Mononucleosis (Mono): Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis

Overview

What is mononucleosis (mono)?

Mononucleosis is an illness that commonly affects teenagers and young adults, but can affect children as well. Viruses, most commonly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and certain infections cause the illness. Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it spreads easily through bodily fluids like saliva.

For most people, mono isn’t serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life. With mono, you might feel sick for about a month.

How common is mononucleosis (mono)?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes mono is extremely common. Around 90% of Americans are infected with it by age 35. Not everyone who has the virus develops mono symptoms — some people only carry the virus.

Who might get mononucleosis (mono)?

There are often two peaks when people acquire EBV: early school age children and again around adolescence/young adulthood. Young children are often asymptomatic, whereas teenagers and people in their 20s are most likely to get mono. About one in four people in this age group who get EBV come down with mono, but anyone can get it, no matter their age.

Is mono a sexually transmitted infection?

Epstein-Barr is a type of herpes virus. It’s different than the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes genital and oral herpes. Both viruses can be sexually transmitted. However, EBV is more likely to spread through other means like sharing drinks or kissing.

Is mononucleosis (mono) contagious?

Viruses that cause mono are very contagious. You can pick them up through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, including saliva. These viruses spread through:

Can you get mononucleosis (mono) more than once?

The Epstein-Barr virus stays in your body in an inactive form even after mono symptoms go away. But most people develop mono only once.

If EBV reactivates, it rarely causes symptoms. However, you may unknowingly spread the reactivated virus to others. And people with weakened immune systems may develop mono symptoms more than once.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes mononucleosis (mono)?

Over 90% of mono cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Other viruses and certain infections may also bring on the illness. The symptoms can develop because of:

What are the symptoms of mononucleosis (mono)?

Symptoms of mono vary, and they can be mild or severe. They tend to come on gradually. If you get sick with mono, it will probably happen four to six weeks after you come in contact with EBV. These symptoms may last for four weeks or longer:

Diagnosis and Tests

How is mononucleosis (mono) diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms to make a diagnosis. They will especially check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck and signs of an enlarged spleen or liver.

Blood tests detects antibodies that your body makes to fight the Epstein-Barr virus. Your doctor may also check for a high number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that indicate infection.

Management and Treatment

How is mononucleosis (mono) managed or treated?

There isn’t a vaccine or cure for mono. Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection and antiviral medications to kill other viruses don’t work against mono. Instead, treatments focus on helping you feel better by relieving symptoms. Your care might include:

• Rest: Mono makes you very tired. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ease fever, inflammation, headaches and muscle aches. These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®). Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) also works.
• Sore throat soothers: You can gargle with salt water and use throat lozenges.
• Avoiding sports: Physical activity can put too much pressure on an enlarged spleen, increasing the risk of rupture. You should avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise while you’re sick and for up to four weeks afterward.

What are the complications of mononucleosis (mono)?

Mono symptoms tend to gradually improve in about four weeks. Feelings of fatigue can linger for months. Some people miss some school or work as they recover.

An enlarged spleen that ruptures (bursts) is the biggest concern with mono in previously healthy individuals. This gland in the upper left abdomen (belly) helps filter blood. If your spleen bursts, it can bleed into your abdomen. Internal bleeding from a ruptured spleen can be life-threatening and requires emergency surgery. Your healthcare provider may tell you to avoid strenuous exercise, contact sports and heavy lifting until you feel better.

Prevention

How can I prevent mononucleosis (mono)?

There’s no vaccine for mono. The best way to prevent getting the viruses that cause mono is by practicing good hygiene. Don’t share foods, drinks or bodily fluids with someone who has mono or any signs of viral illness, like fever, cough, sore throat or fatigue.

How does mononucleosis (mono) affect pregnancy?

Expectant moms who develop mono from EBV typically have healthy pregnancies. Call your healthcare provider if you develop a fever, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature labor. While there’s a slight chance you may pass the Epstein-Barr virus to your baby during pregnancy or after childbirth while breastfeeding, most babies don’t develop mono symptoms. If mono was caused by a CMV infection during pregnancy there is a chance your infant may be affected and you should discuss this with your obstetrician.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with mononucleosis (mono)?

Mono symptoms can be severe. They may temporarily affect your ability to lead an active life. Fortunately, these symptoms gradually improve with at-home treatments.

You may experience lingering fatigue for several months. You’ll need to protect your health by getting enough rest and fluids during this time. You should also avoid strenuous activities to prevent a ruptured spleen.

Living With

When should I call the doctor?

You should call your healthcare provider if you have mono and you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Extreme muscle weakness in arms or legs.
• Intense body aches.
• Persistent high fever.
• Severe headaches.
• Sharp pain in the upper left abdomen.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have mono, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What are the best treatments for mono symptoms?
• How long am I contagious?
• What steps can I take to prevent infecting others with this virus?
• How long will it take to recover from mono?
• When can I go back to work or school?
• When can I get back to exercise and physical activity?
• Can I get mono again?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Most cases of mononucleosis (mono) don’t cause serious problems. However, symptoms like extreme fatigue, sore throat and body aches can disrupt school, work and life. Your healthcare provider can provide suggestions for finding relief. Rest and over-the-counter medications are often the best ways to ease symptoms. It’s also important to avoid strenuous physical activity that may rupture an enlarged spleen.

Lymphatic System: Parts & Common Problems

Overview

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move lymph back into your your bloodstream. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream).

Some 20 liters of plasma flow through your body’s arteries and smaller arteriole blood vessels and capillaries every day. After delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and tissues and receiving their waste products, about 17 liters are returned to the circulation by way of veins. The remaining three liters seep through the capillaries and into your body’s tissues. The lymphatic system collects this excess fluid, now called lymph, from tissues in your body and moves it along until it’s ultimately returned to your bloodstream.

Your lymphatic system has many functions. Its key functions include:

• Maintains fluid levels in your body: As just described, the lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout your body and returns it to your bloodstream, which is then recirculated through your body.
• Absorbs fats from the digestive tract: Lymph includes fluids from your intestines that contain fats and proteins and transports it back to your bloodstream.
• Protects your body against foreign invaders: The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It produces and releases lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that monitor and then destroy the foreign invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that may enter your body.
• Transports and removes waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph.

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Anatomy

What are the parts of the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system consists of many parts. These include:

• Lymph: Lymph, also called lymphatic fluid, is a collection of the extra fluid that drains from cells and tissues (that is not reabsorbed into the capillaries) plus other substances. The other substances include proteins, minerals, fats, nutrients, damaged cells, cancer cells and foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, etc). Lymph also transports infection-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes).
• Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands that monitor and cleanse the lymph as it filters through them. The nodes filter out the damaged cells and cancer cells. These lymph nodes also produce and store lymphocytes and other immune system cells that attack and destroy bacteria and other harmful substances in the fluid. You have about 600 lymph nodes scattered throughout your body. Some exist as a single node; others are closely connected groups called chains. A few of the more familiar locations of lymph nodes are in your armpit, groin and neck. Lymph nodes are connected to others by the lymphatic vessels.·
• Lymphatic vessels: Lymphatic vessels are the network of capillaries (microvessels) and a large network of tubes located throughout your body that transport lymph away from tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect and filter lymph (at the nodes) as it continues to move toward larger vessels called collecting ducts. These vessels operate very much like your veins do: They work under very low pressure, have a series of valves in them to keep the fluid moving in one direction.
• Collecting ducts: Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and left lymphatic duct (also called the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein, which returns lymph to your bloodstream. The subclavian vein runs below your collarbone. Returning lymph to the bloodstream helps to maintain normal blood volume and pressure. It also prevents the excess buildup of fluid around the tissues (called edema).

The lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream, which is then recirculated through the body.

• Spleen: This largest lymphatic organ is located on your left side under your ribs and above your stomach. The spleen filters and stores blood and produces white blood cells that fight infection or disease.
• Thymus: This organ is located in the upper chest beneath the breast bone. It matures a specific type of white blood cell that fights off foreign organisms.
• Tonsils and adenoid: These lymphoid organs trap pathogens from the food you eat and the air you breathe. They are your body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders.
• Bone marrow: This is the soft, spongy tissue in the center of certain bones, such as the hip bone and breastbone. White blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are made in the bone marrow.
• Peyer’s patches: These are small masses of lymphatic tissue in the mucous membrane that lines your small intestine. These lymphoid cells monitor and destroy bacteria in the intestines.
• Appendix: Your appendix contains lymphoid tissue that can destroy bacteria before it breaches the intestine wall during absorption. Scientists also believe the appendix plays a role in housing “good bacteria” and repopulating our gut with good bacteria after an infection has cleared.

Conditions and Disorders

What conditions affect the lymphatic system?

Many conditions can affect the vessels, glands, and organs that make up the lymphatic system. Some happen during development before birth or during childhood. Others develop as a result of disease or injury. Some common and less common diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system include:

• Enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy): Enlarged lymph nodes are caused by infection, inflammation or cancer. Common infections that can cause enlarged lymph nodes include strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV infection and infected skin wounds. Lymphadenitis refers to lymphadenopathy that is caused by an infection or inflammatory condition.
• Swelling or accumulation of fluid (lymphedema): Lymphedema can result from a blockage in the lymphatic system caused by scar tissue from damaged lymph vessels or nodes. Lymphedema is also often seen when lymph nodes are removed from those who’ve had surgery or radiation to remove cancer. The buildup of lymphatic fluid is most commonly seen in your arms and legs. Lymphedema can be very mild or be quite painful, disfiguring and disabling. People with lymphedema are at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening deep skin infections.
• Cancers of the lymphatic system: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes and occurs when lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably. There are several different types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Cancerous tumors can also block lymphatic ducts or be near lymph nodes and interfere with the flow of lymph through the node.

Other disorders include:

• Lymphangitis: This is an inflammation of the lymph vessels.
• Lymphangioma: This is a condition that you’re born with. It’s a malformation in the lymphatic system. Lymphangiomatosis is the presence of multiple or widespread lymphatic vascular malformations.
• Intestinal lymphangiectasia: This is a condition in which loss of lymph tissue in the small intestine leads to loss of protein, gammaglobulins, albumin and lymphocytes.
• Lymphocytosis: This is a condition in which there is a higher-than-normal amount of lymphocytes in the body.
• Lymphatic filariasis: This is an infection caused by a parasite that causes the lymphatic system not to function correctly.
• Castleman disease: Castleman disease involves an overgrowth of cells in the body’s lymphatic system.
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: This is a rare lung disease in which abnormal muscle-like cells begin to grow out of control in the lungs, lymph nodes and kidneys.
• Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder in which there is a high number of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis: This is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
• Tonsillitis: This is an inflammation and infection of the tonsils.

Care

How can I keep my lymphatic system healthy?

To keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, you should:

• Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals like those in pesticides or cleaning products. These chemicals can build up in your system and make it harder for your body to filter waste.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph can easily move throughout your body.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call my doctor about an issue with my lymphatic system?

Call your doctor if you experience fatigue (extreme tiredness) or have unexplained swelling that lasts more than a few weeks or interferes with your daily activities.

How will my doctor test my lymphatic system?

To see if your lymphatic system is working as it should, your doctor may use imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI. These tests allow your doctor to see blockages in your lymphatic system.

Medical Experts Spread Word About Harmless COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions > News > Yale Medicine

A COVID-19 vaccine can cause enlarged lymph nodes in your armpit or near your collarbone on the side of your body where you received the injection. 

Why does this happen? The lymphatic system is home to your immune system; so when you get checked out for a cold or strep throat or flu, your doctor will feel your neck area. If he or she finds swollen lymph nodes, it means the body is mounting a response to an infection, explains Dr. Roy. 

“The COVID-19 vaccination is given in the arm and the closest lymph nodes are the ones under your arm, so that is where the reaction is occurring,” she says. “It’s completely normal. It’s your immune system reacting to the vaccine, as it should.” 

The enlarged lymph nodes may feel like a lump and be a little tender, or you may not notice them at all, Dr. Roy adds. They generally appear within a few days of the vaccination and you can feel them for up to 10 days—and they may be visible on imaging tests for up to a month, she says. If you can still feel them more than two weeks after your shot, call your doctor, she advises. 

The swelling in the armpit was a recognized side effect in the large trials of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. According to The New York Times, in Moderna’s study, “11.6% of patients reported swollen lymph nodes after the first dose, and 16% after the second dose. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine seems to have a lower incidence, with 0.3% of patients reporting it.”

The fact that the enlarged lymph nodes can appear on imaging scans such as mammograms, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds has raised concern among those unfamiliar with this side effect. This has been the case for some women having mammograms, in particular, because the swollen nodes look similar to what could be an early sign of breast cancer.

“It’s challenging right now as, here in Connecticut, we are vaccinating in the age bracket in which every woman who is currently eligible for the COVID vaccine should be getting a yearly mammogram,” Dr. Roy says.  

What gets a little complicated, Dr. Roy notes, is trying to schedule a mammogram at least a month after receiving your COVID mRNA vaccine—without delaying routine screening. 

“At Yale, we have been talking to our breast radiologists and the national radiology associations. Ideally, you would not have a mammogram scheduled within a month of receiving your last dose of an mRNA vaccine,” Dr. Roy says. “However, if schedules are full, postponing it might mean having to go a very long time. So, if it’s possible to have your mammogram done before you are vaccinated, that’s ideal.” 

But if the choice is having your mammogram shortly after your mRNA vaccine or delaying it more than two months, Dr. Roy says it’s best to get the mammogram after the vaccine and just know that the radiologist may ask you to come back in a month for a re-check. Radiologists are aware of the risk of swollen lymph nodes and technicians are asking patients if they’ve recently received a COVID-19 vaccine, she adds. 

Armpit lump | UF Health, University of Florida Health

Definition

An armpit lump is a swelling or bump under the arm. A lump in the armpit can have many causes. These include swollen lymph nodes, infections, or cysts.

Alternative Names

Lump in the armpit; Localized lymphadenopathy – armpit; Axillary lymphadenopathy; Axillary lymph enlargement; Lymph nodes enlargement – axillary; Axillary abscess

Causes

Lumps in the armpit may have many causes.

Lymph nodes act as filters that can catch germs or cancerous tumor cells. When they do, lymph nodes increase in size and are easily felt. Reasons lymph nodes in the armpit area may be enlarged are:

• Arm or breast infection
• Some bodywide infections, such as mono, AIDS, or herpes
• Cancers, such as lymphomas or breast cancer

Cysts or abscesses under the skin may also produce large, painful lumps in the armpit. These may be caused by shaving or use of antiperspirants (not deodorants). This is most often seen in teens just beginning to shave.

Other causes of armpit lumps may include:

• Cat scratch disease
• Lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
• Use of certain medicines or vaccinations

Home Care

Home care depends on the reason for the lump. Check with your health care provider to determine the cause.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

An armpit lump in a woman may be a sign of breast cancer, and it should be checked by a provider right away.

Call your provider if you have an unexplained armpit lump. Do not try to diagnose lumps by yourself.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will examine you and gently press on the nodes. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

• When did you first notice the lump? Has the lump changed?
• Are you breastfeeding?
• Is there anything that makes the lump worse?
• Is the lump painful?
• Do you have any other symptoms?

You may need more tests, depending on the results of your physical exam.

Images

References

Miyake KK, Ikeda DM. Mammographic and ultrasound analysis of breast masses. In: Ikeda DM, Miyake KK, eds. Breast Imaging: The Requisites. 3rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 4.

Tower RL, Camitta BM. Lymphadenopathy. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier;2020:chap 517.

Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 159.

The implications of swollen lymph nodes following COVID-19 vaccination

Advanced planning can support our patients to feel confident and safe to receive their vaccinations as well as undergo recommended imaging in their usual care.

Constance Lehman, MD, PhD
Chief of Breast Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital

BOSTON – Lymph nodes in the armpit area can become swollen after a COVID-19 vaccination, and this is a normal reaction that typically goes away with time. Radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) who recently published an approach to managing this situation in women who receive mammograms for breast cancer screening in the American Journal of Roentgenology have now expanded their recommendations to include care for patients who undergo other imaging tests for diverse medical reasons. Their guidance is published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

“Our practical management plan extends the impact of our recommendations to the full spectrum of patients having imaging tests after vaccination,” says lead author Constance Lehman, MD, PhD, chief of Breast Imaging, co-director of the Avon Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center at MGH, and professor at Harvard Medical School.

Lehman and her colleagues—from multiple subspecialties in radiology—note that as COVID-19 vaccination programs ramp up, radiologists should expect to see increasing numbers of patients who show swollen lymph nodes on imaging exams. They recommend that imaging centers document COVID-19 vaccination information—including the date(s) of vaccination, the location of the injection site, and the type of vaccine—on all patient forms and ensure that this information is easily available to radiologists at the time the image is interpreted.

In most cases, no additional imaging tests are needed for swollen lymph nodes after recent vaccinations unless the swelling persists or if the patient has other health issues. Additional tests may be warranted in cases where there was a heightened concern for cancer in the lymph nodes before the imaging test was performed. “In a patient with a recent cancer diagnosis, the patient’s full care team and the radiologist can work together to determine how best to manage nodes that appear abnormal on imaging after a recent vaccination. That way, they can tailor care to the individual patient,” says Leslie Lamb, MD, breast imaging specialist at MGH and co-author of the study.

Radiologists’ communication with clinicians and patients should stress the importance of avoiding delays in either vaccinations or recommended imaging tests to ensure their optimal care throughout the pandemic. “Advanced planning can support our patients to feel confident and safe to receive their vaccinations as well as undergo recommended imaging in their usual care,” says Lehman. 

The team’s management recommendations will continue to be updated as more data are available to guide best practice.  

About the Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The Mass General Research Institute conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with annual research operations of more than $1 billion and comprises more than 9,500 researchers working across more than 30 institutes, centers and departments. In August 2020, Mass General was named #6 in the U.S. News & World Report list of “America’s Best Hospitals.”

Swollen Lymph Nodes | Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital

Topic Overview

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They are part of the lymph system, which carries fluid (lymph fluid), nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream.

The lymph system is an important part of the immune system, the body’s defense system against disease. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Lymph nodes may be found singly or in groups. And they may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an olive. Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms. Lymph nodes generally are not tender or painful. Most lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt.

What causes swollen lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.

• The glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. Glands can also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.
• Glands in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes) may swell from an injury or infection to the arm or hand. A rare cause of axillary swelling may be breast cancer or lymphoma.
• The lymph nodes in the groin (femoral or inguinal lymph nodes) may swell from an injury or infection in the foot, leg, groin, or genitals. In rare cases, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma may cause a lump in this area.
• Glands above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes) may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen.

Common sites for swollen lymph nodes include the neck, groin, and underarms.

What does it mean when lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body?

When lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. This may be caused by:

• A viral illness, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox (varicella), or mumps.
• Mononucleosis(Epstein-Barr virus), which results in fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or cytomegalovirus (CMV), a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis.
• A bacterial illness, such as strep throat (caused by the streptococcus bacterium) or Lyme disease (a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks).
• Side effects of phenytoin (Dilantin), a medicine used to prevent seizures.
• Side effects of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.
• Cancer, such as leukemia, Hodgkin disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which develops after a person contracts HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some disease.
• Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection.

How are swollen lymph nodes treated?

Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Any swollen lymph nodes that don’t go away or return to normal size within about a month should be checked by your doctor.

How long will lymph nodes remain swollen?

Lymph nodes may remain swollen or firm long after an initial infection is gone. This is especially true in children, whose glands may decrease in size while remaining firm and visible for many weeks.

Armpit Swelling Causes Tumor Detection LA

Armpit swelling causes can be related to swollen lymph nodes, a condition that commonly develops in breast cancer patients. If swollen lymph nodes are detected, you must immediately have them examined by your oncologist. While it isn’t always an indicator of cancer, it’s a symptom that must be medically diagnosed. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently undergoing treatment, the swelling could be related to your cancer, but only your doctor can confirm this.

If you are concerned the swelling is cancer related, you might want a second opinion or discuss optional treatment. The Cancer Center of Southern California, led by Dr. Sant Chawla, is one of the most sought after clinical centers due to their research and treatment solutions. They’ve developed innovative drug therapies for breast cancer and are currently in a clinical trial sponsored by Bayer Healthcare for a therapeutic treating breast and ovarian cancers.

Armpit Swelling Causes

Lymph nodes are small, round tissue masses that can be found throughout the body, not just in the armpits. They can be found under the jaw, behind the ears, and in the groin. They’re connected with the body’s immune system trapping and destroying bacteria and other harmful substances. Lymp nodes are normally small and undetectable under the skin, but when you get sick, they swell up to several times their size and become noticeable to the touch.

Lymph nodes can swell from infection, a medical condition such as lupus, or cancer. Symptom of swollen gland can include:

• Lump
• Skin is red, warm, and swollen
• Pain and tenderness upon touch

These symptoms, along with lump in breasts can be a sign of swollen glands. If the swelling appears soft and tender and move when examined, then most likely you have an infection or it’s inflammation. But if the lymph node is hard and doesn’t move upon touch then you must have a doctor examine the area.

A biopsy will help determine the underlying cause of the swelling. The biopsy removes some of the tissue for examination under a microscope. If you have breast cancer, the biopsy will confirm whether the disease has spread to the armpit. If this is the case, your doctor may want to conduct some additional diagnostic exams before recommending additional treatment.

If you would like a second opinion on the biopsy or treatment alternatives, contact the Cancer Center and Dr. Chawla for assistance.

Our Specialists Can Help You

Cancer Center of Southern California is dedicated to defeating the disease by offering patients the best possible treatment solution. If you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer or would like a second opinion, please contact our center at 310-552-9999 to schedule a consultation regarding individualized treatment for you.

Next, learn some breast cancer quick facts.

Inflammation of the lymph node under the arm

Date of publication: November 25, 2020

Inflammation of the lymph node under the armpit is a symptom that almost immediately makes itself felt. The fact is that the inflammatory reaction is accompanied by significant swelling, therefore, even with a slight touch, the inflamed lymph nodes under the arm will hurt. As a rule, axillary lymphadenitis most often occurs after a respiratory illness.Therefore, if such a complication occurs, it is necessary to seek help from a qualified specialist as soon as possible.

Why are the lymph nodes in the armpits inflamed?

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is called lymphadentitis. Most often, lymph nodes become inflamed due to staphylococci, streptococci and Escherichia coli. If too many bacteria accumulate in the body, and the lymphatic system can no longer cope with them, its nodes accumulate pathogens and become inflamed.

Axillary lymph nodes become inflamed due to a variety of reasons. For example, with a disease of the mammary glands, during a cold, infectious or oncological diseases. Factors can also be furunculosis, increased work of sweat glands, colds and respiratory diseases, allergies, intoxication.

Sometimes one lymph node becomes inflamed, sometimes lymph nodes all over the body become inflamed. Sometimes they grow so much that they become sensitive and painful. Those that manifest in the armpits ache, redden and swell.Inflammation can be accompanied by weakness in the body, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and headache.

Symptoms of axillary lymphadenitis

The inflammatory process in the regional axillary lymph nodes is isolated and, as a rule, is characterized by a catarrhal or purulent course. Below are the most common clinical signs of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes.

• Acute catarrhal form. This inflammatory process occurs more often than others and is often mild. It is characterized by severe soreness, enlargement of the lymph nodes and their induration. With catarrhal inflammation, the lymph nodes are easily separated and do not lose their mobility. In the axillary region, hyperemia and mild swelling may develop. The patient may notice worsening of the condition, discomfort during shoulder abduction and mild subfebrile condition.
• Purulent form. This type of inflammatory process poses the greatest danger due to the formation of a purulent focus, which can be represented by single or multiple abscesses.The lymph node itself loses its mobility and becomes painful and swollen. Nearby tissues are sharply hyperemic, may be subject to alteration or melting. Soldering of the lymph nodes with the skin is possible.
• Chronic course of lymphadenitis. Quite often, there are sluggish inflammatory processes in which the lymph node under the arm becomes inflamed with a weakening of the immune system and a decrease in the body’s resistance to various infectious agents. Symptoms in this form are poorly expressed, the lymph nodes are mobile, but slight soreness appears.

Treatment of lymph nodes

Treatment of axillary lymph node lymphadenopathy consists in the selection of the correct etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy. The main thing is to remember that patients are strictly prohibited from making attempts to independently eliminate such a manifestation of the inflammatory reaction.

As a rule, all treatment is based on the elimination of the inflammatory focus that caused the development of axillary lymphadenitis. Often, a course of antibiotic therapy or a number of anti-inflammatory drugs is prescribed for this.In addition, it is advisable to use compresses with Dimexidum, immunomodulating drugs and a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, which will contribute to the overall strengthening of the body.

With the development of a malignant process with concomitant lymphadenitis, the patient is shown a course of chemotherapy or surgical treatment.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit – causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Inflammation of the lymph node located in the armpit almost immediately gives a certain symptomatology.This is an inflammatory reaction, which is accompanied by edema, and therefore the slightest touch to the lymph node gives tangible pain. The disease is called axillary lymphadenitis, and it usually occurs after the patient has had a respiratory illness. If such a complication occurs, then the patient should immediately consult a doctor.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes

The most common cause of lymphadenitis is staphylococcal, streptococcal infections, and Escherichia coli.If the body is weakened by a large number of pathogenic bacteria, then the lymphatic system simply cannot cope with them. Therefore, there is an accumulation of microorganisms in the lymph nodes, as a result of which they give an inflammatory reaction. Factors contributing to the inflammation of the lymph nodes include pathologies of the mammary glands, colds and respiratory diseases, cancer, furunculosis, excessive work of the sweat glands, allergies, intoxication and infections.

It happens that only one node becomes inflamed, and it happens that the inflammation affects several lymph nodes throughout the body.The enlargement of the nodes can be strong enough, as a result of which they become tender and painful. The nodes located in the armpit begin to ache, swell, and redden. General weakness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting can accompany the inflammation.

Symptoms of axillary lymphadenitis

Inflammation in the regional axillary lymph nodes is isolated, accompanied by catarrhal symptoms and suppuration. Next, the most common clinical pictures of axillary lymphadenitis will be presented.

• Acute catarrhal form. It occurs more often than other forms and usually has a mild course. Lymph nodes in this form of the disease are enlarged, painful, indurated, they are easily separated and do not cease to be mobile. The tissues in the armpit are hyperemic, there is slight swelling. The patient may feel a deterioration in general condition, slight subfebrile condition and discomfort when moving the shoulder.
• Purulent form. Such inflammation is extremely dangerous, since it is accompanied by the formation of a purulent focus, consisting of single or multiple abscesses.The node itself ceases to be mobile, pain and swelling appear. The tissues located near the focus of inflammation are hyperemic, alternative processes or melting may begin. Soldering of the inflamed nodes with the skin can also occur.
• Chronic lymphadenitis. This is a common sluggish form of the disease, which is accompanied by inflammation of the axillary lymph node. It occurs when the body is weakened, with a decrease in immunity, with a decrease in resistance to infections.Symptoms in chronic axillary lymphadenitis do not have a pronounced picture: the nodes retain their mobility, but the patient feels a little pain.

Treatment of lymphadenitis

The main thing that the patient should know and take into account is the inadmissibility of self-treatment. In no case should you try to stop the disease yourself. Only a doctor prescribes the necessary treatment tactics, and it consists in carrying out the correct etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy. As a rule, all the efforts of the doctor and the patient are directed to the elimination of the focus of inflammation, which provoked the development of axillary lymphadenitis.Most often, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs and prescribes antibiotic therapy. It is also advisable to use compresses with Dimexide, physiotherapy, immunomodulators. All this helps the body to get stronger and cope with the disease that has arisen. If a malignant process arises and develops and is accompanied by axillary lymphadenitis, then the patient must undergo a course of chemotherapy or surgery will be indicated.

Enlarged lymph nodes | Prima Medica

When lymph nodes are involved in the painful process, most often:
Swollen lymph nodes	You may feel an enlarged lymph node the size of a pea or bean, or even larger. Both single and multiple lymph nodes throughout the body can be enlarged.
	Single lymph nodes in the submandibular, cervical and occipital regions are enlarged to the size of a bean, elastic, moderately painful	Runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, muscle pain, and other signs of an upper respiratory infection	SARS or colds
	Few lymph nodes in the submandibular region, the parotid region or the upper third of the neck, varying degrees of density and soreness, up to 1-1.5 cm in size, long-existing, increasing in size against the background of ARVI	Frequent SARS, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, dental problems	Chronic infection of the oral cavity and ENT organs: chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis, dental caries, chronic inflammatory odontogenic processes, odontogenic cysts
	Multiple lymph nodes in the submandibular, cervical, occipital, inguinal, etc.areas enlarged to the size of a bean, soft, more often painless	Weakness, fever, possibly an enlarged liver and / or spleen, and a skin rash	Acute and chronic viral infections, toxoplasmosis, severe parasitic infestations
		Various symptoms depending on the specific disease – joint pain, fever, skin rashes, abdominal pain, increased pressure, etc.	Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, periarteritis nodosa or rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
		Symptoms are absent, or not associated with the fact of enlarged lymph nodes	Long-term use of certain medications, such as allopurinol, atenolol, captopril, enalopril (less often), carbamazepine, some antibiotics; sulfonamides; phenytoin, etc.
	A single dense, painful lymph node, most often in the submandibular region, upper third of the neck, axillary region	Symptoms of the inflammatory process of varying severity – from diffuse edema and redness of the skin over the lymph node, fever, various severity of local pain.More often – the source of the inflammation is obvious.	Regional lymphadenitis, the presence of an entrance gate of infection in the form of damage to the skin of the hands with axillary lymphadenitis, carious teeth with submandibular lymphadenitis, inflammation of the tonsils with cervical lymphadenitis.
	An enlarged single lymph node or several nearby lymph nodes. The nodes are dense, often completely painless, inactive due to the fact that they are soldered to the surrounding tissue or to each other.The localization of the enlarged lymph nodes can be any, in particular – the axillary region, the lower third of the neck, the supraclavicular region.	Additional symptoms may be absent, or be represented by general clinical symptoms such as weight loss, fever, weakness, itching, excessive sweating, or local symptoms such as pain, induration and deformation of the affected organ, swelling of the limb, etc.	Often, such an increase in lymph nodes is a sign of a tumor of the lymphatic system, such as lymphoma (in particular, Hodgkin’s lymphoma), or tumors of internal organs (stomach, intestines, reproductive sphere, etc.)).
Compaction of lymph nodes	You can feel a lymph node or multiple nodes, which can be of varying degrees of density: both soft and barely visible to the touch, or as dense as wood or stone.
	Dense, most often painless, non-displaceable lymph nodes of any location, especially in unusual places such as the lower neck, armpits	Additional complaints may either be completely absent or be presented by general symptoms (weakness, sweating, fever, weight loss, itching of the skin, rash), or local signs (soreness when squeezing, swelling of surrounding tissues and limbs; changes in the skin over the lymph nodes and etc.).	First of all, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a tumor, the localization of which can be removed from the enlarged lymph nodes. Also, the diagnostic search includes infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis.
Sore lymph nodes	The enlarged lymph nodes may or may not be painful. Soreness of the lymph nodes can be associated with both inflammation and rapid growth due to stretching of the node capsule, as well as squeezing of the surrounding tissues and nerve endings.
	A single dense lymph node, sharply painful when touched, the skin over the node is reddened and hot to the touch.	Most often, the entrance gate of infection is obvious: a sore throat with an enlarged lymph node in the neck, damage to the skin on an arm or leg, felon, etc.	Infectious lymphadenitis, if you do not seek immediate medical attention, may require surgical treatment.
	One or more dense lymph nodes, painless or slightly painful when palpating, often soldered together and inactive, or completely not displaced when palpating, the skin over the nodes is not changed.	Additional complaints may be completely absent or present as general symptoms (weakness, sweating, fever, weight loss, itching of the skin, rash). Local symptoms are not common, but can be caused by compression of the surrounding tissue (soreness, swelling).	Often – such an increase in lymph nodes is a sign of a tumor of the lymphatic system, such as lymphoma (in particular – Hodgkin’s lymphoma), or tumors of internal organs (stomach, intestines, reproductive sphere, etc. ).
	Several dense lymph nodes, painless or slightly painful when palpating, unsoldered mobile, which are sometimes compared to “potatoes in a bag”.	Additional complaints may either be completely absent or be represented by general symptoms (weakness, fever, cough, weight loss, etc.).The skin over the nodes may not be changed, or have a bluish tint, be fused with the lymph nodes, external fistulas with cheesy discharge may form.	A rare condition in our time – tuberculosis of the lymph nodes. However, in connection with the massive refusals of vaccination and uncontrolled migration from regions unfavorable for tuberculosis, one should not forget about the likelihood of this disease.
	A single painless densely elastic lymph node, movable on palpation, ranging in size from 1 to 3 and even 5 cm, the skin above it is not changed.	The most common localization is in the groin, cervical or submandibular region, which depends on the entrance gate of the infection. The entrance gate of infection can most often be localized on the genitals, in the anus, in the mouth, on the tonsils and represent a dense painless ulcer with a whitish bottom. Sometimes, on examination, the ulcer is in the healing phase and is difficult to notice.	Primary syphilis. Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon in our time.Urgently see a doctor! At this stage, the disease is easily cured.
Additional Features	Additional signs may be changes in the skin over the lymph nodes, the presence of additional symptoms, both local and general, as well as the characteristics of the patient’s life, his age, heredity, professional activity and travel.	An experienced physician should evaluate a holistic picture of changes in the body of a patient who has complained of enlarged lymph nodes.Most often, you need to see a therapist, pediatrician, or general practitioner. After examination and initial examination, the patient is assigned dynamic observation, treatment, or additional consultations of narrow specialists. Depending on the picture of the disease, the patient may need to make an appointment with a hematologist or get a referral to a surgeon, dermatovenerologist, infectious disease specialist, phthisiatrician, ENT specialist, dentist or oncologist.

Recommendations for hands and arms after removal of axillary lymph nodes

Learn how to prevent infection and reduce hand and arm swelling after axillary lymph node surgery.Following these guidelines will help prevent the development of lymphedema.

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Information on the lymphatic system

Figure 1. Normal lymph drainage

The lymphatic system has 2 functions:

• helps fight infections;
• promotes the outflow of fluid from different parts of the body.

Your lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels and lymphatic fluid.picture 1).

• Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands located along the lymph vessels. Your lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid, trapping bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and metabolic waste.
• The lymph vessels are tiny tubes, similar to blood vessels, through which fluid flows to and from the lymph nodes.
• Lymphatic fluid is a clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system.It carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases.

Axillary lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes in the armpit (armpit) that drain lymph fluid away from the breast and arm. The number of axillary lymph nodes is different for everyone. Removal of axillary lymph nodes is an operation to remove a group of such nodes.

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About Lymphedema

Sometimes, as a result of the removal of the lymph nodes, it becomes difficult for the lymphatic system to cope with the excretion of fluid.In this case, lymphatic fluid can accumulate where the lymph nodes were removed. This extra fluid causes a swelling called lymphedema to form.

Lymphedema can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or trunk on the treated side (the side where the lymph nodes were removed).

Signs of lymphedema

Lymphedema can develop suddenly or gradually. This can happen months or years after surgery.

Watch for the following symptoms of lymphedema in the arm, hand, breast, and trunk on the treated side:

• Feeling of heaviness, pain or aches
• Feeling of tightness in the skin
• Reduced flexibility
• Edema
• Changes in the skin such as tightness or depressions (when pressure marks on the skin)

If you develop edema, you may notice the following:

• Veins on the hand of the affected arm are less visible than on the other hand;

90,019 rings on the finger (s) of the affected hand are tight or not worn;

• The sleeve of the shirt on the treated side sits tighter than usual.

If you have any signs of lymphedema or are in doubt, call your healthcare provider.

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Reducing the risk of developing lymphedema

It is important to prevent infection and swelling to reduce the risk of lymphedema.

Prevention of infection

You are more likely to develop lymphedema if an infection develops in the affected arm.This is because your body will produce extra white blood cells and lymph fluid to fight the infection, and this fluid will not be excreted properly.

Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of infection.

• Watch out for sunburn. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it as often as possible.
• Use insect repellent to prevent insect bites.
• Use lotion or cream daily to protect the skin of the affected arm and hand.
• Do not trim the cuticle on the affected arm. Instead, gently push it back with the cuticle stick.
• Wear protective gloves when doing yard or garden work, washing dishes, or using strong detergents or wire scouring pads.
• Put on the thimble while sewing.
• Be careful when shaving the armpit on the affected arm.It may be better to use an electric shaver. In case of a cut while shaving, treat it by following the instructions below.

If you notice any signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, warmer-than-usual skin in this area, or soreness), call your healthcare provider.

Care for cuts and scratches

1. Wash area with soap and water.
2. Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin ^® or Neosporin ^® .
3. Apply a bandage such as Band-Aid ^® .

Burn Care

1. Apply a cold compress to the affected area or place it under cool tap water for about 10 minutes.
2. Wash area with soap and water.
3. Apply a bandage such as Band-Aid.
4. Prevention of edema

Immediately after operation

Mild edema after surgery is normal. This swelling may persist for up to 6 weeks, but it is temporary and will gradually disappear.After surgery, you may also have pain and other sensations such as tingling and pinching. Follow these guidelines to relieve swelling after surgery.

• Exercise 5 times a day. If your healthcare provider tells you to do this less often or more often, follow their recommendations.
• Continue exercising until normal shoulder and arm range of motion is restored. This may take 4-6 weeks after surgery.
  • If you feel a tightness in your chest or under your arm, it may be helpful to stretch for even longer.
  • If normal range of motion does not return after 4-6 weeks, call your healthcare provider.

Long-term outlook

Taking the following steps may help reduce your risk of developing lymphedema.

• Ask your healthcare team to draw blood tests, give injections (shots), give intravenous (IV) drips, and measure blood pressure in the unaffected arm.
  • In some situations, if blood cannot be drawn from an unaffected arm, the affected arm may be used. The healthcare professional can tell you about them.
  • If an untreated arm, gluteus, thigh, or abdomen (abdomen) cannot be injected, the affected arm may be injected.
  • If blood pressure cannot be measured in the untreated arm, the affected arm may be used.
  • If lymph nodes have been removed on both sides, talk with your healthcare provider about the safest hand to use.
• Maintain a healthy body weight or try to achieve it in a safe way.
• Wear something heavy with your unaffected hand or with both hands until you regain strength on the treated side.
• Exercise and stretch your muscles regularly. Discuss with your doctor or nurse what exercises are right for you.
  • When resuming exercise and daily activities, do it slowly and gradually. If you feel uncomfortable, stop and take a break. Exercise shouldn’t hurt.
  • Consult your healthcare professional before resuming strenuous physical activity such as lifting weights or playing tennis.
• Do not wear tight or heavy jewelry or clothing with tight elastic bands that leave marks.All of these can cause swelling.
• Do not apply heating pads or hot compresses to the affected arm, shoulder, or chest.
• If you have swelling in your arm or hand, write down when the process started. If it persists after 1 week, call your healthcare provider.

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When should you contact your healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if:

• any area of ​​the arm, hand, breast or trunk on the treated side has become:
  90,018 90,019 hot to the touch
• red;
• more painful;

90,019 more swollen

90,019 You have a temperature of 101 ° F (38. 3 ° C) or higher

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Swollen lymph nodes, lymphadenopathy – causes, examination and treatment in Astrakhan | Symptoms

Upper respiratory tract infection
Signs: Only the lymph nodes of the neck are affected, tenderness is insignificant or absent. Sore throat, runny nose, or cough.

Tooth tissue infection
Signs: Only the lymph nodes of the neck on one side are affected, a sore tooth.

Mononucleosis
Signs: Enlargement on both sides, usually in the neck, but sometimes under the armpits or groin.Fever, sore throat, and excessive tiredness. Typically in adolescents or young adults.

Tuberculosis with involvement of lymph nodes
Signs: Usually swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or above the collarbone. Sometimes lymph nodes are inflamed or discharge. Often in a patient with HIV infection.

HIV (immediately after infection – primary infection)
Signs: Generalized lymphadenopathy. Usually fever, malaise, rash, and joint pain.Often in a person with known HIV infection or risk factors for HIV (needle stick from another person or high-risk sexual activity).

Sexually transmitted diseases (herpes simplex virus, chlamydia and syphilis)
Signs: Except for secondary syphilis, only enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area. Often urinary tract symptoms (pain during urination) and discharge from the urethra or vagina. Sometimes ulcers on the genitals.For secondary syphilis, common sores on the mucous membranes and common lymphadenopathy are common.

Skin and soft tissue infections (phlegmon, abscess, cat scratch disease)
Signs: Usually a visible wound or skin infection near the enlarged lymph node.

Toxoplasmosis
Signs: Enlarged lumps in the neck and axillary fossa on both sides. Sometimes flu-like symptoms and enlarged liver and spleen. Frequent history of contact with feline feces.

Leukemia (chronic, acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Signs: Fatigue, fever and weight loss. In acute leukemia, bleeding and / or bleeding is common.

Lymphomas
Signs: Painless lymphadenopathy (local or widespread). The knots are often elastic and sometimes fuse together. Fever, night sweats, and weight loss are common.

Metastatic malignant tumors (head and neck, thyroid, breast, or lung)
Signs: One or more painless lymph nodes in the neck.The lymph nodes are often dense, sometimes not displaceable.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Signs: Widespread lymphadenopathy. Typically painful and sometimes swollen joints. Sometimes a red rash on the nose and cheeks and other skin sores.

Sarcoidosis
Signs: Painless lymphadenopathy, possibly widespread. Often cough and / or shortness of breath, fever, malaise, muscle weakness, weight loss, and joint pain.

Kawasaki disease
Signs: Painful swollen lumps in the baby’s neck. Fever, usually above 39 ° C, rash on the torso, noticeable red bumps on the tongue, peeling of the skin on the palms, soles and around the nails.

Medicines
Signs: Use of the causative drug, history of rash, joint and muscle pain, fever.

Silicone Breast Implants
Signs: Swollen lymph nodes under the armpits in women with breast implants.

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Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes, from which the nodes located in the groin and armpits most often suffer. Disease can be caused by both infections and bacteria, parasites, fungi or tumors.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF LYMPHADENITIS

The disease is easy to recognize by a number of characteristic symptoms:

• enlarged lymph node;
• redness;
• the site of inflammation is warmer than the surrounding skin.

In the future, the appearance of puffiness, chills and an increase in the temperature of the whole body is possible. Due to severe pain, the hand (with inflammation of the axillary lymph node) or leg (with inflammation of the inguinal) takes a forced position so that the limb does not squeeze the inflamed node.

Many reasons provoking the development of lymphadenitis are conventionally divided into two groups: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious – the above bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Infections, penetrating the body, with the flow of blood and lymph reach the lymph nodes, provoking lymphadenitis.Some of them are relatively harmless, like the usual ARVI, while others (tuberculosis) are dangerous diseases.

Most often, lymphadenitis is observed in the following diseases:

There are few non-infectious causes of lymphadenitis: an inflammatory process, as a reaction to the ingress of a foreign body or a tumor.

DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF LYMPHADENITIS

You can suspect that you have lymphadenitis on your own, because its symptoms are difficult to confuse with the manifestations of other diseases. But you will not be able to understand the reason for the lymphadenitis on your own – you need to see your family doctor for examination and examination.

In addition, lymphadenitis can be complicated by periadenitis and adenophlegmon, for the diagnosis of which the intervention of a doctor is also required.

Why is it important to see a doctor at the first symptoms of lymphadenitis? The fact is that in the early stages, the disease can be cured without surgery, with the help of medications, a rest regime for the affected organ and procedures.For treatment may be prescribed:

• antibiotics;
• pain relievers;
• anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs.

If the disease is started, there is only one treatment – surgical opening of the inflamed lymph node and elimination of pus.

WHAT IS DANGEROUS LYMPHADENITIS?

One of the functions of the lymphatic system in the body is protective. Lymph nodes are both a barrier to the spread of infection and cancer cells, and “factories” for the production of lymphocytes. Therefore, their defeat is a blow to the body’s immune system. In addition, inflammation of the lymph node is a sign of possible problems in the area in which the node is located.

Even if the affected lymph node was opened by a surgeon, an examination by a family doctor or therapist is still necessary, who will find the cause that triggered the development of lymphadenitis and eliminate it in order to avoid relapse in the future.

Make an appointment with the doctors of the family medicine department by phone or through the form on the website.

Frequently asked questions

What is lymphadenitis?

Lymphadenitis is classified due to the development, localization of the affected lymph nodes and the duration of the disease. It can be infectious and non-infectious. It can be acute (purulent or not) or chronic. Depending on the affected lymph nodes, submandibular, cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphadenitis are isolated.

Which doctor treats lymphadenitis?

If symptoms of lymphadenitis appear, contact your family doctor or general practitioner.In the early stages, drug treatment is effective. At an advanced stage (purulent), the help of a surgeon and opening of an inflamed lymph node may be required to eliminate pus.

How long is lymphadenitis treated?

Treatment time depends on the form of lymphadenitis (acute, chronic), the presence of pus in the lymph nodes and the cause of the disease. In acute non-purulent lymphadenitis, drug therapy is used – on average, it lasts about 2 weeks. With purulent lymphadenitis, an operation is first needed.

Treatment of chronic lymphadenitis may be longer.Often, in parallel with it, the underlying disease is also treated, which provoked the development of inflammation in the lymph node.

What tests should I take for lymphadenitis?

A doctor can diagnose lymphadenitis based on symptoms and visual examination. To clarify it, instrumental studies may be needed: ultrasound, X-ray, CT or other. Laboratory tests are prescribed as additional diagnostics. They allow you to confirm the presence of inflammation and infection in the body.

consultation and treatment in Yekaterinburg – MC “Olmed”

Lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are rounded formations ranging in size from 1 mm to 2 cm, in which the lymphatic vessels are connected.Lymph nodes act as barriers to infectious and cancer cells. This is due to protective cells – lymphocytes, which are designed to destroy foreign cells from the body.

The largest and most important lymph nodes are located in the neck, armpit, knee, groin and elbow.

Swollen lymph nodes is an alarming signal that urgently needs to go to the hospital. First of all, at the “OLMED” MC you will be recommended to take a puncture from an enlarged lymph node.

Puncture of lymph nodes

Lymph node puncture is a collection of a sample of cells from a lymph node for diagnostic purposes. Further, in the laboratory, a histological examination of the sample (for the presence of cancer cells) is carried out, as well as an analysis for infections.

Puncture is performed with a syringe with a thin needle: it is inserted into the area of ​​the tumor of the lymph node and takes a small amount of punctate. This method does not require anesthesia, it is practically painless. There are no scars after the needle.

In the medical center “OLMED” lymph node puncture is performed minimally traumatizing the skin and painlessly. The clinic is equipped with the most modern equipment and instruments, which guarantees the accuracy of manipulations and their effectiveness.

Lymph node biopsy

Lymph node biopsy is a collection of a sample (piece) of tissue from a lymph node for diagnostic purposes. Biopsy is the next diagnostic method after the puncture, which is used if the puncture was not enough for the study, or if the histological examination showed a positive result.

The biopsy is performed using a special biopsy “gun” with a needle. The needle is inserted into the area of ​​the tumor and “cuts out” a column of tissue.

Pistol biopsy is usually easily tolerated by the patient, but local anesthesia is still used during the procedure. In the second case, general anesthesia is used. In MC “OLMED” highly qualified doctors perform biopsy using the latest equipment.

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