Lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes oncology. Lymphadenopathy: types, manifestations, localizations and possible causes, approach to treatment

Lymph nodes are small formations that are the main component of the peripheral immune system. They act as a physical barrier to microbes, antigens and other particles from the tissues of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, bronchi, filtering them from the interstitial fluid that flows into the node from the periphery. The size of a lymph node depends on the age of the person, the location of the node in the body, and previous immunological events. Normally, the size of the node ranges from a few millimeters to 1 cm.

Lymph nodes are located in groups of several pieces throughout the human body; out of more than 500 nodes in healthy people, only those located in the neck, armpits, and groin can be palpated. Under the influence of several factors, the lymph nodes change their size and consistency.

Symptoms and types of disease

This condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

the presence of a painful, warm, reddened swelling under the skin, sometimes purulent inflammation can be observed;
skin rashes;
unexplained weight loss;
fast fatiguability;
and the liver (organs that filter the blood);
fever, night sweats.

Based on the prevalence of enlarged lymph nodes, the following types of disease are distinguished:

localized (one lymph node is enlarged in one area);
regional (several lymph nodes are enlarged in one or two adjacent areas);
generalized (lymph nodes are enlarged in two or more non-adjacent areas)

This classification is important in the differential diagnosis. According to medical statistics, approximately three quarters of patients with unspecified lymphadenopathy have localized and regional forms and one quarter of patients have a generalized form.

Reactive lymphadenopathy develops in response to infectious inflammation, allergies, or an autoimmune disease. Illness in young children most often submandibular and cervical) is the most common, as their immune systems are just beginning to respond to the infections they have encountered. Lymphadenopathy occurs in 1/3 of newborns and infants and rarely has a generalized form ( only in the presence of a congenital infection, such as cytomegalovirus).

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Causes

Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by a bacterial (syphilis, tuberculosis, plague, etc.) or viral infection (HIV, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, chickenpox, adenovirus). When a lymph node is infiltrated with inflammatory cells, it becomes infected (lymphadenitis). Other causes of the pathological condition include:

drug or vaccine allergies (eg, reaction to phenytoin, allopurinol, immunization);
cancer (leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphoma, etc.);
diseases that affect tissues that support, connect, and protect organs;
storage diseases (Niemann-Pick disease, Gaucher disease);
autoimmune diseases (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis).

Characteristic location of affected lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy of the submandibular nodes develops with diseases of the teeth, tongue, gums, oral mucosa, is the result of a local infection such as pharyngitis, gingivitis, stomatitis or jaw abscess. Children are diagnosed more often than other localizations.

Cervical lymphadenopathy is also a common problem in children and is often associated with an infectious etiology. Inflammation or direct infection of the tissues of the tongue, external ear, parotid gland, larynx, thyroid gland or trachea causes hyperplasia of the corresponding group of nodes. It develops with viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, streptococcal pharyngitis, acute bacterial lymphadenitis. In some cases, the pathology of this localization may be of a non-infectious nature (with neuroblastoma, leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Kawasaki disease).

Common causes of axillary lymphadenopathy are local infectious lesions, cat-scratch disease. Axillary lymphadenopathy can develop after vaccination in the arm, with brucellosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Mediastinal is observed in diseases of the chest organs (lungs, heart, thymus and esophagus). An increase in supraclavicular lymph nodes is often associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and indicates malignant diseases of the breast and lungs. Unlike other localizations, mediastinal lymphadenopathy rarely occurs as a result of infection (may develop with tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis), and is usually a sign of a serious underlying disease. Lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemia are the causes of damage to the anterior mediastinum.

Intrathoracic occurs with such systemic lung diseases as sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, as well as with malignant tumors of the chest organs and with metastasis of tumors of other organs. Intrathoracic can cause cough, wheezing, dysphagia, airway erosion with hemoptysis, atelectasis, and obstruction of large blood vessels (superior vena cava syndrome) – a medical emergency.

Differential Diagnosis

Careful study of the patient's medical history, proper physical examination, assessment of the size, location, and nature of the enlarged lymph nodes, along with any associated clinical findings, are important in making the differential diagnosis. To identify the cause of the disease, the following studies may be required:

laboratory blood tests may show the presence of an infection or other medical condition;
chest x-ray can be informative for detecting pathologies such as mediastinal and associated major lung diseases, including tuberculosis, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, histiocytosis, Gaucher disease, etc.;
ultrasound is used to characterize any changes in the lymph nodes and the degree of involvement of the lymph nodes in the inflammatory process. But in children, ultrasound rarely has diagnostic value, since lymph nodes less than 1 cm in size are poorly visualized;
computed tomography of the chest and abdomen with or without intravenous contrast. It is used in the detection of lesions of the supraclavicular lymph nodes, which is associated with a high risk of malignant disease;
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to differentiate malignant mediastinal lymphadenopathy in children from benign;
biopsy of a pathologically altered lymph node. It is necessary if the prevalence, location and nature of lymphadenopathy indicates a malignant process. If the biopsy does not reveal the diagnosis, a repeat procedure may be indicated.

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Lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes is an increase in the lymph nodes located in the armpits.

There are a number of reasons for this condition, so a medical examination is necessary to determine the importance of lymphadenopathy.

Timely diagnosis will help to identify the problem and, accordingly, begin its treatment, since the lymph nodes can increase both due to benign formations and cancer.

At the same time, the causes can be relatively banal, not requiring special treatment.

Reasons for the development of lymphadenopathy

In order to understand the causes and mechanisms of lymphadenopathy, it is important to know what lymph nodes are and what their role is.

A lymph node is a filter that conducts lymph coming from various organs.

Axillary and intramammary lymph node of the breast - what is it?

Intramammary lymph nodes are located on the lateral margin.

Most of the lymph drains into the axillary lymph nodes.

The axillary lymph nodes drain the shoulder region, the region of the mammary gland and the chest wall.

The most common reason why the regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland increase is, as a rule, unilateral purulent traumatic lesions or injuries in the arm caused by infection with streptococci or staphylococci, less often tularemia or felinosis.

Axillary lymphadenopathy is caused by an infection or a malignant disease (malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, malignant melanoma).

Enlarged intramammary nodes, in addition, may accompany staphylococcal and streptococcal infections of the hand or sporotrichosis.

In any case, if this symptom occurs - an increase in lymph nodes, you should always consult a doctor and undergo a special examination!

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes

The lymph nodes through which the lymph flows, as mentioned above, are a filter, since they, ensuring the outflow of lymph from the mammary gland, constantly control and filter it. They contain concentrated white blood cells.

At the moment when the regional nodes notice that there are some foreign particles in the lymph, such as bacteria, the number of white blood cells that can fight infections is multiplied, resulting in an increase in local nodes in the axillary region.

Enlarged lymph nodes are considered to be those that have an average size of more than 1 - 1.5 cm. In some thin people, lymph nodes in the neck or in the armpits can even be palpated.

It should be remembered that the lymph nodes increase if they are fighting some kind of disease.

We can talk about infection, inflammation, tumor, but the increase in armpit nodes also occurs with leukemia and lymphoma.

Each group of nodes always signals a violation in a certain part of the body.

In the nodes in the armpit, the lymph of the mammary gland and chest wall flows. Their increase may be a signal of the disease of these structures, including oncology.

Classification of axillary lymph nodes

Axillary lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which, together with the venous system, provides drainage to the body.

The lymphatic system removes cell residues from tissues, prevents bacteria from entering the body and protects against a number of undesirable external influences.

Axillary lymph nodes are divided into the following groups:

apical nodes are located on the upper part of the armpit;
thoracic lymph nodes are localized in the inner (medial) axillary wall, intrathoracic lymphadenopathy characterizes diseases of the mammary glands;
the central nodes are located, respectively, in the central axillary part;
lateral nodes are localized on the lateral (external) axillary wall;
scapular nodes are located in the back axillary part.

Each group of axillary nodes protects the corresponding organ, system and/or tissues. In the event of a malfunction or disease in this organ, the nodes immediately react: their increase is observed, inflammation of the lymph nodes may occur, or they become quite painful.

In most cases, the axillary nodes undergo changes in various diseases that affect the mammary gland: when it becomes inflamed for various reasons or an oncological disease occurs.

Sometimes it is the increase in nodes that is the first signal of certain disorders in the body.

Treatment of lymphadenopathy depends on the main cause of its occurrence - inflammation, infection, carcinoma, etc.

If the cause is unknown, changes in the size of the lymph nodes are monitored for 3 to 4 weeks to find the source of the disease.

Inflammatory processes in the chest

Inflammation that occurs in the mammary gland is better known as mastitis. Most often, the disease develops during the first few weeks after childbirth.

The trigger may be lactostasis or damage to the nipples (cracks and scratches caused by improper breastfeeding).

Through microtrauma, the infectious agent penetrates into the chest tissue, causes inflammation and, as a result, changes in the nodes (right or left).

At stage 1, when the inflammatory process passes without the formation of a cavity with purulent contents. In this case, if there are symptoms of lymphadenopathy, then they are insignificant.

In the same case, if the inflammatory process progresses and passes to stage 2 with the creation of purulent foci, the armpit lymph nodes increase significantly. There is pain, swelling and redness of the skin.

The reason for the increase in nodes is also the penetration of pathogens with the lymphatic or blood flow in breast cancer in women.

If the swelling is not very pronounced, the nodes are painless. With a significant expression of edema, irritation of the nerve endings in the lymph nodes occurs, and, accordingly, pain occurs.

Lymphadenopathy and oncology

Symptoms of lymphadenopathy, which should be the reason for visiting a specialist and conducting a thorough examination:

Enlarged and hard lymph nodes in the armpit, which are detected by palpation.
Change in the size and shape of the breast (left or right). Attention should be paid to violations in the chest itself, such as dents, irregularities and stretching of the skin.
Discharge from the nipple: light or bloody.
Change in color or sensitivity of the skin of the breast, nipple or. The skin around the nipple may be, for example, of varying density, in some place lowered, it may show signs similar to eczema.
Weight loss and night sweats are among the common signs of body-eating diseases that include cancer or AIDS.

Due to the rapid development of metastases (settlement of breast tumor cells in other tissues, where they penetrate through the blood and lymphatic system, i.e. bilateral cancer can develop) to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs, it is in the ranks of a very dangerous oncology.

Measures that will ensure early detection of the disease and any changes in the breast include monthly examination of the breast by the woman herself and regular mammograms.

If the lymph nodes in breast cancer and, accordingly, the disease itself is detected on time, then the prognostic data are quite good.

If the results of self-examination are not conclusive, an immediate visit to the doctor should not be postponed.

If breast lymphadenopathy is a sign of cancer, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment increases the chances of recovery and survival several times over.

Cancer can quickly spread throughout the body without even making itself felt. If, in addition to the defeat of the intrathoracic lymph nodes, the disease has also affected other organs of the body, the chances of successful treatment are sharply reduced.

Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, you should immediately go to the doctor. Even if the suspicions turn out to be in vain, the specialist will definitely treat this with understanding.

Shame is completely out of place here, a delay can be a huge mistake with serious consequences!

Lymphadenopathy associated with silicone implantation

A silicone implant in solid form is used to connect the fixed part of the prosthesis to the bone, in elastic form - for breast augmentation.

Implantation of prostheses with attachment using solid silicone can cause enlargement of regional lymph nodes.

If used, for example, in solving rheumatic deformities of the fingers, over time a person may notice that the lymph node in the armpit has increased.

Similarly, inguinal lymphadenopathy may occur in some patients after implantation of silicone lower extremity prostheses.

Likewise, reactive lymphadenopathy may result from implantation of silicone into the mammary glands, as these prostheses may leak silicone into the surrounding tissues.

The incidence of lymphadenopathy induced by silicone implantation is estimated at 15%.

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes in the breast due to silicone exposure are histologically evidence of reactive hyperplasia with many multinucleated giant cells, some of which contain silicon fibers.

Histologically, the lymphadenopathy induced by the elastic form of silicone used for breast augmentation is not as pronounced as enlarged mammary lymph nodes of a reactive nature when using rigid silicone for fixing joint prostheses.

Lymphodenopathy caused by liquid silicone contains fewer multinucleated giant cells, some of which contain silicone vacuoles.

Ways to visualize and locate lymph nodes

Diagnostic methods aimed at detecting and examining enlarged lymph nodes in the chest include the following measures:

chest x-ray;
ultrasound procedure;
CT scan;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
x-ray lymphography;
lymphoscintigraphy;
positron emission tomography.

An anteroposterior chest x-ray reveals enlarged lymph nodes when they reach a size of approximately 2 to 2.5 cm.

Ultrasonography can detect lymphadenopathy in various locations. This study is able to recognize magnified ones of about 1 cm.

Indications for examination include an obscure palpable mass in the peripheral lymph nodes and monitoring the dynamics of the cancer patient's process.

Computed tomography of the chest (CT) is a modern and informative method of examination, especially in parts of the body that are inaccessible to ultrasound.

The criteria for assessing pathological nodes are the same as for ultrasound - an increase in size above 10 mm and a change in shape.

The chest (MRI) provides a different view than CT.

The greatest effort is the difference in the structure of nodes when using a different sequence and changing the signal after the introduction of contrast. The criteria for size and shape are about the same.

The greatest opportunity to show the detailed structure of the lymph nodes is provided by x-ray lymphography, which highlights the nodes and their structure with the help of an oil dye.

This makes it possible to obtain relatively accurate sizes of nodes, in addition, to determine whether they have a physiological structure or a violation of the normal structure has occurred (in this case, the node looks like a moth-eaten tissue in the image).

Lymphoscintigraphy - this method is more suitable for the study of lymphedema than for use in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and definitions of its volume.

Positron emission tomography - with this method, pathologically infiltrated nodes are indicated. However, it is limited to a few clinics.

We recommend to know:

Lymphadenopathy requires timely diagnosis, you should not neglect your health and allow the development of the disease. It is necessary to maintain immunity, monitor the condition of your body so that the norm of the lymph nodes does not increase.

Lymph nodes - are components of the lymphatic system and perform protective and drainage functions. Lymph nodes filter the fluid that is between the tissues and do not allow microorganisms, the remnants of dead cells, to enter the bloodstream.

General characteristics of the lymph nodes

At the onset of cancer, cancer cells settle in the lymph nodes. After some time, they multiply, and metastasis can form. This process takes place without an inflammatory process in the tissues. The composition of the lymph nodes includes lymphocytes and macrophages that absorb large proteins, pathogenic microorganisms, their waste products, as well as particles of dead cells.

With an increased attack of infection, the immune system fails. If a large number of bacteria have entered the lymph node, the number of lymphocytes increases, and as a result, the lymph node increases in size. The activity of the process depends on the degree of enlargement of the lymph nodes.

The tissue components of the human body, like the lymph nodes, can withstand the degeneration of the tumor.

Symptoms and differences between Lymphadenopathy and Lymphadenitis

An enlarged lymph node, even in moderate amounts, signals a violation in the body, this symptom disappears for various reasons. Lymphadenitis refers to the process of inflammation that takes place in the lymph nodes. Inflammation can cover both one and all lymph nodes. In the body, they act as a filter and are directly related to the circulatory system. The type of infection depends on which lymph node is inflamed. When pathogenic microflora enters the body, it spreads through the body with the help of blood and lymph and settles in the lymph nodes.

Do not confuse the concepts of lymphadenopathy with lymphadenitis, only because of the similar sound. Lymphadenitis is a disease that occurs during an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes, and Lymphodenopathy is a condition in which a reaction occurs that is not accompanied by inflammation.

Symptoms of lymphadenitis:

a noticeable increase in the size of the lymph node;
the occurrence of pain during probing;
severe pain when the node is displaced;
redness of the skin in the place of swelling;
increased skin temperature over the lymph nodes.

This symptom is the most common. The lymph node performs a kind of barrier and prevents the penetration of bacteria into the blood.

With lymphadenopathy, the lymph nodes are enlarged, and this is the only symptom. This condition significantly complicates the rotation of the neck and interferes somewhat. In severe cases, the lymph nodes become very hard and are often referred to as "stony".

Lymphadenopathy can occur at advanced stages of oncological neoplasms, HIV infection, which is in an active state and turns into AIDS. In this case, lymphadenopathy is called mediastinal.

Lymphadenitis is a condition that develops acutely and resolves quickly. If the lymph nodes in the neck of the mediastinum are enlarged for a long time, and mild symptoms appear, then we can talk about the presence of lymphadenopathy.

Very often, the lymph nodes react to viral infections.

In this case, there is no inflammatory process, and there is a slight reaction from the nodes.

Types of lymphadenopathy

If you suspect a pathological process in the lymphatic system, you should pay attention to the following types of lymph nodes:

occipital;
parotid;
cervical;
inguinal;
submandibular;
axillary;
subelbow.

Under normal conditions, the size of the lymph node should be less than one centimeter. The value also depends on the location and personal characteristics of the organism. You can independently feel the lymph nodes and identify their increase. If there is pain on palpation, they move under the skin and their tuberosity is noticeable, then these are signs of a pathological process. An accurate diagnosis can be made by a specialist after diagnostics and additional studies.

Depending on the degree of damage, the following forms are distinguished:

local, in which one node increases;
regional, occurs when several groups increase;
generalized - an increase in more than 3 groups of lymph nodes.

According to the nature of the development of the process, acute and chronic forms are distinguished.

Causes of lymphadenopathy

Various diseases can provoke the development of lymphadenopathy:

viral infections (ORV, HIV - infection,);
infectious diseases of a bacterial species (tuberculosis, toxocariasis);
chlamydia;
cancerous growths;

Diagnosis of the disease

In the inflammatory process of the nodes of the neck, the doctor conducts a general examination of the body, and prescribes a blood test. Mandatory stage - testing for the presence of HIV and hepatitis.

In addition, a chest X-ray and an ultrasound examination of the abdomen are performed.

in the photo what enlarged lymph nodes on the neck look like

After the diagnosis and diagnosis, the doctor will select the necessary therapeutic therapy. The age of the patient is taken into account, if it is a child, then there is a high probability that the cause is an infectious disease. In an adult, there is a high probability of a chronic course of the disease. According to statistics in patients over forty years old, the cause of the enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck lies in the presence of an oncological disease. Children have an imperfect immune system, so they most often develop reactive lymphadenitis. Axillary in most cases occurs with breast cancer in women.

If a child has a lymph node within 2 centimeters, then treatment should begin immediately. Once the cause of lymphadenitis is identified, the lymph node is easy to find. In the presence of a sexually transmitted infectious disease, the inguinal nodes are involved on the right or left. This process is quite noticeable and easy to identify at the initial stage, there are abdominal pains.

Treatment of lymphadenitis

A mandatory secondary symptom of syphilis is regional lymphadenitis. Mesenteric occurs in children in the area of the mesentery that supports the intestines.

Treatment of lymphadenitis directly depends on the cause of the occurrence, and this should be done by a qualified specialist. Many people do not understand the seriousness of the problem and try to heal on their own, postponing a visit to the doctor. This can lead to serious complications up to the development of a purulent infection.

Lymphodenopathy of the neck, which occurs after a respiratory or viral infection, goes away on its own and does not require any treatment. In rare cases, anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.

In advanced stages, when suppuration occurs in the lymph nodes, antibiotic therapy is required. Special ointments and the intake of vitamin complexes will help speed up the healing process. The patient is shown to drink plenty of fluids, and is warm, not supercooled. With cervical lymphadenopathy, before going out into the street, in the cold season, the neck must be wrapped in a scarf. In cases where therapy does not bring a positive result, surgical intervention is indicated. The doctor, in an operative way, opens suppuration and cleans it.

Possible Complications

With inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, the whole body suffers. From the neck, inflammation can easily spread to the lungs. With purulent lymphadenitis, purulent masses can enter the bloodstream, which will cause sepsis and blood poisoning. With violations of the lymph flow, edema occurs, elephantiasis develops, due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues.

Preventive measures

After a successful cure for this disease, it is recommended to carefully monitor injuries and prevent infection. If a wound occurs, treatment with an antiseptic is necessary. The appearance of characteristic symptoms signals the need for treatment. Personal hygiene will help prevent infection in the body. It is important to strengthen the body's defenses to fight infections. Foods high in vitamin C will help you recover faster.

Lymphadenopathy is a pathological condition characterized by an increase in lymph nodes and is one of the leading symptoms of many diseases.

Approximately 1% of patients with persistent lymphadenopathy are diagnosed with malignancy during a medical examination.

Lymph nodes are peripheral organs of the lymphatic system. They play the role of a kind of biological filter that purifies the lymph that enters them from the limbs and internal organs. There are about 600 lymph nodes in the human body. However, only inguinal, axillary and submandibular lymph nodes, i.e., those located superficially, can be palpated.

Causes

Infectious diseases lead to the development of lymphadenopathy:

Therapy with certain drugs can lead to the development of lymphadenopathy, including cephalosporins, gold preparations, sulfonamides, Captopril, Atenolol, Allopurinol, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Penicillin, Hydralazine, Quinidine, Pyrimethamine.

The most frequently expressed lymphadenopathy is observed against the background of the following diseases:

tuberculosis of the lymph nodes;
non-Hodgkin's lymphomas;
lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's disease);
viral hepatitis;
macroglobulinemia Waldenström;
Niemann-Pick disease;
tularemia;
HIV infection;
benign lymphoreticulosis.

An increase in lymph nodes in the right supraclavicular region is often associated with a malignant process in the esophagus, lungs, and mediastinum.

Oropharyngeal infections often lead to cervical lymphadenopathy. Usually this condition develops in children and adolescents against the background of childhood infectious diseases and is associated with the functional immaturity of the immune system, which does not always adequately respond to infectious stimuli. The highest risk of developing cervical lymphadenopathy in children who have not been timely vaccinated against diphtheria, mumps, measles, rubella.

Axillary lymphadenopathy is caused by:

purulent-inflammatory processes localized in the arms, shoulders or chest;
some types of skin pathology (neurodermatitis, psoriasis);
diseases of the mammary glands (mastitis, mastopathy, cancer);
autoimmune systemic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic scleroderma).

Kinds

Depending on the number of lymph nodes involved in the pathological process, the following types of lymphadenopathy are distinguished:

localized- an increase in one lymph node;
regional- an increase in several lymph nodes located in one or two adjacent anatomical regions, for example, axillary lymphadenopathy;
generalized- enlarged lymph nodes are localized in several non-contiguous anatomical regions, for example, inguinal and cervical adenopathy.

Localized lymphadenopathies are much more common (in 75% of cases) than regional or generalized ones. Approximately 1% of patients with persistent lymphadenopathy are diagnosed with malignancy during a medical examination.

Depending on the etiological factor, lymphadenopathy can be:

primary- caused by primary tumor lesions of the lymph nodes;
secondary- infectious, drug, metastatic (secondary tumor process).

In turn, infectious lymphadenopathy is divided into specific (due to tuberculosis, syphilis and other specific infections) and non-specific.

Inguinal lymphadenopathy is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections, and cat scratch disease is accompanied by axillary or cervical lymphadenopathy.

According to the duration of the clinical course, acute and chronic lymphadenopathy is distinguished.

Signs of lymphadenopathy

With cervical, inguinal or axillary lymphadenopathy, an increase in lymph nodes is observed in the corresponding area, from slight to noticeable to the naked eye (from a small pea to a goose egg). Their palpation can be painful. In some cases, reddening of the skin is noted above the enlarged lymph nodes.

It is impossible to detect lymphadenopathy of the visceral nodes (mesenteric, perebronchial, lymph nodes of the hilum of the liver) visually or by palpation, it is determined only during the instrumental examination of the patient.

In addition to enlarged lymph nodes, there are a number of other signs that may accompany the development of lymphadenopathy:

unexplained weight loss;
increase in body temperature;
excessive sweating, especially at night;
enlargement of the liver and spleen;
recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, pharyngitis).

Diagnostics

Since lymphadenopathy is not an independent pathology, but only a symptom of intoxication in many diseases, its diagnosis is aimed at identifying the causes that led to the enlargement of the lymph nodes. The examination begins with a thorough history taking, which in many cases allows a preliminary diagnosis to be made:

eating raw meat- toxoplasmosis;
contact with cats- toxoplasmosis, cat scratch disease;
recent blood transfusions- hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus;
contact with TB patients- tuberculous lymphadenitis;
intravenous drug use- hepatitis B, endocarditis, HIV infection;
casual sex- hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, herpes, syphilis, HIV infection;
work in a slaughterhouse or livestock farm- erysipeloid;
fishing, hunting- tularemia.

With localized or regional lymphadenopathy, the area from which lymph outflows through the affected lymph nodes occurs is examined for the presence of tumors, skin lesions, and inflammatory diseases. Other groups of lymph nodes are also examined in order to identify possible generalized lymphadenopathy.

There are about 600 lymph nodes in the human body. However, only inguinal, axillary and submandibular lymph nodes can be palpated.

In localized lymphadenopathy, the anatomical localization of enlarged lymph nodes can significantly narrow the number of suspected pathologies. For example, sexually transmitted infections usually lead to the development of inguinal lymphadenopathy, and cat scratch disease is accompanied by axillary or cervical lymphadenopathy.

An increase in lymph nodes in the right supraclavicular region is often associated with a malignant process in the esophagus, lungs, and mediastinum. Left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy signals a possible lesion of the gallbladder, stomach, prostate, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, seminal vesicles. A pathological process in the abdominal or pelvic cavity can lead to an increase in paraumbilical lymph nodes.

Clinical examination of patients with generalized lymphadenopathy should be directed to the search for systemic disease. Valuable diagnostic findings are the detection of inflammation of the joints, mucous membranes, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, various types of rash.

In order to identify the cause that led to lymphadenopathy, according to indications, various types of laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out. The standard examination scheme usually includes:

general and biochemical blood test;
chest x-ray;
Ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic organs;
computer and magnetic resonance imaging.

If necessary, a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node can be performed, followed by histological and cytological examination of the obtained tissue samples.

The highest risk of developing cervical lymphadenopathy in children who have not been timely vaccinated against diphtheria, mumps, measles, rubella.

Treatment of lymphadenopathy

Treatment of lymphadenopathy is to eliminate the underlying disease. So, if an increase in lymph nodes is associated with a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotic therapy is indicated, treatment of lymphadenopathy of tuberculous etiology is carried out according to a special DOTS + scheme, treatment of lymphadenopathy caused by cancer consists of antitumor therapy.

Prevention

Prevention of lymphadenopathy is aimed at preventing diseases and intoxications that can provoke an increase in lymph nodes.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

The human lymphatic system serves as a kind of filter for cleansing and removing toxins and toxins from the body. The lymphatic system is made up of nodes and vessels through which lymph flows. Violation of the work of this system leads to serious consequences and harms the body. Lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, is the first sign of a disease.

The main characteristic of lymphadenopathy

This process indicates the course of the disease. Often of an oncological nature. With such a phenomenon as an increase in lymph nodes, you should immediately contact a specialist and conduct the necessary studies.

The specific cause of the appearance of lymphadenopathy is established after the necessary examination. The most common are the presence of viruses in the body, injuries, connective tissue diseases, fungus. In children, lymphadenopathy captures the abdominal cavity, as a result of infection with viruses or bacteria.

Forms of lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy can be classified as follows:

Local . There is an increase in one lymph node throughout the body. An example is an increase in the node on the back of the head in the case of rubella.
Generalized. It is considered to be the most difficult form of the disease. Characterized by the defeat of entire areas of the human lymphatic system. The causes of this form can be considered the presence of allergic reactions, diseases of the immune system, inflammation or infection. This form is most common in HIV-infected people. There is a lesion of the cervical and axillary parts, retroperitoneal space, in rare cases, the inguinal and supraclavicular region is affected.
Reactive. This form of lymphadenopathy is characterized by the absence of symptoms and pain. Affects any lymph area.

Stages of disease development

The stages of the course of lymphadenopathy are divided:

acute;
chronic;
recurrent.

Also, the above forms, in turn, can be tumor or non-tumor.

Distribution of lymphadenopathy

There are over 650 lymph nodes in the human body. The process of disease development can occur in any part of the lymphatic system. The most common places for the development of pathology are considered to be:

primary magnification
Malignant formations
Organ damage in this area
False tumors

The development of pathology in the mediastinal region is characterized by: sharp pains in the chest, passing into the neck or shoulder joint; pupil dilation; voice change; pain and noise in the head. Rare: blue complexion, enlarged jugular veins. In the case of neglect of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, there may be an increase in temperature and disruption of the heart. In children, there is a violation of breathing and severe sweating at night.

Other localization

Diagnostics

To determine the type and nature of lymphadenopathy, a thorough examination and observation by a specialist is necessary. Treatment depends on the location of the disease. To begin with, the necessary tests are given: UAC, urinalysis, analysis for tumor markers. Abdominal ultrasound and x-rays are performed.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed after establishing the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes. If there is an infection, then antiviral drugs are prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed only if suppuration of the lymph node is suspected.

Tumor diseases require specialized treatment in the oncology department. Treatment with glucocorticosteroids is not used if it is not possible to establish the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes, because. they reduce this symptom and make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis. In the presence of tuberculosis, the use of steroids can worsen the patient's condition. In this case, it is extremely dangerous to use non-traditional treatment or to do it yourself. Treatment of lymphadenopathy is a strictly individual process for each organism.

Disease prevention

There are no specific preventive measures. This can include measures to prevent disease and oversaturation with toxins in the body, which contribute to enlarged lymph nodes. Do not forget about maintaining the right lifestyle and giving up bad habits.