Medicine for swollen lymph nodes in neck. Neck Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes

14.11.202027.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of lumps under the chin. How can you identify swollen lymph nodes. When should you seek medical attention for a neck lump. What treatment options are available for swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

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Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck

Lumps under the chin are often a cause for concern, but they can result from various conditions, ranging from harmless to more serious. One of the most common causes is swollen lymph nodes. These small, bean-shaped structures are part of the body’s immune system and can enlarge in response to infections or other health issues.

Swollen lymph nodes typically feel soft or flexible and may be tender to touch. They’re usually located to the left or right of the chin and can vary in size. While often not painful, they can cause discomfort and may be noticeable when looking in the mirror or touching the area.

Characteristics of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Soft or flexible to the touch
May be tender but usually not painful
Often located on either side of the chin
Can vary in size
Usually temporary, resolving within 2-3 weeks

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck

Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Various viral and bacterial infections can trigger this response from your immune system. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine when to seek medical attention.

Viral Infections

Common cold
Influenza (flu)
Ear infections
Measles
Chickenpox
Mononucleosis
HIV/AIDS

Bacterial Infections

Strep throat
Sinus infections
Abscessed tooth
Syphilis
Lyme disease

In most cases, the swelling subsides as the underlying infection clears up. However, persistent swelling or additional symptoms may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

Benign Tumors and Cysts: Non-Cancerous Causes of Neck Lumps

Not all lumps under the chin are caused by infections or swollen lymph nodes. Benign growths can also form in this area, leading to noticeable lumps. While these are typically harmless, they may require treatment for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort.

Types of Benign Growths

Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can develop during infections or due to blocked sebaceous glands.
Fibromas: Round, soft or hard lumps that are usually found around the mouth but can occur under the chin.
Lipomas: Slow-growing, soft lumps composed of fat cells that move easily under the skin.

These benign growths typically cause no other symptoms and are treatable. However, it’s essential to have any unexpected lump examined by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.

When to Be Concerned: Cancer and Neck Lumps

While most neck lumps are benign, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that could indicate a more serious condition, such as cancer. Certain types of cancer can cause lumps to form under the chin, making early diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Potential Cancerous Causes of Neck Lumps

Salivary gland cancer
Skin cancer
Lymph node cancer
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Leukemia

Warning Signs of Cancerous Lumps

Hard, irregularly shaped lumps
Pain or numbness in the affected area
Changes in nearby moles
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Persistent “lump in the throat” sensation
Unexplained weight loss
Weakened immune system
Hoarseness or vocal changes

If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about a lump under your chin, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy, to determine the nature of the lump and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Other Potential Causes of Neck Lumps

While infections, benign growths, and cancer are common causes of lumps under the chin, several other factors can lead to similar symptoms. Understanding these potential causes can help you better assess your situation and determine when to seek medical attention.

Additional Causes of Neck Lumps

Allergic reactions to foods or products
Insect bites or stings
Acne or boils
Salivary duct stones
Tonsillitis
Keloid scars
Hematomas (bruises)
Goiters (enlarged thyroid gland)
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Injuries, such as cuts or broken bones
Damage to sebaceous glands in the chin area

Many of these causes are benign and may resolve on their own or with simple treatments. However, persistent or concerning symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and care.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Neck Lumps

Given the wide range of potential causes for lumps under the chin, professional diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers use various methods to determine the underlying cause of neck lumps and develop effective treatment plans.

Diagnostic Procedures

Physical examination
Medical history review
Blood tests
Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)
Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy

Treatment Options

Treatment for neck lumps varies depending on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections causing swollen lymph nodes.
Antiviral medications: In cases of viral infections, though many resolve on their own.
Drainage: For certain types of cysts or abscesses.
Surgical removal: For benign tumors or suspicious lumps requiring further examination.
Cancer treatments: Including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy for malignant tumors.
Watchful waiting: For harmless lumps that don’t require immediate intervention.

Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis and your individual health needs.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Neck Lump

While many neck lumps are harmless and resolve on their own, certain situations warrant prompt medical evaluation. Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions.

Signs That Require Medical Attention

A lump that persists for more than two weeks
Rapid growth or changes in the lump’s size or shape
Pain, redness, or warmth in the affected area
Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
Unexplained weight loss or fever
Night sweats or fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes in other parts of the body
A family history of cancer, particularly thyroid or lymphoma

If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about a lump under your chin, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for many conditions associated with neck lumps.

Prevention and Self-Care for Neck Lumps

While not all neck lumps can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing certain types of lumps and to promote overall neck health. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help maintain the health of your lymphatic system and reduce the likelihood of developing problematic neck lumps.

Tips for Preventing and Managing Neck Lumps

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent infections that can lead to swollen lymph nodes.
Boost your immune system: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep to strengthen your body’s natural defenses.
Avoid known allergens: If you have allergies, take steps to avoid triggers that could cause swelling or reactions in your neck area.
Protect your skin: Use sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer, which can sometimes present as neck lumps.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper lymphatic function and can prevent certain types of salivary gland issues.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that cause swollen lymph nodes.
Perform self-examinations: Regularly check your neck for any new or changing lumps, and report concerns to your healthcare provider.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These habits can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including those that may present as neck lumps.

By incorporating these preventive measures and maintaining awareness of your neck health, you can reduce your risk of developing problematic lumps and catch any issues early. Remember, while self-care is important, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about a neck lump or any changes in your health.

Lump under the chin: Symptoms and causes

A lump under the chin may be due to swollen lymph nodes, cysts, allergies, and other health issues. Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, but swelling can sometimes indicate a more serious condition.

A lump can appear anywhere in the soft area under the chin and jawline. The lump may be large, small, firm, or soft, depending on the cause. The surrounding skin may feel tight and tender, or even painful.

Anyone concerned about symptoms or unsure about the cause of a lump should see a doctor.

Many conditions can cause a lump to form beneath the chin. Accompanying symptoms and the size and shape of the lump will likely differ, depending on the cause.

Below are common causes of a lump under the chin. Some are simple, while others require medical care to prevent complications.

Swollen lymph nodes

Share on PinterestSwollen lymph nodes may cause a lump to the left or right of the chin.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but a person can only feel those close to the skin’s surface, such as the nodes in the armpits or close to the chin.

Infections can often cause lymph nodes to swell. This may lead to a noticeable lump to the left or right of the chin. The swelling is a typical response of the immune system.

A lump caused by a swollen lymph node will be soft or flexible. It may be tender to touch, but it is usually not painful. The swelling should go away within 2 to 3 weeks.

The following viral or bacterial infections often cause swollen lymph nodes:

a cold or flu
ear infections
sinus infections
measles or chickenpox
strep throat
mononucleosis
an abscessed tooth
syphilis
Lyme disease
HIV or AIDS

If an infection is to blame, the lump should disappear as the infection clears up. A trip to the doctor and antibiotics may be necessary.

Benign tumors

A benign growth or tumor may cause a lump to form under the chin. Types of benign growths include cysts, fibromas, and lipomas. These are usually harmless and treatable.

Cysts. A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or debris. Cysts can form during an infection, and may slowly fill over time. Those under the jaw may be sebaceous cysts, resulting from blockages in the sebaceous glands or ducts. Damage from acne in the area can also cause cysts to form.

Fibromas. A fibroma is a round lump that can be soft or hard. They are usually found around the mouth and are not common under the chin. They usually cause no other symptoms and may signal Cowden’s disease, an inherited illness that causes benign growths to form frequently.

Lipomas. Lipomas are growths of fat cells under the skin. A lipoma lump will be soft, move easily, and have no coloration. Lipomas tend to grow very slowly, are rarely cancerous, and will usually cause no other symptoms.

Certain cancers

Share on PinterestVarious cancers may cause a lump to form under the chin, making an early diagnosis essential.

Cancers of the salivary gland, skin, or lymph nodes can cause a lump to form under the chin.

Hodgkin disease and leukemia may also lead to swollen lymph nodes.

Cancerous lumps are typically hard to the touch and may have an odd shape. There may be pain in the area if the lump is touching any nerve cells. If this continues, a person may feel partial numbness or tingling in the area.

Other symptoms of cancerous lump include:

a mole near the lump that changes shape or color
feeling a constant “lump in the throat”
difficulty swallowing or breathing
lumps in other areas near lymph nodes, such as the testicles, breasts, or armpits
sudden weight loss
a lump that keeps growing or changes shape
a suddenly or persistently weakened immune system
difficulty digesting
vocal changes or hoarseness
cysts that grow back rapidly after they are removed or drained
growths that discharge pus or blood

A doctor may suggest a biopsy to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous. They may recommend surgical removal.

If the lump is cancerous, doctors may also recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Treatment will vary, and a doctor will often present different options.

Other possible causes

A range of other factors can cause a lump to form under the chin. These may include:

a bug bite or sting, especially if the skin tends to have strong reactions
allergies to foods or products
acne
boils
salivary duct stones
tonsillitis
keloid scars
hematomas
goiters
medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
an injury, such as a cut or a broken bone
damage to the sebaceous glands in the chin

Share on PinterestAny unusual lumps on the body with no obvious cause should be assessed by a doctor.

Because of the wide range of possible causes, a professional diagnosis is essential. Unless the cause of a lump is apparent, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Seek professional advice if cancer is suspected, or if a lump:

continues to grow
lasts for longer than a few weeks
feels very hard

The sooner a person receives treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.

A doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat any possible infections. They may also need to take a closer look at the lump and request an imaging test.

A lump under the chin is usually not a sign of a severe condition. These lumps tend to disappear on their own.

Often, they are the result of lymph nodes swelling in response to infections, such as those that cause a cold or flu.

Some conditions that cause lumps to form under the chin require medical treatment. Contact a doctor for a diagnosis.

Armpit lumps: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

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Differences in men and women

Share on PinterestAlthough both men and women of all ages can get armpit lumps, women should pay special attention to lumps in this region as they may indicate breast cancer.

Armpit lumps occur in both men and women of all ages and many of these are harmless. However, women should be particularly aware of armpit lumps as they may indicate breast cancer.

Women should perform monthly breast self-exams and see a doctor for routine exams. If a woman finds a lump, she should report the lump to her doctor right away.

A man can generally wait to see a doctor unless they notice warning signs indicating the lump is serious. This is because men are far less likely to find a lump in the armpit that is due to breast cancer. However, although rare, men can also develop breast cancer.

Any new or newly discovered lump on the body could cause concern. However, not all lumps are harmful or even painful. The seriousness of a lump can be best determined through medical examination and sometimes additional testing.

Warning signs that may indicate a more serious armpit lump include:

gradual enlargement
no pain
does not go away

If a person experiences or notices any of these symptoms, or has any doubts about the lump, they should see their doctor as soon as possible who can rule out more serious causes. Of course, any unusual lumps should be carefully evaluated.

What happens next

When a person sees a doctor about an armpit lump, the doctor will generally start by asking them questions about the lump. The doctor may ask about any pain or discomfort the person is experiencing.

In addition, the doctor will perform a physical examination. This examination should include a hand palpation or massage to determine the consistency and texture of the armpit lump. This procedure allows the doctor to thoroughly examine the lymph nodes.

Only a doctor can determine whether an armpit lump is serious or not. A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause with just a simple examination.

In other cases, a doctor may request that the person monitor the lump closely to check for any changes over time.

Sometimes, a doctor will order additional tests to help rule out other causes, such as allergic reactions, infections, and cancer. These tests might include:

allergy testing
complete blood count that measures the number of red and white blood cells
biopsy removing a small piece of tissue from the lump for testing
chest or breast X-ray (mammogram)

Non-harmful lumps may require no further actions. Bothersome or harmful lumps will almost certainly entail some form of treatment.

Share on PinterestIf the lump is a symptom of a minor condition, such as an allergy or infection, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter creams or medications.

Many people have armpit lumps that do not require any treatment. A doctor may simply monitor the lump and ask the person to report any changes they experience.

For people with armpit lumps that do not need formal treatment, the doctor may recommend home remedies. Many of these can be bought online, such as:

warm compresses or heat packs.
over-the-counter creams
pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen.

Lumps caused by allergic reactions will clear up when the allergen is removed. If the lump is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. The armpit lump should reduce in size and eventually disappear.

Simple procedures may be required to remove fatty lumps or cysts. These procedures are often short and present minimal risk to the person.

What if the armpit lump is cancerous?

Unfortunately, some lumps have more serious causes, such as cancerous tumors.

If this is the case, a doctor will need to consider treating the cancer. Treatment options will be similar to treatment for many other types of cancer. Some possible treatment options include:

surgery
radiation
chemotherapy

The outlook for an armpit lump depends largely on the cause.

For example:

A lump caused by a viral infection will usually go away as the infection clears up.
Lumps that result from allergic reactions should also clear up once the allergen is removed or reduced.

However, some armpit lumps will not disappear without treatment.

For example:

A lipoma is not harmful, but will not go away on its own. As a result, lipomas require medical help to remove.
Lumps caused by cancer vary in terms of successful outcome.

Factors that may affect the outlook for someone with a cancerous lump under their arm are:

the stage of the cancer when first treated
whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

As with all cancer types, early detection is important to help increase the chances of successful remission.

Ultimately, determining the cause of the armpit lump is vital in terms of treatment and outlook. When a lump is discovered, it is always a good idea to consult with a doctor to determine the exact cause and decide what needs to be done in terms of treatment.

symptoms, causes, classification, what to do with inflammation of the lymph nodes

Therapist deals with the treatment of this disease

The information provided on this page should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. If you suspect a disease, you should seek help from a qualified specialist. Only your doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Article content:

What is the lymphatic system
Functions of the lymph nodes
What is lymphadenitis
Causes
Disease classification
Symptoms
Routes of infection
Possible complications
When to see a doctor
Diagnostics
Methods of treatment
Disease prognosis and prevention

What is inflammation of the lymph nodes?

The lymphatic system ensures the normal functioning of the immune system, internal organs and tissues. One of the most common diseases of the lymphatic system is lymphadenitis of the lymph nodes. The disease has a different etiology, symptoms and degree of danger to health. In the article we will talk about how to recognize the pathology and what methods of treatment exist.

What is the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of lymphatic vessels and nodes. These vessels transport a special liquid – lymph. It is responsible for the transport of proteins, salts and metabolites into the blood.

Lymph nodes act as a filter. They purify the lymph from pathogenic microorganisms and foreign substances, due to which purified and safe lymphatic fluid enters the bloodstream. Source:
The role of lymph nodes in human life. Okunyaka O.M., Tumasyan T.I. Bulletin of science. 2019. №3. pp.60-62.

The lymphatic system performs three main functions:

Participates in immune defense. Together with the flow of lymph, pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph nodes, where they are recognized and destroyed.
Maintains proper fluid levels in tissues. With an excessive amount of fluid, the lymphatic vessels “drain” organs and tissues.
Produces fat metabolism. Lymphatic vessels transport lipids, which are involved in almost all metabolic processes.

Functions of the lymph nodes

There are about 500 lymph nodes in the human body. They play the role of a barrier and a pump and perform several important functions:

Hematopoietic. Lymph nodes are involved in the development of white blood cells – lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells of the immune system responsible for fighting various infections and diseases.
Drainage, or transport. Lymph nodes play an important role in the transport of lymph, which enters the lymphatic vessels from the intercellular spaces of tissues. Due to this, exudate and metabolic products are utilized from the tissues.
Barrier. Lymph nodes serve as a barrier to infected cells and microorganisms, preventing them from spreading throughout the body. They can also form antibodies that help neutralize and destroy infectious agents.

What is lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes. In most cases, this is not an independent disease, but a complication of the primary pathology. It is most often a sign of a bacterial, viral, fungal, or protozoal infection. Source:
Lymphadenopathy. Melikyan A.L., Egorova E.K., Kovrigina A.M. Clinical guidelines. 2018. p.5-30. Therefore, to find the cause of the inflammatory process, complex diagnostics are needed.

Depending on the etiology, one or more lymph nodes may become inflamed. With lymphadenitis, the following types of lymph nodes are usually affected:

cervical;
elbow;
submandibular;
popliteal;
inguinal;
axillary.

In lymphadenitis, the lymph node becomes enlarged and painful. This is due to an increase in the number of lymphocytes and other cells of the immune system that collect inside it. If an infectious agent has entered the lymph node and caused the formation of an abscess or abscess, purulent inflammation may develop.

In the absence of timely treatment, lymphadenitis provokes the development of dangerous complications: the spread of infection to other tissues and organs, the formation of fistulas, sepsis. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of illness.

Causes

Most common causes:

Infections. In most cases, inflammation in the area of the lymph node occurs precisely against the background of infection: tonsillitis, scarlet fever, stomatitis, SARS, influenza, tuberculosis, brucellosis, chicken pox, etc.
Injuries and operations. Any injury, surgery and other damage to the lymph node can cause inflammation.
Allergic reactions. Some allergens activate a cascade of inflammatory responses.
Oncological diseases. Lymphadenitis sometimes becomes one of the signs of malignant tumors of the lymphatic system, especially lymphoma.
Autoimmune diseases. Lymph node inflammation can accompany systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

In some cases, it is not possible to determine the etiology of inflammation of the lymph node. Then a diagnosis of “lymphadenitis, unspecified” is established.

Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation offer several classifications of lymphadenitis.

Origin:

Primary. Occurs when an infection or other cause of inflammation occurs directly in the lymph node. This most commonly occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the body through a skin wound, or when certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, infect the lymphatic system.
Secondary. Occurs when an infection or other cause of inflammation is localized not in the lymph node itself, but elsewhere in the body. In this case, the inflammatory process spreads from the primary focus to the lymph nodes through the lymphatic vessels. For example, secondary lymphadenitis can occur with an infection of the pharynx or teeth, as well as in the presence of cancer or blood diseases.

Intensity and duration of inflammation:

Acute. It is characterized by an abrupt onset, rapid progression, and an acute inflammatory response. Usually acute lymphadenitis is accompanied by pain, swelling, redness of the skin, fever and other signs of inflammation. Source:
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis and acute lymphadenitis. Pavlova K.V. Medicines and rational pharmacotherapy. 2022. No. 5-2. pp. 90-91.
Chronic. It is characterized by a sluggish long course and a low intensity of the inflammatory process. Most often it develops against the background of untreated acute lymphadenitis. The chronic form is characterized by two periods: exacerbation and remission. In the first case, the clinical manifestations are pronounced, in the second – weakly or completely absent, an imaginary recovery occurs.
Recurrent. It is characterized by periodic exacerbations of inflammation after a temporary improvement. Usually, relapses occur in the presence of a chronic infectious or inflammatory process in the body.

By the nature of inflammation:

Purulent. It is characterized by the formation of pus inside the lymph node. It occurs as a result of an infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. As a rule, purulent lymphadenitis is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, redness of the skin and fever.
Serous. It differs in the formation of serous fluid inside the affected lymph node, and the inflammatory process does not go beyond its capsule. Often found in children.

Localization:

submandibular – usually occurs against the background of diseases of the oral cavity, teeth or pharynx;
axillary – associated with infectious or oncological diseases of the breast;
inguinal – occurs against the background of skin infections and skin lesions;
cervical – develops when the pharynx, mouth, nose or ears are affected. Source:
Diagnosis and management of cervical lymphadenitis. Skorlyakov V.V., Babiev V.F., Keshchyan S.S., Stagnieva I.V., Boyko N.V. Young scientist. 2017. No. 16. pp. 75-78;
parotid – caused by infectious diseases of the ear or mouth;
occipital – occurs against the background of pathologies of the skin or upper respiratory tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphadenitis depend on its type, location and cause. The most common signs of inflammation of the lymph node:

swelling and soreness of the affected lymph node;
redness of the skin in the affected area;
general weakness, fatigue and fever;
pain and discomfort when touching an affected lymph node;
headache;
sometimes – nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite;
excessive sweating, especially at night;
change in color and texture of the skin in the area of an inflamed lymph node;
appearance of spots on the skin or other rashes.

Ways of infection

The primary cause of secondary lymphadenitis can be:

trophic ulcer;
caries;
otitis;
influenza;
tonsillitis;
angina;
herpes;
tumor;
tuberculosis and more.

Lymphadenitis sometimes develops due to skin lesions such as scratches, wounds, or insect bites, which can become entry gates for bacteria.

Possible complications

Many people don’t even realize the danger of lymphadenitis. Without timely treatment, the disease leads to various, including dangerous consequences. Most often, the following complications develop:

abscess – a limited accumulation of pus in the tissues, surrounded by a membrane;
sepsis is a severe infectious disease in which the infection spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream;
compression of surrounding tissues – enlarged lymph nodes cause discomfort and put pressure on neighboring tissues;
thrombophlebitis – inflammation of the venous wall with the formation of blood clots that can clog the lumen of the vein;
fistula – the formation of a pathological channel as a result of the accumulation of purulent fluid.

When to see a doctor

Lymphadenitis is diagnosed and treated by a vascular surgeon. It is necessary to consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease. The specialist will prescribe a diagnosis to identify the cause of inflammation and tell the patient what to do. Timely access to a doctor prevents the development of dangerous complications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lymphadenitis is aimed at finding the cause of the inflammatory process, assessing the current state of the lymph node and the body as a whole. For this, a comprehensive examination is used:

Inspection. The doctor examines the skin at the site of the affected lymph node, evaluates its size, shape, texture, temperature and sensitivity of the skin.
General and biochemical blood test. Analyzes confirm the inflammatory and infectious process.
Biopsy. Taking a sample of a lymph node for histological examination allows you to determine the cellular composition of the tissue and differentiate the tumor. Source:
Differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral lymphadenitis in children. Antonova S.S., Botvin’eva V.V., Sitnikov I.G. VSP. 2008. No. 3. pp.76-78.
ultrasound. Ultrasound examination helps to determine the size and structure of the lymph node, as well as to identify the neoplasm.
CT and MRI. The procedures are used for layer-by-layer study of the lymph node and surrounding soft tissues.
Culture study. If lymphadenitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a bacterial culture is performed to determine the type of bacteria and select the most effective antibiotic.

Methods of treatment

The doctor chooses the method of treatment individually for each clinical case. It depends on the etiology of inflammation, the current state of the patient and associated complications. In most cases, conservative therapy is used, including medication, including:

antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection;
antiviral drugs – in the presence of a viral infection;
antifungals – in the presence of a fungal infection;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – for the relief of inflammation and pain.

In addition, physiotherapy, compresses and massage are used. In the presence of abscesses, surgical intervention is indicated – removal of purulent contents and sanitation of the affected tissues.

Forecast and prevention of the disease

With timely visit to the doctor, lymphadenitis of the lymph node has a favorable prognosis. Early initiation of treatment allows you to achieve complete recovery, prevent the development of complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Due to the lack of a single etiology, there is no specific prevention of lymphadenitis. The following recommendations will help prevent infection:

Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after handling animals and visiting public places.
Minimize contact with infected patients and visits to crowded places. If there is a sick person in the family, it is necessary to limit contact with him.
Using only your own hygiene items. Do not use other people’s towels, razors, toothbrushes, etc.
Strengthening immunity: giving up bad habits, maintaining physical activity, proper nutrition and regular walks in the fresh air.
Timely treatment of diseases. When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
Vaccination. Timely vaccination helps prevent infections that can cause lymphadenitis. You need to be vaccinated both in childhood and in adulthood.

Differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral lymphadenitis in children. Antonova S.S., Botvin’eva V.V., Sitnikov I.G. VSP. 2008. No. 3. pp.76-78
The role of lymph nodes in human life. Okunyaka O.M., Tumasyan T.I. Bulletin of science. 2019. №3. p.60-62
Diagnosis and treatment of cervical lymphadenitis. Skorlyakov V.V., Babiev V.F., Keshchyan S.S., Stagnieva I.V., Boyko N.V. Young scientist. 2017. No. 16. pp.75-78
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis and acute lymphadenitis. Pavlova K.V. Medicines and rational pharmacotherapy. 2022. No. 5-2. p.90-91
Lymphadenopathy. Melikyan A.L., Egorova E.K., Kovrigina A.M. Clinical guidelines. 2018. p.5-30

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Article published : 15/02/2018
Last updated : 15/06/2023