do without diagnostic methods within the walls of the laboratory.

The main symptoms of the disease include the following:

swelling, a 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 soreness or complete absence of symptoms (in the chronic form);
weight loss;
enlargement of the spleen or liver;
increased sweating;
enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Cervical lymphadenopathy: causes

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

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

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy: causes

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mediastinal region 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 damage to 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 growth of tumor cells. To avoid irreversible consequences, you need to consult a doctor when the slightest sign of hyperplasia appears, and not self-medicate.

Consider other reasons due to which axillary lymphadenopathy may occur:

Inflammation of the sweat glands or blockage of both the hair follicles and the glands responsible for sweating (with self-treatment of such abscesses at home) due to the use of low-quality deodorants, non-compliance with hygiene standards, etc .;
The appearance in the shoulder, chest or arms of various wounds or boils;
Skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema;
HIV infection (in this case, an increase in lymph nodes is one of the first symptoms);
Various forms of mastopathy in female patients;
Children's diseases (measles, infectious mononucleosis or chickenpox);
Serious diseases of an infectious breed (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 is the treatment for lymphadenopathy

Undoubtedly, with the manifestation of the slightest signs of such a syndrome, it is necessary to conduct a qualitative diagnosis in order to determine the cause. Only by setting it, the doctor can prescribe the first treatment. And this means that self-treatment 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 manipulations.
After determining the true cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes, the patient will undergo further treatment with an infectious disease specialist, oncologist, endocrinologist or urologist. In rare cases, lymphadenopathy requires surgery to remove the affected lymph node.

Top Tip: Constant measures to improve immunity are the best way to avoid such an unpleasant disease as lymphadenopathy.

Video. Lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes.

The term "lymphadenopathy" usually refers to a condition in which one or more lymph nodes increase in size; however, the etiology of the syndrome can vary significantly.

Very common lymphadenopathy of the nodes (LAP) is a sign of a serious illness , and a whole range of laboratory tests may be required to make an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.

LAP classification

There are many signs of the disease that determine the nature of the course, the severity and number of symptoms.

Depending on the nature of localization, they are distinguished local (a certain group of lymph nodes) and generalized lymphadenopathy. The latter form is considered more severe, as it is characterized by many groups of lymph nodes. Regional (local) pathology, as a rule, affects the lymph nodes of one group. Reactive lymphadenopathy occurs in response to an infectious-inflammatory, autoimmune or allergic process.

Lymphadenopathy of unknown origin is spoken of in cases where its cause remains unclear.

Experts divide LAP into non-tumor and tumor forms, but both varieties are equally dangerous.

Already during the examination, the specialist makes an approximate diagnosis, based on the following indicators:

The size lymph nodes occupies the most important place among other evaluation criteria, but its normal value varies depending on the age of the patient and the localization of the node. Normal sizes are from one to one and a half centimeters (1.0-1.5), which is determined by palpation of accessible lymph nodes.
Pain are considered a sign of the onset of inflammation, may accompany the formation of an abscess (abscess) or necrosis of the lymph node. The probability of developing a tumor should not be ruled out even if no pain syndrome is observed during palpation of the nodes.
Consistency lymph node can give an idea of the disease that caused its change. If the lymph node is dense to the touch, then this may indicate tumor metastasis. Soft or elastic lymph nodes are characteristic of the infectious and inflammatory nature of the lesion.
Cohesion characteristic of both tumors and processes of a different kind, including, for example, tuberculosis.
Localization affected lymph nodes.

Symptoms and Causes

Of the six hundred lymph nodes present in the body of a healthy adult, those located in the groin, in the armpits, in the submandibular region and in other places accessible to palpation are freely palpable. It is worth remembering that an increase or soreness of the lymph nodes in any area is a sign of a disease, the nature of which can be determined when seeking medical help.

In addition to changes in the lymph nodes themselves, there are other symptoms of lymphadenopathy:

Sudden or unreasonable weight loss;
Increased sweating (especially during sleep);
Constantly elevated body temperature;
Skin rashes;
Some enlargement of internal organs (liver and spleen).

Many possible causes make lymphadenopathy just a marker of a specific disease that can be identified and treated after an initial examination and some tests.

Typical localization of lesions

Submandibular lymphadenopathy is more common than other localizations and is commonly seen in children and adolescents. Since the lymph nodes in this area are located quite close to the zone of various infections, the subclinical nature of the course is considered a common occurrence in such a case. Children suffer from this syndrome several times more often than adults. Some experts believe that such problems in children up to a certain age are the norm.

Inguinal lymphadenopathy is also commonly found in children, young adults and is a fairly common condition in adults. As in the previous case, the lymph nodes also suffer from various infections.

Lymphadenopathy of the cervical nodes most often indicates infection of the oral cavity., salivary glands and is observed in childhood infections (mumps, rubella, etc.). Some inflammatory processes in the larynx can also lead to such consequences. Diffuse cervical lipomatosis, tumors of the parotid gland are also on the list of possible causes of enlarged nodes in the neck.

Cervical lymphadenopathy usually occurs in children and adolescents. When the root cause of the LA syndrome is eliminated, it goes away by itself and does not remind of itself in the future.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy can often be seen in pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.; attention should be paid to the dynamics (positive or negative), which indicates the correctness and effectiveness of the chosen method of treatment.

Retroperitoneal LAP is considered one of the signs of any other tumor; since such a diagnosis is quite dangerous, doctors recommend not to treat the problem irresponsibly.

Parotid lymph nodes can become inflamed due to eye diseases (keratoconjunctivitis) and in case of adenovirus infection. The so-called "cat-scratch disease" often has a similar effect.

An increase in intrathoracic lymph nodes is considered one of the most dangerous symptoms, because it is often a sign of the formation, growth or metastasis of a tumor in the chest area. Intrathoracic lymphadenopathy is most often observed in patients of the middle age group (9/10 patients after 40 years); in young people occurs only in a quarter of cases. Pathological processes in the abdominal cavity also lead to an increase in intra-abdominal lymph nodes.

Although mediastinal lymphadenopathy is a common symptom, it can be difficult to determine the disease even for an experienced doctor. Such an effect can give a tumor in the esophagus or lungs. The enlargement of the left supraclavicular lymph node is often the result of the growth of gastric cancer metastasis in it.

In some cases, the development of axillary lymphadenopathy can lead to a simple injury to the hand, an infectious lesion("cat-scratch disease"). Axillary lymph nodes, just like the inguinal and submandibular ones, tend to become inflamed and enlarge in the first place at the slightest health problem. The diagnosis of "axillary lymphadenopathy" is often made with malignant neoplasms of the breast. A visit to a mammologist and a test for tumor markers will help to understand the cause of the syndrome.

Lymphadenopathy of the lungs in the vast majority of cases is a common reaction of lymphoid tissues to certain irritants, including SARS and inflammatory processes.

The development of breast cancer is always accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes, but the latter does not always mean such serious health problems. Some specific diseases can manifest themselves in this way, so consultation with a mammologist is necessary in each specific case.

Secondary lymphadenopathy is characterized by complete painlessness of the lymph nodes, which sometimes makes it difficult to detect. The cause of the problem is a dysfunction of the immune system; certain chemicals and medications are considered possible catalysts for the development of the syndrome.

Persistent LAP occurs in the chronic course of infection and is characterized by a certain symmetry of lesions (armpits, submandibular nodes). Usually such a diagnosis is made if there is no disease or medication that could have a similar effect, and the syndrome persists for several months. Persistent lymphadenopathy is a hallmark of HIV infection,

Abdominal LAP may indicate intestinal infections, metastases of intestinal tumors and leukemia.

The angioimmunoblastic type of lymphoma was discovered and described relatively recently and can also cause lymphadenopathy. It is believed that such cases are potentially dangerous.

Diagnosis and treatment of the syndrome

With lymphadenopathy, the diagnosis can be made only when the primary comprehensive examination of the patient and the collection of the necessary information are carried out. Usually, the examination procedure includes general and biochemical blood tests, tumor markers, markers of HIV and hepatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography and chest x-ray are also essential for a reliable diagnosis.

Since PAP is a manifestation of a specific disease, the attending physician tries to determine the root cause of the problem.

The danger for the patient is, first of all, non-traditional methods of therapy, since such drugs do not prevent the disease that caused the LAP from progressing and affecting more and more new areas.

The choice of treatment for lymphadenopathy depends on many factors in each case., including the individual characteristics of the patient's body, the alleged disease and information obtained after passing a comprehensive comprehensive examination.

Video: about inflammation of the lymph nodes - Dr. Komarovsky

Video: oncohematologist about when lymphadenopathy is dangerous

Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the lymph nodes increase in size. Such pathological changes indicate a serious disease that progresses in the body (often oncological). To make an accurate diagnosis, several laboratory and instrumental analyzes are required. Lymphadenopathy can form in any part of the body and even affects the internal organs.

Etiology

It is possible to find out the exact cause of lymphadenopathy only after conducting appropriate studies. The most common causes of enlarged lymph nodes may be the following:

viral diseases;
infection of the lymph node;
injuries and diseases of the connective tissue;
serum sickness (drug effect);
fungus;
infectious diseases that suppress the immune system.

The child most often develops abdominal lymphadenopathy. The reason for this is bacterial and viral infection of the body. Lymphadenopathy in children requires an immediate examination by a therapist, as the symptoms may indicate a serious infectious disease.

Symptoms

In addition to pathological changes in the lymph nodes, additional symptoms can be observed. The nature of their manifestation depends on what caused the development of such a pathology. In general, the following symptoms can be distinguished:

skin rashes;
elevated temperature;
increased sweating (especially at night);
bouts of fever;
increased splenomegaly and hepatomegaly;
sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.

In most cases, an increase in lymph nodes is a marker of other complex diseases.

Classification

Depending on the nature of the manifestation and localization of the disease, the following forms of lymphadenopathy are distinguished:

local;
reactive;
generalized.

Generalized lymphadenopathy

Generalized lymphadenopathy is considered the most complex form of the disease. Unlike local, which affects only one group of lymph nodes, generalized lymphadenopathy can affect any area of the human body.

Generalized lymphadenopathy has the following etiology:

allergic disease;
autoimmune processes;
acute inflammatory and infectious diseases.

If an increase in lymph nodes is observed in a chronic infectious disease, then persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is implied.

Most often, the pathological process affects nodes in non-overlapping zones - in the anterior and posterior cervical chain, in the axillary and retroperitoneal region. In some cases, an increase in lymph nodes is possible in the inguinal region and in the supraclavicular region.

Lymphadenopathy of the neck is most often diagnosed. Cervical lymphadenopathy may indicate ailments caused by insufficient or excessive production of hormones or cancer.

Reactive lymphadenopathy

Reactive lymphadenopathy is the body's response to infectious diseases. Any number of lymph nodes can be affected. Symptoms are not expressed, there are no painful sensations.

Stages of disease development

According to the statute of limitations, lymphadenopathy can be conditionally divided into the following groups:

acute;
chronic;
recurrent.

In addition, any form of lymphadenopathy can take both tumor and non-tumor forms. However, any of them is dangerous to human life.

Typical localization of lesions

There are more than 600 lymph nodes in the human body, so the pathological process can develop in almost any system of the human body. But most often lesions are diagnosed in the following places:

abdomen;
milk glands;
mediastinal region;
groin area;
lungs;
submandibular region;
armpit area;

Each of these types of pathology indicates an underlying disease. Often this is an oncological disease. It is possible to establish the exact causes of the formation of such a pathological process only after a complete diagnosis.

Abdominal lymphadenopathy

An increase in nodes in the abdominal cavity indicates an infectious or inflammatory disease. Less often, such a pathological process acts as a marker of an oncological or immunological disease. Symptoms, in this case, correspond to the above points. In a child, the list can be added with the following symptoms:

rise in temperature at night;
weakness and malaise;
nausea.

Diagnosis, if a lesion of the abdominal cavity is suspected, begins with the delivery of laboratory tests:

Particular attention in the diagnosis is given to the history and age of the patient, since some ailments are unique to the child.

Treatment

The main course of treatment for lesions of the abdominal cavity is aimed at localizing the pathological process and stopping the growth of the tumor. Therefore, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used. At the end of the course, general strengthening therapy is prescribed to restore the immune system. If the treatment of such a plan does not bring proper results or a pathology of unclear pathogenesis develops, then surgical intervention is performed - the affected lymph node is completely removed.

Lymphadenopathy of the breast

An increase in the lymph nodes of the mammary gland may indicate a dangerous oncological disease, including. Therefore, if you have such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In this case, it is worth noting the nature of the manifestation of the tumor. If an increase in nodes is observed in the upper part of the mammary gland, then a benign formation can be assumed. However, almost any benign process can degenerate into a malignant tumor.

An increase in nodes in the lower region of the mammary gland may indicate the formation of a malignant process. You should immediately consult a doctor.

Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the area of the mammary glands can be visually easily noticed. As a rule, education is noticed by the woman herself. Painful sensations are not observed.

Any extraneous formation in the area of the mammary glands of both women and men requires an immediate examination by a specialized doctor in order to clarify the diagnosis and correct, timely treatment. The sooner the disease is detected, the greater the chance of a positive result. Especially with regard to intrathoracic pathological changes.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy, according to statistics, is diagnosed in 45% of patients. To understand what pathology is, it is necessary to clarify what the mediastinum is.

The mediastinum is an anatomical space that forms in the chest cavity. The mediastinum is closed anteriorly by the thorax, and posteriorly by the spine. On both sides of this formation are the pleural cavities.

The pathological increase in nodes in this area is divided into the following groups:

primary enlargement of the lymph nodes;
malignant tumors;
damage to organs located in the mediastinum;
pseudotumor formations.

The latter may be due to defects in the development of large vessels, severe viral and infectious diseases.

Symptoms

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy has a well-defined clinical picture. During the development of such a pathological process, the following symptoms are observed:

sharp, intense pain in the chest area, which radiate to the neck, shoulder;
dilated pupils or retraction of the eyeball;
hoarseness of voice (more often observed in the chronic stage of development);
headaches, noise in the head;
difficult passage of food.

In some cases, there may be a cyanosis of the face, swelling of the veins in the neck. If the disease has a chronic stage of development, then the clinical picture is more detailed:

elevated temperature;
weakness;
swelling of the limbs;
violation of the heart rhythm.

The child may experience shortness of breath and increased sweating, especially at night. If such symptoms appear, then the child must be hospitalized immediately.

Lymphadenopathy of the lungs

Enlarged lymph nodes in the lungs signal a current underlying disease. In this case, the formation of metastases () is not excluded. But to make such a diagnosis on your own, on the basis of primary signs alone, is not worth it in any case.

Simultaneously with an increase in the lymph nodes of the lungs, the same pathological process can form in the neck and mediastinum. The clinical picture is:

cough;
pain when swallowing;
labored breathing;
fever, especially at night;
pain in the chest area.

Lung damage can be caused by severe infectious diseases - and past injuries. Also, smoking and excessive alcohol intake should not be ruled out.

Submandibular pathology

Submandibular lymphadenopathy is most often diagnosed in preschool children and adolescents. As medical practice shows, in most cases such changes are temporary and do not pose a threat to the life of the child. But this does not mean that such symptoms should not be paid attention to. The cause of an increase in lymph nodes can be a dangerous oncological formation. Therefore, a visit to the therapist should not be postponed.

Axillary lymphadenopathy

The axillary type of pathology (axillary lymphadenopathy) can develop even due to a hand injury or an infectious disease. But inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes may indicate inflammation of the mammary gland. Therefore, a visit to the therapist should not be postponed.

As statistics show, it is the increase in lymph nodes in the armpit and in the mammary glands that is the first sign of the appearance of metastases in the body of the mammary gland. If the disease is detected in a timely manner, then the chances of a complete cure for breast cancer increase significantly.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic methods depend on the localization of the pathology. To prescribe the correct course of treatment, it is necessary not only to make an accurate diagnosis, but also to identify the cause of the progression of the pathological process.

The standard procedure includes:

UAC and OAM;
tumor markers;
radiography.

Since LAP is a kind of marker for another disease, the first thing to do is to diagnose the cause of the development of the disease.

Treatment

The choice of treatment method depends on the diagnosis. In addition, when prescribing a treatment plan, the doctor takes into account the following factors:

individual characteristics of the patient;
anamnesis;
survey results.

Treatment with folk remedies may be appropriate with the permission of a doctor and only in tandem with drug therapy. Self-medication in such pathological processes is unacceptable.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no prevention of such manifestations as such. But, if you lead the right lifestyle, monitor your health and consult a doctor in a timely manner, you can minimize the risk of progression of dangerous ailments.

The term "adenopathy of the lymph nodes" refers to a pathological condition characterized by a change in shape and an increase in the size of one or at once an entire group of clusters that are part of the vascular system. In most cases, the disease does not occur on its own, but develops against the background of an ailment that is a provoking factor. With timely treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable. Ignoring the same problem can lead to complications that pose a danger to the life of the patient.

Development mechanism

The lymphatic system is similar in structure to the nervous and circulatory systems. Outwardly, it resembles the roots of trees. A feature of the lymphatic system is that it unites disparate organs into one whole. In addition, it is responsible for removing excess fluid, toxic compounds, and pathogens from tissues. It also takes part in transporting vital substances and strengthening the immune system.

Located throughout the body. Separate groups of clusters are localized in the axillary zones, neck, groin. At the same time, a slight increase in lymph nodes (less than 1 cm in diameter) is not an alarming sign. A similar situation can occur in a healthy person, which is associated with the course of physiological processes in the body.

Under the influence of various adverse factors, a significant increase in lymph nodes (1 cm in diameter or more) can occur. At the same time, during palpation, it is possible to detect clusters that have changed in size in only one zone or several at once. In the first case, it is customary to talk about localized adenopathy of the lymph nodes, in the second - about generalized.

The disease develops as follows: a small amount of plasma and pathogens that have entered the body penetrate into the biological fluid circulating in the clusters. At the same time, it must be cleaned of harmful compounds before it enters the central venous bed. Pathogens, on the other hand, can infect clusters (as a rule, this happens when the body's defenses are weakened) and remain in them, carrying out their vital activity. At this time, the lymph nodes begin to increase in size, forming an immune response and trying to cope with foreign agents. Often, the clusters become sore. The clinical picture directly depends on which area of the body is affected.

According to lymphadenopathy, the code R59 was assigned.

The reasons

Pathology rarely has an independent character. Lymphadenopathy is a disease that most often develops against the background of other ailments that have served as provoking factors.

The main causes of pathology:

Various kinds of infections. Most often, patients have stomatitis, pharyngitis, tooth abscess, HIV, tuberculosis, mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, and STDs as the main disease. Less commonly, infectious lymphadenopathy is caused by cytomegalovirus, brucellosis, histoplasmosis, plague, tularemia, rat-bite fever, and paracoccidioidomycosis. In most cases, clusters located on the neck are affected, less often in the groin area, the area above the collarbones. In the presence of HIV infection, adenopathy of the lymph nodes is generalized.
Neoplasms. The disease develops against the background of leukemia, lymphoma, and also with tumor metastasis.
Pathologies of a systemic nature: lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, Kawasaki disease.
Taking certain medications. The increase often leads to the use of medicines, the active substances of which are allopurinol, atenolol, carbamazepine, quinidine, captopril, phenytoin. Also, the pathology develops against the background of taking antibiotics belonging to the following groups: penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides.
In women, the cause of the disease is often the installation of silicone implants in the mammary glands.

The lymphatic system is directly involved in the formation of the immune response when various foreign agents enter the body. That is why its involvement in the pathological process can occur for many reasons, the main of which are inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as various types of tumors.

Tuberculosis, oncological pathologies and HIV are ailments that pose a danger to the life of the patient. However, most often, adenopathy of the lymph nodes is diagnosed in patients with less threatening conditions.

From the point of view of the mechanism of the development of the disease, it does not matter what kind of provoking agent entered the body. This is due to the fact that the nature of changes in the node structure is always the same.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease directly depends on its form, the individual characteristics of the human body and the underlying pathology. In some cases, the defeat of even one node may have a stronger intensity of manifestation than changes in the whole group of clusters.

There is such a thing as "reactive lymphadenopathy". This is a severe form of the disease, in which there is a significant deterioration in the patient's condition. He is worried about fever, chills, increased sweating, local hyperemia and soreness. If left untreated, there is a violation of the integrity of the tissues of the affected lymph node. At the same time, inflammatory elements are carried throughout the body with blood flow, provoking the development of sepsis of a generalized nature.

First of all, with lymphadenopathy, there is an increase in nodes in size. It is important to understand that their normal parameters for different parts of the body are different.

The clinical picture and the severity of symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in each case are different. They directly depend on the accumulations in which zone are involved in the pathological process. Types of disease:

cervical lymphadenopathy. The most common form of the disease. The knot is well palpable. It has a bumpy surface and a dense texture. The skin immediately above the knot becomes red and tight. The patient feels unwell, signs of an allergic reaction may occur. Nodes are painful. If they are filled with purulent contents, fever is added to the general symptoms of cervical lymphadenopathy. There are several groups of nodes in this zone. Most often inflamed: parotid, occipital, submandibular. Adenopathy of the lymph nodes in the neck most often develops against the background of infectious diseases. Less commonly, it occurs due to oncology and autoimmune pathologies.
Axillary lymphadenopathy. The disease is accompanied by an increase in nodes, which immediately acquire a cone-shaped form. In addition, patients have the following symptoms: a general deterioration in well-being, excessive sweating (usually during a night's rest), a sharp decrease in body weight, fever, rashes on the skin, local redness, swelling in the area of accumulations. It is important to know that adenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes is a benign pathology in most cases. However, sometimes patients are diagnosed with cancer.
Lymphadenopathy of the mediastinum. Most often develops after pneumonia. Common symptoms of adenopathy of the intrathoracic lymph nodes: pain, cough, shortness of breath, drooping of the upper eyelid, discomfort when food passes through the esophagus, fever, general weakness, headache, itching of the skin. The disease can be both benign and malignant.
Retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. A feature of this type of disease is the fact that enlarged lymph nodes cannot be detected during a superficial examination. To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to conduct an x-ray or ultrasound examination. Symptoms of adenopathy of the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity: excessive sweating, weakness, a slight increase in body temperature, diarrhea. On palpation, the doctor detects an increase in the size of the spleen and liver.

If symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes appear, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that pathogenic microorganisms spread very quickly with the flow of biological fluid circulating in clusters.

Diagnostics

If the first warning signs appear that indicate lymphadenopathy (axillary, cervical, mediastinal, etc.), you should consult a therapist. If necessary, he will refer you for a consultation with narrow specialists (infectionist, oncologist, surgeon, phthisiatrician, endocrinologist, urologist or gynecologist).

An important role in the diagnosis of adenopathy of the lymph nodes is the collection of anamnesis. The specialist needs to provide information about the symptoms and their severity, as well as talk about episodes of injury, past infectious diseases, as well as the nature of sexual activity. After that, the doctor conducts an examination, during which he evaluates the size, shape, density, soreness and localization of the affected node or group of clusters.

Based on the results of the primary diagnosis, the specialist draws up a referral for a comprehensive examination, including:

Clinical and biochemical analyzes of blood and urine.
Wasserman's test.
Serological study.
HIV analysis.
X-ray examination.
CT, MRI.

If there is a suspicion of the malignant nature of the disease, a sample of the bone marrow biomaterial or the contents of the node is taken for cytological and histological studies.

Conservative methods of therapy

The volume of therapeutic measures directly depends on the age of the patient, the form of the disease, the severity of the patient's condition. The choice of tactics for the treatment of adenopathy of the lymph nodes is carried out after the identification of the underlying pathology, which served as a provoking factor.

With the defeat of accumulations and surrounding tissues with an infection, the use of antibacterial drugs is indicated. Before the degree of sensitivity of pathogens to certain substances is revealed, doctors prescribe antibiotics belonging to the group of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. As a rule, experts recommend taking Medaxone and Levofloxacin. The duration of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's health and the severity of the disease.

Pathogens spread very quickly throughout the body through the lymph nodes. In this regard, local therapy of the disease should be treated with caution. All funds should be prescribed by a doctor, only he can evaluate the appropriateness of their use. In almost all cases, experts recommend using Vishnevsky's ointment. The agent must be applied directly to the affected lymph node.

If during the biopsy it was found that the pathological process is malignant, the patient is prescribed a course of chemotherapy. The outcome of the disease in this case directly depends on the severity of the underlying disease.

As an additional treatment, doctors prescribe immunostimulating agents. They are designed to strengthen the body's defenses during the fight against the disease. The drug "Glutoxim" showed high efficiency in practice.

Surgical intervention

In most cases, adenopathy is treated with medication. Performing surgery is advisable only when the contents of the lymph nodes are represented by purulent fluid.

In such situations, the formation is opened. It is carried out, as a rule, using a standard technique - an open operation. After gaining access, the surgeon removes the purulent contents, installs a drainage system through which the outflow of the discharge will occur, and sutures it.

Folk methods

The use of non-traditional methods does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical help. The use of alternative methods is permissible, but only after obtaining the approval of the attending physician. This is due to the fact that in some cases, natural remedies can significantly worsen the course of the disease.

The most effective recipes:

Grind freshly harvested dandelion herb. Moisten a cotton swab in the released juice and apply the latter directly to the affected lymph node. Lotions can be done up to 3 times a day.
Mix in equal proportions nettle and yarrow. Combine these components and pour them with 500 ml of water. Put the container on fire. Boil for 20 minutes. Let the broth cool down. Take the remedy three times a day before meals.
Mix 500 g of goose or badger fat with boletus (medicinal plant). The latter must be taken 6 tbsp. l. Treat the affected areas with the resulting ointment.

Features of the disease in children

Until a child reaches the age of 12, his lymphatic system is immature. At the same time, it begins to form even in the period of intrauterine development. It is because of the immaturity of the system among children that adenopathy of the lymph nodes is very often diagnosed.

In a newborn child, the accumulations should not be palpable. Otherwise, it is customary to talk about their increase, and, consequently, about the presence of a pathological process.

The first 12 months of life are considered critical. In this regard, if any palpable formations are found, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician. At this age, inflammation of the clusters on the back of the head, in the groin and on the neck most often occurs. In a child, the cause of swollen lymph nodes is most often infectious diseases. In addition, adenopathy often develops against the background of systemic pathologies and immunodeficiency. In isolated cases, the disease occurs with helminthic invasion and an allergic reaction. According to statistics, 10% of young patients are diagnosed with malignant tumors.

If on the neck, the cause can also be an inflammatory process in the oral cavity, including banal teething. If after the first month of life the generalized form of the disease is combined with dermatitis, fever, diarrhea and candidiasis, the doctor assumes the presence of immunodeficiency.

Forecast

The outcome of the pathology directly depends on the timeliness of contacting a specialist. Children under 12 years of age in the presence of palpable formations should be immediately shown to the pediatrician to exclude the presence of serious ailments. Adults also need to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

By itself, lymphadenopathy is not dangerous, the underlying disease poses a threat. It is important to know that the cause of the disease can be a malignant process, ignoring which leads to death.

Finally

Adenopathy of the lymph nodes is a pathology that is not an independent disease, but serves as a symptom of numerous ailments. If the first warning signs appear, you should consult a doctor who will issue a referral for a comprehensive examination and, based on its results, will draw up the most effective treatment regimen.

As already mentioned, in the international classification of diseases (ICD-10), lymphadenopathy is assigned the code R59.