What are the common causes of swollen lymph nodes in the chest. How are swollen chest lymph nodes diagnosed. What symptoms may indicate swollen lymph nodes in the chest. What treatments are available for swollen chest lymph nodes.

Understanding Lymph Nodes and Their Function in the Chest

Lymph nodes are integral components of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body’s immune defense. These small, bean-shaped structures are strategically located throughout the body, including the chest area. Their primary function is to filter out harmful materials, such as infections or cancer cells, helping to protect the body from disease-causing organisms like bacteria.

The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels, similar to blood vessels, that connect the various lymph nodes. When the body is fighting off harmful substances, these nodes may swell as part of the immune response. However, swelling can also occur without an apparent reason, sometimes due to chronic health issues or lymph node diseases like Kikuchi disease.

Location of Lymph Nodes in the Chest

Most lymph nodes in the chest are located deep within the body, making them impossible to feel from the outside. They are typically found:

• Around organs
• Behind bones or other large structures
• In the pleural space (the tissue lining the chest and surrounding the lungs)
• Behind the breastbone
• Surrounding the main veins and arteries of the heart

One example is the para-aortic lymph nodes, which are situated on the front and back of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Due to their deep location, swollen lymph nodes in the chest are typically only detectable through imaging scans.

Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Chest

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest may not always produce noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Chest pressure
• Feeling of fullness in the chest
• Pain (if the swollen nodes push on organs or other structures)
• Swollen lymph nodes in other areas (such as the armpits, groin, or neck)

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of underlying illnesses causing the lymph node swelling. Therefore, any persistent chest discomfort or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Can you feel swollen lymph nodes in the chest?

Generally, it is not possible to feel swollen lymph nodes deep in the chest by pushing on the skin. The mediastinal lymph nodes and other chest lymph nodes are typically too deep to be palpable. However, some lymph nodes around the chest area, such as those above the collarbone, may be felt if they become swollen.

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Chest

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest often indicate a serious underlying medical condition. Some potential causes include:

1. Lung cancer: Swelling in the lymph nodes surrounding the lungs and in the chest may signify lung cancer or its spread to other areas of the body.
2. Lymphoma: This cancer of the lymph nodes can affect nodes anywhere in the body, including the chest.
3. Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can damage the lungs and cause lymph node swelling.
4. Tuberculosis: A serious lung infection that can spread to other parts of the body and cause lymph node swelling.
5. Other infections: Various bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections affecting the lungs can lead to swollen lymph nodes.
6. Heart failure or interstitial lung disease: These conditions can sometimes result in swollen chest lymph nodes.

A 2019 study involving 1,075 people who underwent an endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to diagnose swollen chest lymph nodes found that cancer was the most common cause, accounting for 61.6% of cases.

Diagnosis of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Chest

Diagnosing swollen lymph nodes in the chest typically requires imaging scans, as these nodes are too deep to be felt during a physical examination. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Chest X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• PET scans
• Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)

In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the cause of the swelling and rule out serious conditions like cancer.

How do doctors detect swollen lymph nodes in the chest?

Doctors primarily rely on imaging techniques to detect swollen lymph nodes in the chest. They may suspect lymph node swelling based on a patient’s symptoms, such as chest pressure or fullness, and then order appropriate imaging tests to confirm their suspicions and identify the underlying cause.

Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Chest

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes in the chest depends on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Antifungal treatments for fungal infections
• Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery for cancer
• Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications for conditions like sarcoidosis
• Watchful waiting for cases where the swelling is mild and not caused by a serious condition

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the specific cause and severity of the lymph node swelling.

Prevention and Risk Factors for Swollen Chest Lymph Nodes

While it’s not always possible to prevent swollen lymph nodes in the chest, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Practicing good hygiene to prevent infections
• Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases
• Regular health check-ups to detect potential issues early

Risk factors for developing swollen lymph nodes in the chest may include:

• A history of smoking
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• A weakened immune system
• Certain occupational exposures
• Family history of lymph node disorders or related conditions

Are certain individuals more prone to developing swollen chest lymph nodes?

While anyone can develop swollen lymph nodes in the chest, individuals with compromised immune systems, those with a history of certain infections or cancers, and people exposed to specific environmental factors may be at higher risk. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Lymph Node Concerns

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent chest pressure or fullness
• Unexplained chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin accompanied by chest discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
• Any symptoms that concern you or persist for an extended period

Early detection and treatment of underlying conditions causing lymph node swelling can significantly improve outcomes and prevent potential complications.

How urgent is it to see a doctor for suspected swollen chest lymph nodes?

The urgency of seeking medical attention depends on the severity of symptoms and any accompanying issues. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other alarming symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care. For milder concerns, scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician for evaluation is advisable.

Latest Research and Advancements in Chest Lymph Node Diagnostics

Recent advancements in medical technology have improved the diagnosis and treatment of swollen lymph nodes in the chest. Some notable developments include:

• Improved imaging techniques with higher resolution and accuracy
• Advanced biopsy procedures that are less invasive and more precise
• Molecular testing methods to identify specific causes of lymph node swelling
• Artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis for faster and more accurate diagnoses
• Targeted therapies for treating underlying conditions causing lymph node swelling

These advancements continue to enhance our understanding of chest lymph node disorders and improve patient outcomes.

What are the most promising new diagnostic tools for chest lymph node assessment?

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as a highly effective and minimally invasive technique for diagnosing swollen chest lymph nodes. This procedure allows doctors to obtain tissue samples from lymph nodes in the chest with great precision, reducing the need for more invasive surgical biopsies in many cases.

Additionally, advanced PET-CT scans combining positron emission tomography with computed tomography provide detailed metabolic and anatomical information, enabling more accurate detection and characterization of abnormal lymph nodes in the chest.

Living with Chronic Lymph Node Conditions in the Chest

For some individuals, swollen lymph nodes in the chest may be a chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Living with such a condition can involve:

• Regular medical check-ups and monitoring
• Adhering to prescribed treatment plans
• Managing symptoms through lifestyle modifications
• Joining support groups or seeking counseling to cope with the emotional aspects of chronic illness
• Staying informed about new treatments and research developments

It’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

How can patients cope with the uncertainty of chronic lymph node conditions?

Coping with chronic lymph node conditions can be challenging, but several strategies can help:

1. Educate yourself about your condition to feel more in control
2. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
3. Maintain open communication with your healthcare team
4. Seek support from family, friends, or support groups
5. Focus on aspects of your life you can control, such as diet and exercise
6. Consider professional counseling if you’re struggling emotionally

Remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and it’s okay to seek help when needed.

Swollen lymph nodes in chest: Symptoms, causes, and more

Usually, chest lymph nodes are too deep in the chest for a person to feel them. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes in the chest appear on imaging scans. Swelling can indicate an underlying condition.

The lymph nodes sometimes swell when fighting an infection. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is the medical term for swollen lymph nodes in the chest.

The lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system, which helps protect the body from disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria.

Along the collarbone, it may be possible for a person to feel swollen lymph nodes. These lymph nodes may swell when there is an infection, especially in nearby areas such as the breasts or throat.

Swollen lymph nodes can signal a serious underlying condition, such as cancer or an infection. Lymph nodes can also swell for no apparent reason.

In this article, we look at the possible causes of swollen lymph nodes in the chest and their treatments.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, and it helps filter out harmful materials, such as infections or cancer cells. It includes a network of vessels, similar to blood vessels, connecting the many different lymph nodes.

These small nodes sometimes swell when the body is filtering out something harmful. They can also swell for no apparent reason, either because of chronic health issues or due to lymph node diseases, such as Kikuchi disease.

Swollen lymph nodes may occur in a single location or throughout the body. The site of the swelling often provides clues to the source of the problem.

For example, a person with a swollen lymph node in the neck might have a tooth abscess or strep throat.

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest often mean a person has a serious underlying medical condition. Some potential causes include:

• Lung cancer: Swelling in the lymph nodes surrounding the lungs and in the chest may mean that a person has lung cancer or that lung cancer is spreading to other areas of the body.
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes. It can affect lymph nodes anywhere in the body and may begin in the chest or spread to the chest from other lymph nodes.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can damage the lungs. A 2019 study found that it was one of the most common noncancerous reasons for swollen lymph nodes in the chest.
• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a serious infection that affects the lungs and may spread elsewhere in the body. It can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Other infections: Other infections, especially those that affect the lungs, may cause swollen lymph nodes. Examples include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, such as pneumonia, HIV, histoplasmosis, and toxoplasmosis, respectively. However, mononucleosis, a viral infection, rarely causes the lymph nodes in the chest to swell.
• Other causes: Other serious health issues, such as heart failure or interstitial lung disease, can sometimes cause swollen chest lymph nodes.

In a 2019 study, of the 1,075 people who underwent an endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to diagnose swollen chest lymph nodes, cancer was the most common reason for the swollen chest lymph nodes, with 61.6% having some form of this disease.

Except for the lymph nodes above the collarbone, the lymph nodes in the chest are so deep that a person cannot feel them.

Most are located around organs and behind bones or other large structures. Many are behind the breastbone in the pleural space, which is the tissue lining the chest and surrounding the lungs.

Others surround the main veins and arteries of the heart. For example, the para-aortic lymph nodes lie on the front and the back of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.

As it is not possible to feel the lymph nodes deep in the chest by pushing on the skin, a person will require an imaging scan to determine whether they are swollen.

It is not possible to feel the mediastinal lymph nodes, which are deep in the chest. Other chest lymph nodes are also typically too deep to feel. Doctors usually only notice swelling in these lymph nodes on an imaging scan.

However, a person may feel some lymph nodes around the chest, such as the lymph nodes above the collarbone.

Swollen chest lymph nodes can cause symptoms such as chest pressure and fullness, so a doctor may suspect that either the lymph nodes are swollen or a person has an underlying disease.

People with swollen lymph nodes in the chest may also experience swollen lymph nodes elsewhere, such as in the armpits, groin, or neck.

People with swollen lymph nodes in the chest might not notice any symptoms. However, the swollen lymph nodes sometimes push on organs or other structures, which may cause pain.

An underlying illness can cause swollen lymph nodes along with other symptoms such as:

• feeling sick or weak
• fever
• cough or trouble breathing
• swollen lymph nodes elsewhere in the body
• unexplained weight loss
• night sweats
• pressure in the chest

Lymphoma is a cancer in the lymphatic system or lymph nodes. It can begin in the lymph nodes of the chest or travel to these lymph nodes from other parts of the lymphatic system.

Other cancers, such as lung cancer, may also spread, affecting nearby lymph nodes.

Although a biopsy of the lymph nodes is the only way to diagnose cancer, a doctor may also recommend blood work and imaging scans to evaluate the source of the swollen chest lymph nodes.

The type of cancer a person has, where it began, and whether it has spread to other areas help determine the outlook. For instance, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 72%.

The treatment for swollen chest lymph nodes depends on the cause. Some options include:

• Infection treatment: Antibiotics can treat many infections, including tuberculosis. Fungal infections may require antifungal treatment, while some infections, such as viral pneumonia, respond well to supportive therapy. Supportive therapy means that a doctor monitors the person and treats their symptoms, such as with IV fluids and observation in the hospital.
• Cancer treatment: The right cancer treatment depends on the cancer, but usually includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. A surgeon may remove the cancerous lymph nodes or recommend surgery to remove cancer in other areas of the body.
• Immunosuppressive therapy: Treatment for an immune-mediated disease such as sarcoidosis includes corticosteroids and immune therapy.
• Medication: As some medications can cause lymph nodes to swell, a doctor may recommend switching medications.

Finding swollen chest lymph nodes can be scary, especially if they accompany other symptoms. A doctor will perform other tests to determine the reason for the swelling and offer advice about treatment options.

Even a very serious diagnosis, such as cancer, often responds well to treatment, especially in the early stages. Furthermore, antibiotics can often completely cure infections, such as tuberculosis.

People who experience chest pain or pressure, breathing difficulties, or other symptoms of swollen chest lymph nodes should see a doctor as quickly as possible.

The doctor will likely ask for a log of all of the symptoms a person experiences, including when the symptoms first appeared. They will also ask the person about their medical history.

Swollen lymph nodes in chest: Symptoms, causes, and more

Usually, chest lymph nodes are too deep in the chest for a person to feel them. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes in the chest appear on imaging scans. Swelling can indicate an underlying condition.

The lymph nodes sometimes swell when fighting an infection. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is the medical term for swollen lymph nodes in the chest.

The lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system, which helps protect the body from disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria.

Along the collarbone, it may be possible for a person to feel swollen lymph nodes. These lymph nodes may swell when there is an infection, especially in nearby areas such as the breasts or throat.

Swollen lymph nodes can signal a serious underlying condition, such as cancer or an infection. Lymph nodes can also swell for no apparent reason.

In this article, we look at the possible causes of swollen lymph nodes in the chest and their treatments.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, and it helps filter out harmful materials, such as infections or cancer cells. It includes a network of vessels, similar to blood vessels, connecting the many different lymph nodes.

These small nodes sometimes swell when the body is filtering out something harmful. They can also swell for no apparent reason, either because of chronic health issues or due to lymph node diseases, such as Kikuchi disease.

Swollen lymph nodes may occur in a single location or throughout the body. The site of the swelling often provides clues to the source of the problem.

For example, a person with a swollen lymph node in the neck might have a tooth abscess or strep throat.

Swollen lymph nodes in the chest often mean a person has a serious underlying medical condition. Some potential causes include:

• Lung cancer: Swelling in the lymph nodes surrounding the lungs and in the chest may mean that a person has lung cancer or that lung cancer is spreading to other areas of the body.
• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes. It can affect lymph nodes anywhere in the body and may begin in the chest or spread to the chest from other lymph nodes.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can damage the lungs. A 2019 study found that it was one of the most common noncancerous reasons for swollen lymph nodes in the chest.
• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a serious infection that affects the lungs and may spread elsewhere in the body. It can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Other infections: Other infections, especially those that affect the lungs, may cause swollen lymph nodes. Examples include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, such as pneumonia, HIV, histoplasmosis, and toxoplasmosis, respectively. However, mononucleosis, a viral infection, rarely causes the lymph nodes in the chest to swell.
• Other causes: Other serious health issues, such as heart failure or interstitial lung disease, can sometimes cause swollen chest lymph nodes.

In a 2019 study, of the 1,075 people who underwent an endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to diagnose swollen chest lymph nodes, cancer was the most common reason for the swollen chest lymph nodes, with 61.6% having some form of this disease.

Except for the lymph nodes above the collarbone, the lymph nodes in the chest are so deep that a person cannot feel them.

Most are located around organs and behind bones or other large structures. Many are behind the breastbone in the pleural space, which is the tissue lining the chest and surrounding the lungs.

Others surround the main veins and arteries of the heart. For example, the para-aortic lymph nodes lie on the front and the back of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.

As it is not possible to feel the lymph nodes deep in the chest by pushing on the skin, a person will require an imaging scan to determine whether they are swollen.

It is not possible to feel the mediastinal lymph nodes, which are deep in the chest. Other chest lymph nodes are also typically too deep to feel. Doctors usually only notice swelling in these lymph nodes on an imaging scan.

However, a person may feel some lymph nodes around the chest, such as the lymph nodes above the collarbone.

Swollen chest lymph nodes can cause symptoms such as chest pressure and fullness, so a doctor may suspect that either the lymph nodes are swollen or a person has an underlying disease.

People with swollen lymph nodes in the chest may also experience swollen lymph nodes elsewhere, such as in the armpits, groin, or neck.

People with swollen lymph nodes in the chest might not notice any symptoms. However, the swollen lymph nodes sometimes push on organs or other structures, which may cause pain.

An underlying illness can cause swollen lymph nodes along with other symptoms such as:

• feeling sick or weak
• fever
• cough or trouble breathing
• swollen lymph nodes elsewhere in the body
• unexplained weight loss
• night sweats
• pressure in the chest

Lymphoma is a cancer in the lymphatic system or lymph nodes. It can begin in the lymph nodes of the chest or travel to these lymph nodes from other parts of the lymphatic system.

Other cancers, such as lung cancer, may also spread, affecting nearby lymph nodes.

Although a biopsy of the lymph nodes is the only way to diagnose cancer, a doctor may also recommend blood work and imaging scans to evaluate the source of the swollen chest lymph nodes.

The type of cancer a person has, where it began, and whether it has spread to other areas help determine the outlook. For instance, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 72%.

The treatment for swollen chest lymph nodes depends on the cause. Some options include:

• Infection treatment: Antibiotics can treat many infections, including tuberculosis. Fungal infections may require antifungal treatment, while some infections, such as viral pneumonia, respond well to supportive therapy. Supportive therapy means that a doctor monitors the person and treats their symptoms, such as with IV fluids and observation in the hospital.
• Cancer treatment: The right cancer treatment depends on the cancer, but usually includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. A surgeon may remove the cancerous lymph nodes or recommend surgery to remove cancer in other areas of the body.
• Immunosuppressive therapy: Treatment for an immune-mediated disease such as sarcoidosis includes corticosteroids and immune therapy.
• Medication: As some medications can cause lymph nodes to swell, a doctor may recommend switching medications.

Finding swollen chest lymph nodes can be scary, especially if they accompany other symptoms. A doctor will perform other tests to determine the reason for the swelling and offer advice about treatment options.

Even a very serious diagnosis, such as cancer, often responds well to treatment, especially in the early stages. Furthermore, antibiotics can often completely cure infections, such as tuberculosis.

People who experience chest pain or pressure, breathing difficulties, or other symptoms of swollen chest lymph nodes should see a doctor as quickly as possible.

The doctor will likely ask for a log of all of the symptoms a person experiences, including when the symptoms first appeared. They will also ask the person about their medical history.

What does the mammary gland consist of?

What does the structure of the mammary gland include?

The mammary gland consists of three components:

1. The glandular component is the lactiferous ducts and 15 to 20 lobes arranged in a circle like flower petals. Each lobe is divided into lobules, where milk is produced. From each lobule there are ducts, they merge into a common duct of the lobe, ending with a hole in the nipple.
2. Fibrous component – a tissue similar to that of which muscle ligaments are composed, acts as a supporting structure, provides the shape of the mammary gland. Also in the thickness of the mammary gland from the skin to the chest wall are bands of connective tissue – ligaments that hold the breast tissue in place.
3. Adipose tissue – fills the space between the glandular and fibrous tissue and largely determines the size of the breast.

There are no muscles in the mammary gland itself. The pectoral muscles covering the ribs are located under it.

Nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics pass through the mammary gland. Lymphatic vessels lead to small bean-shaped organs – lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are located under the arm (axillary), above and below the clavicle (supra- and subclavian), as well as in the mammary gland itself (intramammary).

The role of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body and help fight infections. They filter the colorless liquid flowing from the tissues – lymph, containing immune cells – lymphocytes.

The state of the lymph nodes plays an important role in determining the stage of breast cancer and prognosis of the disease. During treatment, they may be removed, biopsied or irradiated. Lymph nodes that collect lymph from the mammary gland are located in the armpit. In breast cancer, tumor cells can migrate through the lymphatic pathways from the primary tumor in the mammary gland to the axillary lymph nodes and beyond.

You can read more about the surgical treatment of diseased lymph nodes here. Learn more about staging breast cancer with lymph node assessment here.

In addition, large blood vessels and nerves are located in the axillary region, providing blood supply and normal functioning of the hand. The most careful attitude to these structures during axillary surgery and proper physical rehabilitation after surgery can minimize the risks of impaired hand movements after surgery.

Valeria Konstantinova

Oncologist-mammologist, resident surgeon, graduate of the Higher School of Oncology

September 17, 2022

10/19/21

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Infection or cancer: oncologist Yakubenko told how to determine the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes

• Health

A sudden increase in lymph nodes is alarming for many, especially if there are no other obvious symptoms and assumptions. For those who are particularly anxious, this is often a sign of serious illness. Maybe even cancer.

May 28, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

Lymph nodes enlarge, usually due to inflammation caused by an immune system reaction. And the most common causes of such a reaction are various infections and tumors. When should you worry and urgently run to the doctor? This was told by Igor Yakubenko, an oncologist at the N.N. Petrova

Infection or cancer?

According to the oncologist, in principle any prolonged enlargement of the lymph nodes – within 2-3 weeks – is already a clear reason to see a doctor. Only an experienced specialist will be able to determine the exact cause, and for this it is often enough for him to simply examine and interview the patient – according to research, a correct preliminary diagnosis with almost 90% of all enlarged lymph nodes can be made on the basis of history and objective examination.

However, there are characteristic signs by which one can assume for oneself which of the causes caused an increase in superficial lymph nodes. And more often in such cases, people are worried about whether it is associated with the development of some kind of malignant tumor.

Igor Yakubenko listed the main differences between inflammation of the lymph nodes in infection and cancer.

These 4 signs are characteristic of infections:

• soreness of the lymph nodes;

• redness of the skin (hyperemia) over the lymph nodes;

• warmer and even hotter skin (hyperthermia) in the area of ​​the lymph nodes;

• lymph nodes are rarely soldered and more often mobile – they can be moved by hand inside the subcutaneous tissue.

These 4 signs are characteristic of tumors:

• painless enlargement of the lymph nodes;

• stony density of lymph nodes or hard, hard, elastic consistency;

• adhesion to surrounding tissues;

• specific site, eg supraclavicular lymph nodes.

Read also

How often the growth of lymph nodes is associated with oncology

– The risk of lymphadenopathy, more precisely, the risk of association with a tumor, increases with age. So, among patients older than 40 years old, this is about 4%, and for patients younger than 40 years old, less than 1%,” explains Igor Yakubenko.

According to the oncologist, risk factors also include:

• male,

• supraclavicular location of enlarged lymph nodes,

• the presence of general symptoms – fever, night sweats, unmotivated weight loss.

According to the specialist of the N. N. Petrova, supraclavicular lymph nodes are considered a special group – in malignant neoplasms in adults and children, they most often increase. Studies show that 34-50% of patients with diagnosed supraclavicular lymphadenopathy later develop malignancy (in people over 40, this risk is closer to 50%). Most often, they reveal tumors of the breast, organs of the digestive system, ovaries and lymphomas.

Read also

Why do other lymph nodes grow? Lymphomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and other rare causes, including medications and autoimmune diseases, can also cause lymph nodes to grow in the neck.

Axillary lymph nodes often enlarge due to infections. Among them is cat-scratch disease.

– It has a characteristic clinical presentation, but can be frightening for patients, especially those who have a strong oncological alertness. Therefore, must be understood that infections are a much more common cause of swollen lymph nodes than tumors , the doctor clarifies.

Inguinal lymph nodes can be enlarged simply physiologically. As Igor Yakubenko clarifies, they can reach two centimeters and this will be the norm – especially among residents of southern countries or those who like to walk barefoot on different surfaces. However, this is not always the case. They can, for example, increase in sexually transmitted diseases, and also often as a result of a tumor of the genital organs and the genitourinary system.

In addition, there is the so-called generalized lymphadenopathy when several groups of lymph nodes are enlarged at once. And most of the time it’s an infection. It can be, for example, HIV, infectious mononucleosis, tuberculous lymphadenitis, sarcoidosis.

For reference

There are more than 600 lymph nodes in the human body. The following large groups are distinguished: cervical, supraclavicular, axillary, intrathoracic, near-elbow, intra-abdominal, inguinal, femoral and knee.