Lymph nodes, also known as the lymph nodes, lymph nodes or lymph nodes, are small bean-shaped glands that are distributed throughout the body and help the immune system function properly as it filters the lymph to remove viruses and bacteria that may be a risk to the body. Once removed, these microorganisms are destroyed by the lymphocytes, which are defense cells present within the lymph nodes.
These lymph nodes can be found isolated by the body, but most are present in groups in places such as the neck, armpits and groin. Each group is usually responsible for helping to fight infections that develop around, getting swollen when this happens. Thus, it is common that during a urinary infection, the groin lymph nodes are easier to feel, for example.
What can make swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes swell when there is trauma or infection close by, so the place where they get swollen may help in the diagnosis. About 80% of enlarged lymph nodes in people under 30 years of age are due to near-site infections, but they can also be:
1. Underarm tongue
The most common causes of swelling of the axillary lymph nodes are wounds or infections in the hand, arm or armpit, due to a cut, by ingrown or furuncle, for example. However, it can indicate more serious problems such as lymphoma, especially when there is night fever and sweating, but other situations such as animal bite, brucellosis, sporotrichosis, and breast cancer may also be at the origin of this change.
2. Tongue in the neck
The lymph nodes of the neck may swell in the lateral region, but also under the jaw or near the ears. When this happens it may be possible to feel or even see a small lump in these regions which may be a sign of:
- Dental abscess;
- Thyroid cyst,
- Changes in the salivary glands;
- Sore throat;
- Pharyngitis or laryngitis;
- Cut or bite in the mouth;
- Mumps;
- Infection of the ear or eye.
In rare cases, this swelling of the anus may also be a sign of some type of tumor in this region, such as the throat, larynx or thyroid.
3. Crotch tongue
The groin lymph nodes may become swollen by infection or trauma to the legs, feet, or genital area. One of the most common causes is urinary tract infection, but it can also happen after an intimate surgery, and in case of sexually transmitted diseases, infection in the legs or feet, and some types of gynecological cancer.
Check out the most common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Tongue in the clavicle
Lumps in the upper clavicle bone can indicate infections, lymphoma, tumor in the lungs, breasts, neck or abdomen. The hardened ganglion in the left supraclavicular region may indicate gastrointestinal neoplasia.
5. Languages throughout the body
Although it is more common for lymph nodes to swell only in one region, lumps may appear throughout the body and this is usually related to diseases such as:
- Autoimmune diseases,
- Lymphoma;
- Leukemia;
- Cytomegalovirus;
- Mononucleosis;
- Secondary syphilis;
- Sarcoidosis;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Hyperthyroidism;
- Side effects of medications such as hydantoinate, antithyroid agents and isoniazid.
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6. Hindrances
Scarabs near the nape of the neck may indicate infections of the scalp, rubella, insect bites, chronic lymphocytic leukemia or metastases.
7. Languages near the ear
Enlarged lymph nodes near the ear may indicate rubella, eyelid infections or conjunctivitis, for example.
When enlarged lymph nodes can be cancer
Swollen lymph nodes are almost always a sign of an infection near the area; however, there are some cases in which this swelling may be a sign of cancer, and the only way to be sure is to see a general practitioner for tests such as examination of blood, biopsy or tomography, for example.
The evaluation of the enlarged ganglion helps to denigrate what can be, and for this the doctor touches the area and verifies if the ganglion moves, how big and it hurts. Sore lymph nodes are less likely to be cancerous. Having multiple lymph nodes enlarged by the body increases the chances of being a leukemia, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, reactions to drugs, and in some infections. The lymph nodes in leukemias and lymphomas have firm consistency and do not cause pain.
The risk of an injury being cancer is greater when it lasts for more than 6 weeks or there are signs such as:
- Several lymph nodes swollen by the body;
- Hardened consistency;
- Absence of pain when touching the
- Adherence.
In addition, age is also important because in people over 50 years of age, there is a greater likelihood of being a tumor, than in younger people. So if in doubt the doctor may request a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to check if it contains cancer cells.
Some neoplastic diseases that can cause enlargement of the lymph nodes are: lymphoma, leukemia, and in case of metastasis of breast, lung, kidneys, prostate, melanoma, head and neck, gastrointestinal tract and germ cell tumors.
When to go to the doctor
Most cases of swelling of the anus do not need any treatment and therefore disappear in less than 1 week. However, it is recommended to go to the general practitioner if:
- Lymph nodes become swollen for more than 3 weeks;
- With or without pain when touching the tongue;
- The lump increases in size over time;
- Weight loss;
- Other symptoms appear such as fever, excessive tiredness, weight loss or night sweats.
In these cases, the doctor may order several tests, especially of blood, to try to identify the cause, according to the affected lymph nodes, starting the most appropriate treatment.
