Lymph node enlargement is a common phenomenon. Some people were diagnosed with submandibular lymph node during physical examination, or cervical lymph node swollen . Some parents also find that their children have swollen lymph nodes. In this case, you will have questions about whether the enlarged lymph nodes are manifestations of inflammation or a signal of development into a tumor? Does it need to be treated without pain or itch? Can we cut the enlarged lymph node in advance to get health protection? Let's answer these questions now.
lymph nodes are an important part of the human immune system. If the immune system is compared to the Great Wall that maintains human health, then the lymph nodes are like beacon tower . Lymph nodes are flat and soft-textured tissues, widely distributed at the convergence of lymphatic channels, with a size ranging from 5 to 20 mm. For normal adults, there are 400 to 500 lymph nodes in their bodies, most of which are located in the chest, abdomen, and pelvic cavity. Only the lymph nodes located in the superficial areas of the neck, mandibular, supraclavicular fossa, armpit, inguinal and other superficial areas will be touched.
lymph nodes in the immune system assume the functions of filtering, defense, warning and transmitting information. They are the settlements of mature B cells and T cells . B cells can produce antibodies to identify pathogenic microorganism , while T cells are responsible for eliminating pathogens. When lymph fluid enters the lymph nodes, the flow rate slows down, and pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, harmful foreign objects, etc. will be filtered, identified and removed, which is the first barrier for the human body to resist foreign objects invasion. If the body is attacked by bacteria, viruses, etc., the lymph nodes will react quickly and gather other immune forces to resist. At the same time, local inflammation will also occur, which will manifest as enlarged lymph nodes.
Under normal circumstances, the superficial lymph nodes are less than 5 mm, the texture is soft, smooth, movable, not easy to touch, and will not cause tenderness. If the lymph nodes in the neck or armpit are more than 1 cm, or the lymph nodes in the groin are more than 2 cm, it is considered to be swollen. When lymph nodes are swollen, pain occurs, which is a manifestation of severe inflammatory reactions, or increased volume, compressing adjacent nerves. Lymph node enlargement is mostly associated with inflammation, and only a small number are associated with tumors. Usually, lymph nodes caused by infectious factors will cause obvious pain, but as the infection is controlled, the pain will be reduced and the lymph nodes will become smaller. If the lymph nodes are obviously swollen but there is no pain, you need to be vigilant and check in time to rule out malignant lesions.
judging the relationship between lymph node swelling and health should be observed from 5 aspects. First, it is the location. If there are more than two non-adjacent places, lymph nodes will appear, which is usually a manifestation of systemic disease factors. Only one location has a swollen lymph node, most of which are caused by local lesions. Second, it is the size, and the lymph nodes are enlarged by more than 2 cm, indicating that the possibility of malignant lesions such as tumors is increased. Third, it is texture, hard and tough, and is characterized by malignant lesions such as lymphoma, , and has a volatility, indicating a suppurative infection. If there is a rupture or liquid flows out, it is characterized by tuberculosis . Fourth, it is a fixed degree, and it is difficult to move in large quantities, which is an abnormal situation. The fifth is accompanied by symptoms, such as significant weight loss, which is a signal of malignant tumors, enlarged liver or spleen, and a manifestation of viral infection and autoimmune disease .
systemic lymph node enlargement is mainly caused by two types of factors. The first category is infectious factors, such as infectious mononucleosis, brucellosis, hematogenous spread tuberculosis, syphilis , etc. The second category is mainly caused by autoimmune diseases or hematologic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus , Sjogren's syndrome , lymphoma, leukemia , etc. Local lymph nodes are enlarged, and comprehensive judgment is required in combination with accompanying symptoms. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the lower jaw may be caused by infection in adjacent areas such as tonsilitis, periodontitis, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck may be manifested as lymph nodes.If the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen, you should also be wary of tumor metastasis. For example, nasopharyngeal carcinoma will cause lymph nodes deep in the neck and abdominal tumors, which can cause swelling of the left supraclavicular lymph nodes and thoracic tumors, which will cause swelling of the right supraclavicular lymph nodes.
When you find that you have or are suspected to have enlarged lymph nodes, even if you are painless and itchy, you need to pay attention. Especially when the lymph nodes are enlarged, they do not shrink for a long time, and even continue to enlarge, relevant examinations should be carried out in time to avoid delaying the condition. For example, if a woman finds painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the axillary, she needs to undergo breast cancer -related examination. High-frequency color ultrasound is a highly accurate examination method. It can objectively evaluate the enlargement of lymph nodes, and can initially judge the nature of lymph node swelling through echo, etc. Since lymph nodes are important immune tissue , preventive resection is not suitable. However, in the case of tumor metastasis, lymph node dissection is required.
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Your health, my attention. Professionals observe health from a scientific and humanistic perspective, including series such as express reports, details, reminders, doubts, opinions, historical remarks, etc. The content is original works of the author Wei Hongling and the team. Refusal of all forms of misappropriation and reproduction without permission, otherwise it will be pursued in accordance with relevant laws.
