Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy)

Overview

Swollen lymph nodes can occur in your armpits as well as in your neck and groin.

What are swollen lymph nodes?

When you’re not feeling so great, like you’re coming down with something, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those lumps probably feel soft and tender to the touch — and may even hurt a little.

Swollen lymph nodes (or what doctors call lymphadenopathy) are common and are actually a good thing. The swelling in these pea- or bean-sized lymph nodes are one of your body’s natural reactions to illness or infection. That tells doctors that your body’s healthy and robust immune system is working to clear away infection and/or invading viruses or bacteria.

Many people call them swollen glands ― even though they’re really not glands, but part of your lymphatic system. One of your body’s lesser known systems, it’s in charge of balancing your fluid levels.

Your swollen glands act like filters that help your body get rid of germs, cells or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid (a clear or slightly yellowish fluid made up of white blood cells, proteins and fats).

And when you think of swollen glands, you most likely think of swelling in your neck. But the lymph nodes in your groin, under your chin and your armpits can swell too. You can even move them slightly with your fingers.

You also have lymph nodes throughout your body that you can’t feel. There’s a network of about 600 of them (the exact count actually varies by person) in your:

• Jaw.
• Chest.
• Arms.
• Abdomen.
• Legs.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes swollen lymph nodes?

The most common cause of lymph node swelling in your neck is an upper respiratory infection, which can take 10 to 14 days to resolve completely. As soon as you start feeling better, the swelling should go down as well, though it may take a few weeks longer to go away completely.

Other bacteria and viruses that may cause your lymph nodes to become swollen include:

Your lymph nodes get larger when more blood cells come to fight off an invading infection. They all essentially pile in, causing pressure and swelling.

Often, the lymph nodes that swell will be close to the infection’s site. (That means a person with strep throat might develop swollen lymph nodes in their neck.)

Diagnosis and Tests

How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?

Swollen lymph nodes aren’t a disease, they’re a symptom. Usually, diagnosing them means pinpointing what’s causing the swelling.

Besides a regular physical exam and medical history, your doctor will evaluate your swollen lymph nodes for:

• Size.
• Pain or tenderness when touched.
• Consistency (hard or rubbery).
• Matting (whether they feel joined or move together).
• Location (specific diseases can be tied to where the swollen lymph nodes are in your body).

Your doctor will make sure your swollen lymph nodes aren’t caused by any of your medications. Some drugs, like the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin®) can cause swollen lymph nodes.

Doctors only worry about swollen lymph nodes when they enlarge for no apparent reason. So if you have a large, swollen area but you’re not feeling sick and you didn’t recently have a cold, flu, upper respiratory infection or skin infection, you’ll need further tests, like blood work, imaging scans or a biopsy.

In rare situations, swollen lymph nodes can even point to cancer ― specifically, lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). Other less common causes of swollen lymph nodes include injury, AIDS and cancer that’s spread from the lymph nodes to another part of your body.

Management and Treatment

How are swollen lymph nodes treated?

If swollen lymph nodes are only found in one area of your body it’s called localized swollen lymph nodes. And most of the time, you have a virus ― so there’s no treatment truly needed and it will just run its course. The nodes will gradually shrink back to their normal size.

For some infections (like pink eye or tinea), your doctor may prescribe an antiviral or antibiotic to clear it up.

When swollen lymph nodes are found in two or more areas (generalized swollen lymph nodes), it usually points to a more serious systemic (meaning it’s all over your body) disease. These are wide-ranging and include:

These conditions will require more aggressive treatments over a longer period of time. Your swollen lymph nodes may not return to their normal size until after your treatment has ended.

How to ease pain from swollen lymph nodes

You may feel a bit sore and tender. Try using a warm compress (like a microwavable rice sock or similar heating pad) and over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). These treatments won’t shrink the nodes, but they’ll help ease your pain temporarily until your body fights off the infection or illness successfully.

Are swollen lymph nodes contagious?

No, swollen lymph nodes themselves aren’t contagious. You can’t just catch them. But if they were caused by a contagious virus (like cold and flu), you can spread those to your family and others around you.

Prevention

Can you prevent swollen lymph nodes?

You wouldn’t want to prevent swollen lymph nodes. They’re a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. If you hate the discomfort of having swollen lymph nodes, your best bet is to take extra steps to keep from catching common viruses through:

• Proper handwashing.
• Avoiding touching your eyes and nose.
• Staying away from those who are sick.
• Disinfecting surfaces in your home or workspace.
• Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising.

Outlook / Prognosis

When should I worry about swollen lymph nodes?

Most swollen lymph nodes aren’t a cause for concern and will go away as your infection clears up.

See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms that might indicate that something more serious is going on:

• Lymph nodes that are 1+ inch in diameter.
• Nodes that are very painful, hard, fixed to the skin or growing rapidly.
• Nodes that are draining pus or other substances.
• Symptoms like weight loss, night sweats, long-lasting fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing.
• Swollen nodes close to your collarbone or lower part of your neck (this often points to cancer).
• Red or inflamed skin over your swollen lymph nodes.

Are swollen lymph nodes ever fatal?

No, swollen lymph nodes aren’t fatal. Alone, they’re simply a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection or illness. However, in rare cases, swollen lymph nodes can point to serious conditions, such as cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma), which could potentially be fatal.

Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy)

Overview

Swollen lymph nodes can occur in your armpits as well as in your neck and groin.

What are swollen lymph nodes?

When you’re not feeling so great, like you’re coming down with something, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those lumps probably feel soft and tender to the touch — and may even hurt a little.

Swollen lymph nodes (or what doctors call lymphadenopathy) are common and are actually a good thing. The swelling in these pea- or bean-sized lymph nodes are one of your body’s natural reactions to illness or infection. That tells doctors that your body’s healthy and robust immune system is working to clear away infection and/or invading viruses or bacteria.

Many people call them swollen glands ― even though they’re really not glands, but part of your lymphatic system. One of your body’s lesser known systems, it’s in charge of balancing your fluid levels.

Your swollen glands act like filters that help your body get rid of germs, cells or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid (a clear or slightly yellowish fluid made up of white blood cells, proteins and fats).

And when you think of swollen glands, you most likely think of swelling in your neck. But the lymph nodes in your groin, under your chin and your armpits can swell too. You can even move them slightly with your fingers.

You also have lymph nodes throughout your body that you can’t feel. There’s a network of about 600 of them (the exact count actually varies by person) in your:

• Jaw.
• Chest.
• Arms.
• Abdomen.
• Legs.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes swollen lymph nodes?

The most common cause of lymph node swelling in your neck is an upper respiratory infection, which can take 10 to 14 days to resolve completely. As soon as you start feeling better, the swelling should go down as well, though it may take a few weeks longer to go away completely.

Other bacteria and viruses that may cause your lymph nodes to become swollen include:

Your lymph nodes get larger when more blood cells come to fight off an invading infection. They all essentially pile in, causing pressure and swelling.

Often, the lymph nodes that swell will be close to the infection’s site. (That means a person with strep throat might develop swollen lymph nodes in their neck.)

Diagnosis and Tests

How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?

Swollen lymph nodes aren’t a disease, they’re a symptom. Usually, diagnosing them means pinpointing what’s causing the swelling.

Besides a regular physical exam and medical history, your doctor will evaluate your swollen lymph nodes for:

• Size.
• Pain or tenderness when touched.
• Consistency (hard or rubbery).
• Matting (whether they feel joined or move together).
• Location (specific diseases can be tied to where the swollen lymph nodes are in your body).

Your doctor will make sure your swollen lymph nodes aren’t caused by any of your medications. Some drugs, like the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin®) can cause swollen lymph nodes.

Doctors only worry about swollen lymph nodes when they enlarge for no apparent reason. So if you have a large, swollen area but you’re not feeling sick and you didn’t recently have a cold, flu, upper respiratory infection or skin infection, you’ll need further tests, like blood work, imaging scans or a biopsy.

In rare situations, swollen lymph nodes can even point to cancer ― specifically, lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). Other less common causes of swollen lymph nodes include injury, AIDS and cancer that’s spread from the lymph nodes to another part of your body.

Management and Treatment

How are swollen lymph nodes treated?

If swollen lymph nodes are only found in one area of your body it’s called localized swollen lymph nodes. And most of the time, you have a virus ― so there’s no treatment truly needed and it will just run its course. The nodes will gradually shrink back to their normal size.

For some infections (like pink eye or tinea), your doctor may prescribe an antiviral or antibiotic to clear it up.

When swollen lymph nodes are found in two or more areas (generalized swollen lymph nodes), it usually points to a more serious systemic (meaning it’s all over your body) disease. These are wide-ranging and include:

These conditions will require more aggressive treatments over a longer period of time. Your swollen lymph nodes may not return to their normal size until after your treatment has ended.

How to ease pain from swollen lymph nodes

You may feel a bit sore and tender. Try using a warm compress (like a microwavable rice sock or similar heating pad) and over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). These treatments won’t shrink the nodes, but they’ll help ease your pain temporarily until your body fights off the infection or illness successfully.

Are swollen lymph nodes contagious?

No, swollen lymph nodes themselves aren’t contagious. You can’t just catch them. But if they were caused by a contagious virus (like cold and flu), you can spread those to your family and others around you.

Prevention

Can you prevent swollen lymph nodes?

You wouldn’t want to prevent swollen lymph nodes. They’re a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. If you hate the discomfort of having swollen lymph nodes, your best bet is to take extra steps to keep from catching common viruses through:

• Proper handwashing.
• Avoiding touching your eyes and nose.
• Staying away from those who are sick.
• Disinfecting surfaces in your home or workspace.
• Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising.

Outlook / Prognosis

When should I worry about swollen lymph nodes?

Most swollen lymph nodes aren’t a cause for concern and will go away as your infection clears up.

See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms that might indicate that something more serious is going on:

• Lymph nodes that are 1+ inch in diameter.
• Nodes that are very painful, hard, fixed to the skin or growing rapidly.
• Nodes that are draining pus or other substances.
• Symptoms like weight loss, night sweats, long-lasting fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing.
• Swollen nodes close to your collarbone or lower part of your neck (this often points to cancer).
• Red or inflamed skin over your swollen lymph nodes.

Are swollen lymph nodes ever fatal?

No, swollen lymph nodes aren’t fatal. Alone, they’re simply a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection or illness. However, in rare cases, swollen lymph nodes can point to serious conditions, such as cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma), which could potentially be fatal.

Swollen lymph nodes in armpit: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system. They act as filters, removing potentially harmful substances from the body. A swollen lymph node in the armpit may be a sign of an infection or injury.

The possible causes of lymph node swelling range in severity from common infections that typically resolve on their own to more serious conditions, such as lymphoma.

In this article, we look at why lymph nodes swell, the most common causes of this symptom, and when to see a doctor.

When a person has an infection or injury, the lymph nodes may swell as they start to filter unwanted cells from the lymph.

Lymph is a watery fluid that carries oxygen to the cells and transports waste products away from them. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections.

As the lymph nodes begin to work harder to remove waste, they can enlarge. This enlargement is more common in certain areas of the body, including the neck, armpit, and groin.

A swollen lymph node may be visibly enlarged, painful, and tender to the touch.

Many viruses can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include:

These viruses usually produce other visible symptoms, such as a rash.

However, other viral conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes with no other visible symptoms. These include:

Influenza (flu)

The flu is a respiratory infection that can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. The symptoms of flu are similar to those of other respiratory viruses, but they tend to be more severe. They also often develop suddenly rather than gradually.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

• fatigue
• sore throat
• cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headaches
• fever or chills

Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are more common in children.

While a person has the flu, they should stay at home and rest, avoiding contact with others. Most people recover from the flu without treatment, but it can cause complications.

People who are most at risk for complications include:

• young children
• adults over 65 years of age
• pregnant people
• people with underlying health conditions

People in these groups may need antiviral medication to prevent severe symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever, is the result of a viral infection. It can cause lymph nodes in the neck and armpits to swell. Mono also causes symptoms such as:

Mono will eventually go away on its own. Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but some experience symptoms for longer. Resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help during recovery.

Bacterial infections can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. Some examples of infections that could affect the nodes in the armpit include:

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection. It occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and infect the middle layer, potentially as a result of an injury that led to an area of broken skin.

Cellulitis may cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, an infection in the arm may cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to enlarge. The other symptoms of cellulitis include:

• pain and swelling at the infection site
• skin sores
• fever or chills
• body aches
• muscle and joint pain
• skin that is warm to the touch
• vomiting and nausea
• fatigue

Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics. A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe, or they require intravenous antibiotics.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease spreads through the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3–30 days after the tick bite occurred.

Other early symptoms include:

• a circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye at the site of the bite
• fever
• chills
• joint or muscle aches
• fatigue
• headaches

To treat Lyme disease, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. Anyone who suspects that they have this condition should seek medical attention promptly.

Other bacterial infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

Bacteria and viruses are not always responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Other possible causes include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Some autoimmune conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RA occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing stiffness, pain, and warmth.

A 2019 review article states that RA affects the lymph nodes, reducing their capacity to drain fluid from nearby inflamed joints. This impairment may lead to local lymph node enlargement.

Doctors treat RA with medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Physical therapy may also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair affected joints.

Cancer

Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, including:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• lymphoma of the skin

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the symptoms of lymphoma can include:

• unintentional weight loss
• feeling tired
• fever
• night sweats

Leukemia can also cause swollen lymph nodes, as can other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer.

The type and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s age and overall health, will affect what treatment doctors recommend.

However, it is worth remembering that there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes that are not related to cancer.

A doctor can determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and recommend the best treatment. They may ask about the person’s symptoms, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, a doctor may also carry out diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or medical imaging.

Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. While a person receives medical treatment, there are things they can try at home to ease any tenderness.

A person can apply a warm compress to reduce pain. They can run warm or hot water over a washcloth and wring it mostly dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node.

People can take OTC pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. A person should talk to their doctor if they are not sure what medications are best for them.

Anyone with swollen lymph nodes in their armpit should talk with a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes have many potential causes, and a doctor can rule out possibilities that require prompt treatment, such as Lyme disease.

A person should also consult their doctor about swollen lymph nodes if multiple lymph nodes become swollen or they have previously had cancer treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person should talk to their doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes with no clear cause.

Swollen lymph nodes in armpit: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system. They act as filters, removing potentially harmful substances from the body. A swollen lymph node in the armpit may be a sign of an infection or injury.

The possible causes of lymph node swelling range in severity from common infections that typically resolve on their own to more serious conditions, such as lymphoma.

In this article, we look at why lymph nodes swell, the most common causes of this symptom, and when to see a doctor.

When a person has an infection or injury, the lymph nodes may swell as they start to filter unwanted cells from the lymph.

Lymph is a watery fluid that carries oxygen to the cells and transports waste products away from them. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections.

As the lymph nodes begin to work harder to remove waste, they can enlarge. This enlargement is more common in certain areas of the body, including the neck, armpit, and groin.

A swollen lymph node may be visibly enlarged, painful, and tender to the touch.

Many viruses can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include:

These viruses usually produce other visible symptoms, such as a rash.

However, other viral conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes with no other visible symptoms. These include:

Influenza (flu)

The flu is a respiratory infection that can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. The symptoms of flu are similar to those of other respiratory viruses, but they tend to be more severe. They also often develop suddenly rather than gradually.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

• fatigue
• sore throat
• cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headaches
• fever or chills

Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are more common in children.

While a person has the flu, they should stay at home and rest, avoiding contact with others. Most people recover from the flu without treatment, but it can cause complications.

People who are most at risk for complications include:

• young children
• adults over 65 years of age
• pregnant people
• people with underlying health conditions

People in these groups may need antiviral medication to prevent severe symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever, is the result of a viral infection. It can cause lymph nodes in the neck and armpits to swell. Mono also causes symptoms such as:

Mono will eventually go away on its own. Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but some experience symptoms for longer. Resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help during recovery.

Bacterial infections can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. Some examples of infections that could affect the nodes in the armpit include:

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection. It occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and infect the middle layer, potentially as a result of an injury that led to an area of broken skin.

Cellulitis may cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, an infection in the arm may cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to enlarge. The other symptoms of cellulitis include:

• pain and swelling at the infection site
• skin sores
• fever or chills
• body aches
• muscle and joint pain
• skin that is warm to the touch
• vomiting and nausea
• fatigue

Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics. A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe, or they require intravenous antibiotics.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease spreads through the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3–30 days after the tick bite occurred.

Other early symptoms include:

• a circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye at the site of the bite
• fever
• chills
• joint or muscle aches
• fatigue
• headaches

To treat Lyme disease, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. Anyone who suspects that they have this condition should seek medical attention promptly.

Other bacterial infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

Bacteria and viruses are not always responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Other possible causes include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Some autoimmune conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RA occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing stiffness, pain, and warmth.

A 2019 review article states that RA affects the lymph nodes, reducing their capacity to drain fluid from nearby inflamed joints. This impairment may lead to local lymph node enlargement.

Doctors treat RA with medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Physical therapy may also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair affected joints.

Cancer

Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, including:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• lymphoma of the skin

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the symptoms of lymphoma can include:

• unintentional weight loss
• feeling tired
• fever
• night sweats

Leukemia can also cause swollen lymph nodes, as can other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer.

The type and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s age and overall health, will affect what treatment doctors recommend.

However, it is worth remembering that there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes that are not related to cancer.

A doctor can determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and recommend the best treatment. They may ask about the person’s symptoms, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, a doctor may also carry out diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or medical imaging.

Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. While a person receives medical treatment, there are things they can try at home to ease any tenderness.

A person can apply a warm compress to reduce pain. They can run warm or hot water over a washcloth and wring it mostly dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node.

People can take OTC pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. A person should talk to their doctor if they are not sure what medications are best for them.

Anyone with swollen lymph nodes in their armpit should talk with a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes have many potential causes, and a doctor can rule out possibilities that require prompt treatment, such as Lyme disease.

A person should also consult their doctor about swollen lymph nodes if multiple lymph nodes become swollen or they have previously had cancer treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person should talk to their doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes with no clear cause.

Swollen lymph nodes in armpit: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system. They act as filters, removing potentially harmful substances from the body. A swollen lymph node in the armpit may be a sign of an infection or injury.

The possible causes of lymph node swelling range in severity from common infections that typically resolve on their own to more serious conditions, such as lymphoma.

In this article, we look at why lymph nodes swell, the most common causes of this symptom, and when to see a doctor.

When a person has an infection or injury, the lymph nodes may swell as they start to filter unwanted cells from the lymph.

Lymph is a watery fluid that carries oxygen to the cells and transports waste products away from them. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections.

As the lymph nodes begin to work harder to remove waste, they can enlarge. This enlargement is more common in certain areas of the body, including the neck, armpit, and groin.

A swollen lymph node may be visibly enlarged, painful, and tender to the touch.

Many viruses can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include:

These viruses usually produce other visible symptoms, such as a rash.

However, other viral conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes with no other visible symptoms. These include:

Influenza (flu)

The flu is a respiratory infection that can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. The symptoms of flu are similar to those of other respiratory viruses, but they tend to be more severe. They also often develop suddenly rather than gradually.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

• fatigue
• sore throat
• cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headaches
• fever or chills

Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are more common in children.

While a person has the flu, they should stay at home and rest, avoiding contact with others. Most people recover from the flu without treatment, but it can cause complications.

People who are most at risk for complications include:

• young children
• adults over 65 years of age
• pregnant people
• people with underlying health conditions

People in these groups may need antiviral medication to prevent severe symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever, is the result of a viral infection. It can cause lymph nodes in the neck and armpits to swell. Mono also causes symptoms such as:

Mono will eventually go away on its own. Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but some experience symptoms for longer. Resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help during recovery.

Bacterial infections can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. Some examples of infections that could affect the nodes in the armpit include:

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection. It occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and infect the middle layer, potentially as a result of an injury that led to an area of broken skin.

Cellulitis may cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, an infection in the arm may cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to enlarge. The other symptoms of cellulitis include:

• pain and swelling at the infection site
• skin sores
• fever or chills
• body aches
• muscle and joint pain
• skin that is warm to the touch
• vomiting and nausea
• fatigue

Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics. A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe, or they require intravenous antibiotics.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease spreads through the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3–30 days after the tick bite occurred.

Other early symptoms include:

• a circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye at the site of the bite
• fever
• chills
• joint or muscle aches
• fatigue
• headaches

To treat Lyme disease, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. Anyone who suspects that they have this condition should seek medical attention promptly.

Other bacterial infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

Bacteria and viruses are not always responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Other possible causes include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Some autoimmune conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RA occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing stiffness, pain, and warmth.

A 2019 review article states that RA affects the lymph nodes, reducing their capacity to drain fluid from nearby inflamed joints. This impairment may lead to local lymph node enlargement.

Doctors treat RA with medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Physical therapy may also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair affected joints.

Cancer

Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, including:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• lymphoma of the skin

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the symptoms of lymphoma can include:

• unintentional weight loss
• feeling tired
• fever
• night sweats

Leukemia can also cause swollen lymph nodes, as can other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer.

The type and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s age and overall health, will affect what treatment doctors recommend.

However, it is worth remembering that there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes that are not related to cancer.

A doctor can determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and recommend the best treatment. They may ask about the person’s symptoms, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, a doctor may also carry out diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or medical imaging.

Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. While a person receives medical treatment, there are things they can try at home to ease any tenderness.

A person can apply a warm compress to reduce pain. They can run warm or hot water over a washcloth and wring it mostly dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node.

People can take OTC pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. A person should talk to their doctor if they are not sure what medications are best for them.

Anyone with swollen lymph nodes in their armpit should talk with a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes have many potential causes, and a doctor can rule out possibilities that require prompt treatment, such as Lyme disease.

A person should also consult their doctor about swollen lymph nodes if multiple lymph nodes become swollen or they have previously had cancer treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person should talk to their doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes with no clear cause.

Swollen lymph nodes in armpit: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system. They act as filters, removing potentially harmful substances from the body. A swollen lymph node in the armpit may be a sign of an infection or injury.

The possible causes of lymph node swelling range in severity from common infections that typically resolve on their own to more serious conditions, such as lymphoma.

In this article, we look at why lymph nodes swell, the most common causes of this symptom, and when to see a doctor.

When a person has an infection or injury, the lymph nodes may swell as they start to filter unwanted cells from the lymph.

Lymph is a watery fluid that carries oxygen to the cells and transports waste products away from them. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections.

As the lymph nodes begin to work harder to remove waste, they can enlarge. This enlargement is more common in certain areas of the body, including the neck, armpit, and groin.

A swollen lymph node may be visibly enlarged, painful, and tender to the touch.

Many viruses can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include:

These viruses usually produce other visible symptoms, such as a rash.

However, other viral conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes with no other visible symptoms. These include:

Influenza (flu)

The flu is a respiratory infection that can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. The symptoms of flu are similar to those of other respiratory viruses, but they tend to be more severe. They also often develop suddenly rather than gradually.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

• fatigue
• sore throat
• cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headaches
• fever or chills

Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are more common in children.

While a person has the flu, they should stay at home and rest, avoiding contact with others. Most people recover from the flu without treatment, but it can cause complications.

People who are most at risk for complications include:

• young children
• adults over 65 years of age
• pregnant people
• people with underlying health conditions

People in these groups may need antiviral medication to prevent severe symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever, is the result of a viral infection. It can cause lymph nodes in the neck and armpits to swell. Mono also causes symptoms such as:

Mono will eventually go away on its own. Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but some experience symptoms for longer. Resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help during recovery.

Bacterial infections can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. Some examples of infections that could affect the nodes in the armpit include:

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection. It occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and infect the middle layer, potentially as a result of an injury that led to an area of broken skin.

Cellulitis may cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, an infection in the arm may cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to enlarge. The other symptoms of cellulitis include:

• pain and swelling at the infection site
• skin sores
• fever or chills
• body aches
• muscle and joint pain
• skin that is warm to the touch
• vomiting and nausea
• fatigue

Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics. A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe, or they require intravenous antibiotics.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease spreads through the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3–30 days after the tick bite occurred.

Other early symptoms include:

• a circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye at the site of the bite
• fever
• chills
• joint or muscle aches
• fatigue
• headaches

To treat Lyme disease, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. Anyone who suspects that they have this condition should seek medical attention promptly.

Other bacterial infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

Bacteria and viruses are not always responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Other possible causes include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Some autoimmune conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RA occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing stiffness, pain, and warmth.

A 2019 review article states that RA affects the lymph nodes, reducing their capacity to drain fluid from nearby inflamed joints. This impairment may lead to local lymph node enlargement.

Doctors treat RA with medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Physical therapy may also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair affected joints.

Cancer

Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, including:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• lymphoma of the skin

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the symptoms of lymphoma can include:

• unintentional weight loss
• feeling tired
• fever
• night sweats

Leukemia can also cause swollen lymph nodes, as can other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer.

The type and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s age and overall health, will affect what treatment doctors recommend.

However, it is worth remembering that there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes that are not related to cancer.

A doctor can determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and recommend the best treatment. They may ask about the person’s symptoms, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, a doctor may also carry out diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or medical imaging.

Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. While a person receives medical treatment, there are things they can try at home to ease any tenderness.

A person can apply a warm compress to reduce pain. They can run warm or hot water over a washcloth and wring it mostly dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node.

People can take OTC pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. A person should talk to their doctor if they are not sure what medications are best for them.

Anyone with swollen lymph nodes in their armpit should talk with a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes have many potential causes, and a doctor can rule out possibilities that require prompt treatment, such as Lyme disease.

A person should also consult their doctor about swollen lymph nodes if multiple lymph nodes become swollen or they have previously had cancer treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person should talk to their doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes with no clear cause.

Swollen glands – NHS

Swollen glands are a sign the body is fighting an infection. They usually get better by themselves within 2 weeks.

Check if your glands are swollen

Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps:

• on each side of the neck
• under the chin
• in the armpits
• around the groin

Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it.

Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells.

You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or high temperature.

Things you can do yourself

Swollen glands should go down within 2 weeks.

You can help to ease the symptoms by:

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• your swollen glands are getting bigger or they have not gone down within 2 weeks
• they feel hard or do not move when you press them
• you’re having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) for more than 3 or 4 days
• you have swollen glands and no other signs of illness or infection
• you have swollen lymph glands just above or below your collar bone (the bone that runs from your breastbone to each of your shoulders)

Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:

• you have swollen glands and you’re finding it very difficult to swallow

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Other ways to get help

Get an urgent GP appointment

A GP may be able to treat you.

Ask your GP surgery for an urgent appointment.

Causes of swollen glands

Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you’re worried.

Swollen glands are:

• often caused by common illnesses like colds, tonsillitis and ear or throat infections
• sometimes caused by viral infections such as glandular fever
• rarely caused by anything more serious, like cancer of the blood system (leukaemia) or lymph system (lymphoma)

A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics (antibiotics do not work on viral infections).

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Page last reviewed: 25 September 2020
Next review due: 25 September 2023

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 inflammation of the lymph nodes include breast pathologies, colds and respiratory diseases, cancer, furunculosis, excessive work of 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 quite strong, 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 next to the focus of inflammation are hyperemic, and 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 soreness.

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, immunomodulatory drugs. 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.

90,000 Why are lymph nodes inflamed? | Health Blog

When the lymph nodes become inflamed (enlarged), this is lymphadenopathy. It causes concern for many. And especially sensitive and impressionable people immediately suspect they have terrible diseases and even cancer.

What is lymph and why is it needed?

Lymph is a liquid that flushes out dead cells of the body, as well as bacteria, toxins and viruses.

There are more than 500 lymph glands or lymph nodes in the body.In the system, they play the role of pumps – they make the lymph move through the lymph flow. And lymphocytes (protective white blood cells) that make up lymph protect the circulatory system and keep bacteria, viruses and cancer cells out.

Where are the lymph nodes located?

Why are the lymph nodes inflamed?

Lymph nodes are concentrated in groups in certain parts of the body. Each group “serves” its part of the body. And although an increase in lymph nodes can speak of various formidable diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, ARVI, venereal and oncological diseases), the main reason always lies in the development of pathology in the zone for which the node works. When there are not enough lymphocytes to fight the harmful agents in the lymph, they actively multiply to eliminate the infection.Because of this, the lymph nodes enlarge and harden, and the skin above them reddens and becomes sensitive.

That is, inflammation of the lymph nodes is not an independent disease, but rather a signal that the body gives when something goes wrong in it.

Depending on which lymph nodes are inflamed, you can fairly accurately determine where the problem is. This is used by doctors to confirm certain diagnoses.

Symptoms

If the lymph node has increased, but the temperature has not risen, there is no pain when pressing, and the general condition has not worsened, then everything is in order – this lymph node is just working more actively than others.It goes away.

Worse if with lymphadenopathy you feel weak, your ears, throat or head hurt, and your temperature rises. See a therapist. If the cause of the inflammation is a cold or flu, he will help cure them or send them to another specialist. For example, to the dentist, if suddenly the problem is caries. Get rid of the source disease and the lymph nodes return to normal.

But there are times when inflamed lymph nodes cause serious discomfort and even pose a danger to life.In this case, you need to sound the alarm and run to the doctor.

Worry When:

• general weakness and feeling unwell;
• high temperature;
• hurts in the mouth, throat, ears and head in general;
• stuffy nose;
• have trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing;
• Two weeks later, the lymph nodes did not return to their normal state.

We sound the alarm when:

• a purulent process began in the lymph node, due to which the skin above it turned red and became hot;
• lymph nodes became inflamed in several places at once;
• node does not move when pressed;
• There is hyperhidrosis, persistent fever, weight loss for no reason.

But if the nodes are inflamed, and there are no signs of a cold or infection, this is bad. The problem could be an autoimmune disease or cancer.

How to help yourself before visiting a doctor?

Have you already made an appointment with a doctor, but you want to somehow alleviate your condition right now? Here are some simple tips:

• Take a pain reliever to bring down the temperature and relieve some pain. Better based on paracetamol. You need to be careful with aspirin and ibuprofen – they should not be given to children and people who have problems with blood clotting without consulting a doctor.
• Get some rest – this will help you cope with the disease faster. Take sick leave or time off if possible.

And remember – self-medication is always bad. It is better to seek help from a qualified technician.

How to treat lymph nodes under the armpits

The lymphatic system is responsible for stable immunity and fights infectious diseases.

The lymphatic system is one of the most important in the body.She is responsible for stable immunity and fights infectious diseases. Nodules become inflamed due to hypothermia, injury, poor hygiene, infections and more serious causes. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor based on the results of tests, and treatment already depends on this.

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.

How are inflamed lymph nodes treated?

In order to relieve inflammation of the lymph nodes, you need to find out why they changed their size and cure this cause. For example, a cold or an infectious disease.

Treatment for lymphadentitis includes compresses with ichthyol ointment and Dimexide, physiotherapy procedures, antibacterial drugs.The patient is prescribed bed rest and any activity is prohibited.

If the lymph nodes are periodically inflamed in the armpits, you need to improve immunity. This can be done using traditional medicine. A popular life hack is to drink Echinacea tincture . It is taken before meals with a little water.

Tincture or fresh aloe juice will do. Ninety milliliters of juice should be mixed with three tablespoons of liquid honey and three tablespoons of red wine.Mix thoroughly and place in a dry, dark place for two days. The resulting tincture can be taken every morning for one teaspoon.

Inflamed lymph nodes are treated with calendula tincture . It is necessary to grind dry flowers, pour boiling water over them and let it brew for about ten to fifteen minutes. The resulting infusion is taken up to five times a day before meals. The course lasts ten days.

In the treatment of lymphadenitis, garlic is used. Pour two crushed heads with one liter of boiling water and leave for six to eight hours.Take a teaspoon before meals up to four times a day for five days.

With inflamed lymph nodes, it is advised to drink beet juice – 100-120 ml on an empty stomach for a week. If you do not like its taste, you can dilute the juice with carrot juice.

In order for the lymph nodes to take on a normal shape, you will need a mixture of herbs – St. John’s wort, mistletoe, yarrow and walnut leaves. They need to be poured with hot water and allowed to brew, then cooled and refrigerated.Every evening, moisten the cloth in the broth and apply to the inflamed areas.

Breast cancer, diagnostics 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 stages

Breast cancer. Symptoms and signs

Causes of breast cancer

Stages of breast cancer

Diagnosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment

Treatment of breast cancer at various stages

Surgical treatment of breast cancer

Radiation therapy for breast cancer

Chemotherapy for breast cancer

Hormone therapy for breast cancer

Targeted therapy for breast cancer

Palliative treatment of breast cancer

Predicted results and prevention

Early detection of breast cancer gives the patient more chances for a full recovery.It is rather difficult to detect breast cancer at stages 0 and 1 on your own due to the small size of the neoplasm, which is why regular examinations by specialists and screening methods of examination are so important.

Diagnostics of 0 and 1 stages

The main method of early diagnosis is ultrasound of the mammary glands and mammography (X-ray of the mammary glands using a special apparatus), in addition, magnetic resonance imaging is used as a screening study.The final diagnosis is established on the basis of an aspiration biopsy of the tumor, sentinel or peripheral lymph nodes with further histological and immunohistochemical analysis. After the diagnosis is made, the level of expression of hormone receptors is determined to develop a treatment regimen, and a FISH test is performed to detect HER2-positive tumors (HER2 is a protein that can affect the growth of cancer cells).

Signs of stage 1 breast cancer:

• Tumor size less than 2 cm.
• Tissues and organs adjacent to the tumor are not affected, there are no metastases to the lymph nodes.

Diagnostics of the 2nd stage of breast cancer

The characteristic signs of the 2nd stage of the disease are: the size of the tumor is up to 5 cm, the involvement of the lymph nodes of the axillary zone from the affected side in the pathological process is noted. This stage of cancer is considered early, unless the metastases have already affected many lymph nodes. Then it is referred to as a later form of the disease.When the lymph nodes begin to form adhesions between themselves and with adjacent tissues, losing mobility, we can talk about entering the 3rd stage of the disease.

Stage 2 is divided into categories A and B.

At stage 2A, the tumor size does not exceed 2 cm, there is a metastatic lesion from 1 to 3 lymph nodes in the axillary zone. Another option is the size of the tumor is from 2 to 5 cm, but the lymph nodes are not affected.

At stage 2B, the tumor is not more than 5 cm in diameter, 1-3 axillary lymph nodes are involved in the process, or the tumor size exceeds 5 cm., but there is no damage to the lymph nodes.

A tumor larger than 2 cm can be detected by palpation. Therefore, the monthly self-examination of a woman is so important. Regular visits to a mammologist and follow-up examinations can help identify malignant tumors at an even earlier stage.

If the primary diagnosis of breast cancer is established, extended complex diagnostics, including computed tomography, is performed. The prevalence of the process in the mammary gland and beyond is found out.The final diagnosis and stage of the disease, the sensitivity of the tumor to hormones, chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs are established.

Stage 3 breast cancer

At 3 stages, several lymph nodes in the axillary region may be affected at once, merging with each other and with adjacent tissues into sedentary conglomerates. Metastases to distant organs are still absent. The third stage is also called locally advanced breast cancer.

According to the international TNM system, there are 3 subcategories of this stage:

• Stage 3A.The size of the tumor exceeds 5 cm in diameter, 1-3 axillary lymph nodes are affected. Another option is a tumor of a smaller size, but at the same time the lymph nodes affected by metastases are welded together and with the surrounding tissues;
• Stage 3B. The tumor has grown into nearby tissues (pectoral muscles, skin). The size of education at this stage can be any. Axillary lymph node metastases may be absent, or several of them may be affected. Stage 3B also includes a rather rare form of the disease – inflammatory breast cancer.It is characterized by an extremely aggressive course.
• Stage 3C. The tumor can be of any size, but the malignant process has already affected a large number of lymph nodes. At this stage of the disease, more than 10 axillary lymph nodes can be affected, supraclavicular and subclavian lymph nodes are affected, as well as nodes located in the thickness of the chest and in the neck.

Stage 3 is most often diagnosed in women who are already undergoing treatment for stage 1 or 2 breast cancer.The prevalence of the disease and its stage are determined using chest x-ray, magnetic resonance and computed tomography, positron emission tomography (PET, PET / CT), bone scintigraphy, etc.

Stage 4 breast cancer

At stage 4, the tumor metastasizes to distant organs and tissues. Most often, metastases affect the lungs, liver, adrenal glands, bones, brain.

Despite this, subject to an active fight against the disease, a woman has a chance to extend her life for years.Modern methods of treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of the patient, even in the advanced stages of cancer.

90,000 Enlargement of lymph nodes – causes of appearance, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment methods

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests.For a diagnosis and correct treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Enlargement of lymph nodes – the reasons for the appearance, for what diseases it occurs, the diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Lymph nodes are small biological filters related to the lymphatic system. Their main function is to protect the body. The lymph nodes allow the flow of lymph through themselves and in their structures trap pathogens, which are destroyed by protective cells – lymphocytes.

The lymph nodes target bacteria, tumor cells and toxic substances.

What are lymph nodes? These are small accumulations of lymphoid tissue located on the connective tissue frame.

Lymphoid tissue is a pool of cells that are involved in the destruction of damaged and tumor cells and microorganisms.

Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of both a mild infectious disease and a serious pathology that can lead to a serious outcome.Therefore, in all cases of enlarged lymph nodes, you should consult a doctor for diagnostics and finding out the cause.

Classification

Depending on the localization, the following groups of lymph nodes are distinguished:

• occipital;
• cervical;

90,015 submandibular;

• chin;
• supraclavicular and subclavian;
• axillary;
• elbow;
• inguinal;
• popliteal.

During the examination, the doctor palpates (feels) the lymph nodes and determines their size, structure, soreness, changes in the skin over the lymph node.

Causes of swollen lymph nodes

An increase in lymph nodes indicates a pathological process. Isolated lymph node enlargement, or generalized lymphadenopathy, directly depends on the underlying cause of the disease.

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes are temporary.

The reasons for the increase in lymph nodes are:

• infectious processes;
• autoimmune diseases;
• tumor pathologies;
• storage diseases (a group of diseases accompanied by metabolic disorders).

Lymph nodes are involved in the formation of immunity, and during any infectious process, the division of cells that protect the body is activated in them.

So, with brucellosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, diphtheria, bacteria can settle in the lymph nodes, causing their inflammation. In this case, the lymph nodes increase in size due to the increased flow of lymph and blood.

Most often, lymph nodes enlarge in acute upper respiratory tract infections. Among them, the largest size of the lymph nodes acquire at tonsillitis (angina).

Painful swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cat scratch disease (as the name suggests, the disease occurs in individuals scratched by a cat).The cause of the inflammatory process is the bacterium Bartonella henselae.

One of the striking examples of a viral disease accompanied by a significant increase in lymph nodes is infectious mononucleosis . The disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.

Infectious mononucleosis is more common in childhood and young age. In addition to enlarged lymph nodes, it is characterized by an increase in body temperature, weakness and sore throat.

In children, generalized lymphadenopathy occurs in childhood infectious diseases , such as measles, rubella, mumps, chickenpox.

Among other viral diseases accompanied by lymphadenopathy, it is worth noting HIV infection .

Lymphadenopathy in HIV infection is accompanied by a number of symptoms: weight loss, unexplained fever, night sweats, fatigue, and later infectious diseases (herpes, cytomegalovirus infection, candidiasis).

Systemic (autoimmune) connective tissue diseases , such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, may be accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. In these conditions, there is a violation of the recognition of “foreign” and “own” proteins, as a result of which the body begins to attack its cells. If the process is active, then the lymph nodes increase in size due to the increasing load.

Often autoimmune diseases are accompanied by an enlarged spleen and additional symptoms.

With systemic lupus erythematosus, the skin, kidneys and serous membranes of internal organs are affected (lupus pleurisy, serositis occur). In rheumatoid arthritis, the articular cartilage is predominantly affected.

Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of progression of tumor process in the body. Atypical (tumor) cells migrate to the lymph nodes, get stuck in them, multiply and stretch the node with their mass.

Separately, it is worth highlighting a group of malignant neoplasms that directly affect the lymphatic system.

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma , or lymphogranulomatosis proceeds with the formation of conglomerates of affected immature lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and spleen.
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas – a group of lymphoproliferative diseases.

Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of storage disease : as a result of metabolic disturbances, some substance accumulates in organs and tissues, including lymph nodes.Among these diseases: hemochromatosis (iron accumulation), Wilson-Konovalov disease (copper accumulation) and other hereditary metabolic disorders.

Allergic reactions sometimes lead to swollen lymph nodes. Hypersensitivity to some drugs leads to generalized lymphadenopathy.

Among endocrinological diseases , hyperthyroidism can be characterized by lymphadenopathy, enlarged spleen and increased lymphocyte counts in the blood.During treatment, all indicators return to normal.

It is worth remembering that all the lymph flowing from the organs passes through the lymph nodes, and if a person is engaged in heavy physical labor, then the elbow and popliteal lymph nodes can be enlarged due to the heavy load .

Also, lymph nodes in rare cases enlarge after vaccination on the corresponding side.

Which doctor should i contact if my lymph nodes are swollen?

An adult should turn to
a therapist, and examines a child and a teenager
pediatrician.Depending on the accompanying symptoms, the following specialists may need to be consulted:

Diagnostics and examination of enlarged lymph nodes

• Clinical blood test;

90,000 Coronavirus – symptoms, prevention, treatment

29 January 2020

Coronavirus – the causative agent of acute respiratory infection, manifested by intoxication syndrome and catarrh of the respiratory or digestive tract.Pathology usually occurs in the form of rhinopharyngitis or gastroenteritis.

Coronavirus was first isolated in the last century from a patient with acute rhinitis, and a few years later from the stool of children suffering from gastroenteritis. Coronavirus infection usually has a benign course, but in rare cases it can be complicated by the development of atypical pneumonia with damage to the alveolar apparatus of the lungs.

Coronavirus infection accounts for almost 10% of all ARVIs. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets and by contact, manifests itself as a flu-like syndrome and, in advanced cases, ends with the formation of persistent respiratory failure.Mortality from atypical pneumonia of coronavirus origin is 10-15%.

Etiology
Coronaviruses are spherical microbes containing a single-stranded RNA molecule. They have a shell with sparse thorns or villi that attach to the virion using a narrow stem. The villi are club-shaped glycoprotein processes that give microbes their characteristic appearance. They got their name due to the widened distal end, which resembles a crown during an eclipse of the sun.

Penetrating into the cell, coronaviruses multiply in the cytoplasm. They settle on immunocompetent cells, use them as a vehicle, and quickly disperse throughout the body. Coronaviruses suppress immunity and contribute to the development of oncopathology. They have a complex antigenic structure and require special cultivation conditions. Antigenic components are located in the outer envelope, intermediate membrane and capsid of the virion.

This large microbial family causes a number of pathologies in humans:

• Banal cold,
• “Infectious rhinitis”,
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome,
• Dysfunction of the digestive tract,
• Pathology of the nervous system.

Viruses are completely unstable in the environment. They are destroyed when heated within ten minutes and instantly die under the influence of disinfectants. On plastic items, the virus remains viable for up to two days, in sewage waters – up to four days.

Epidemiology

The source of infection is a sick person or convalescent. Mechanisms of transmission – aerosol and fecal-oral, which are realized by airborne droplets and close contact routes. Viruses are secreted by patients into the external environment during coughing, talking or sneezing.

Susceptibility to the virus is high, especially in preschool children. Most adults have antibodies to coronaviruses in their blood. Their disease is mild and is characterized by a blurred clinical picture.

Outbreaks of infection have been reported in apartment buildings, where there was close personal contact with each other.

After an illness, type-specific immunity is formed.Antibody synthesis does not protect against reinfection. The seasonality of the disease is winter. The peak of respiratory infections occurs in the winter-spring period.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Coronavirus infection proceeds according to the type of rhinopharyngotracheitis. There are known cases of inflammation of the broncho-pulmonary system in children. Enteropathogenic coronaviruses are isolated from the feces of persons with gastroenteritis.

Main pathogenetic stages of the disease:

1. Inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa,
2. Replication of viruses in epithelial cells,
3. Congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane, dilatation of blood vessels,
4. Penetration of viruses into alveolar cells, their multiplication in the cytoplasm,
5. The release of microbes into the intercellular space,
6. Accumulation of fluid in the pulmonary interstitium,
7. Destruction of surfactant,
8. Collapse of the alveoli, violation of gas exchange.

Coronavirus infection suppresses the body’s immune defenses, which leads to the activation of bacterial or fungal flora. Coronavirus is trophic to epithelial cells of the stomach and intestines and causes the development of gastroenteritis.

If the entrance gate is the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, ARVI develops. The appearance of symptoms of gastroenteritis indicates the presence of a sufficient amount of enteropathogenic coronavirus in the body.

Symptoms

Coronavirus infection has no specific symptoms.The disease manifests itself with clinical signs similar to those of adenovirus, parainfluenza, rhinovirus infection.

Profuse serous rhinitis is the main clinical symptom that occurs on the second day of the disease. Profuse nasal discharge is at first watery-serous in nature, and then becomes mucous. Viruses weaken the body’s immune defenses, a bacterial infection joins, the discharge of the nasal mucosa becomes mucopurulent. In patients, the mucous membrane of the larynx becomes inflamed, regional lymph nodes increase.

Patients complain of signs of mucosal edema:

• Nasal congestion,
• Rhinorrhea,
• Cough,
• Sore throat,
• Sneezing.

Signs of intoxication in this pathology are almost invisible . Patients have slight weakness, chills, aching limbs. Their skin turns pale, the nasal mucosa turns red and swells, hyperemia of the throat appears. A white coating appears on the tongue.Auscultation reveals hard breathing without wheezing.

After 5-7 days, recovery occurs. In severe cases, the inflammation descends to the lower parts of the respiratory tract, symptoms of inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi appear: dry, rough cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing. Young children and weakened individuals may develop pneumonia or bronchitis.

Enteropathogenic coronaviruses cause diseases of the digestive system, which are manifested by dyspepsia, unstable stools, and epigastric pain.

Complications

The prognosis of the disease is favorable. In advanced cases, debilitated and emaciated patients develop severe complications:

1. Pneumonia is the most dangerous complication of coronavirus infection. Patients develop fever, cough, and other signs of infection of the lungs.
2. Bronchitis is a bacterial inflammation of the bronchi, manifested by dry or wet cough.
3. Sinusitis develops as a result of the addition of a bacterial infection. In patients, the nose is constantly blocked, the head hurts, the body temperature rises, the discharge of the nasal cavity becomes purulent.

Less common, but no less severe, complications include: otitis media, myocarditis, meningoencephalitis.

SARS is the most frequent and dangerous complication of coronavirus infection. The disease has an acute onset. The main symptoms of the disease are: fever, chills, headache, myalgia, general weakness, dizziness.Intoxication syndrome is the main clinical sign of pneumonia. In this case, catarrhal symptoms fade into the background.

During the examination, patients show pallor of the skin, cyanosis of the lips and nails, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure. Atypical coronavirus pneumonia, if untreated, can lead to the development of acute respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, spontaneous pneumothorax, pulmonary heart failure, toxic myocarditis, and heart rhythm disturbances.These pathologies often end in the sudden death of patients.

Diagnostics and treatment

The diagnosis of coronavirus infection presents certain difficulties. This is due to the absence of a specific symptom complex.

Specialists use the following laboratory diagnostic methods:

• Serology – staging a compliment binding reaction, neutralization reaction, indirect hemagglutination reaction, enzyme immunoassay.
• PCR.

If symptoms of coronavirus infection appear, consult a doctor. The treatment of children should be taken very seriously.

Regime and diet

Nutrition for patients with coronavirus infection is light. Usually, a fortified dairy-plant diet is prescribed. Difficult to digest foods should be excluded from the diet: sausages, smoked meats, fatty and fried foods. Adults are advised to limit themselves to fruit juices and purees.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help to cope with ARVI. Patients should drink a lot and often drink dried fruit compote, raspberry tea, herbal preparations.

It is necessary to keep the room fresh and cool and to stay in bed. Regular damp cleaning and airing the room are essential if a respiratory infection occurs. If the disease is carried on “legs”, serious complications can develop – diseases of internal organs and systems.

Drug treatment

1. Antiviral and immunomodulating drugs – “Remantadin”, “Ribavirin”, interferon drugs – “Grippferon”, “Viferon”, immunostimulants – “Amiksin”, “Amizon”, “Cycloferon”, “Derinat”, combined agent – “Arbidol” …
2. Antibiotics for bacterial flora attachment – Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone.
3. Antipyretics – Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs not only lower body temperature, but also reduce pain.
4. Combined drugs that relieve patients from unpleasant symptoms – Antigrippin, Coldrex, Rinza.
5. Antihistamines eliminate swelling of mucous membranes, improve nasal breathing – “Diphenhydramine”, “Suprastin”, “Tavegil”, “Loratadin”, “Zirtek”, “Zodak”.
6. Vasoconstrictor nasal drops reduce swelling of the mucous membrane and relieve congestion – “Tizin”, “Xylometazoline”, “Vibrocil”.
7. Rinsing with disinfecting solutions, antiseptic sprays – “Hexoral”, “Bioparox”, lozenges and absorbable tablets – “Strepsils”, “Faringosept”, candies “Doctor Mom” ​​help with sore throat.
8. Antitussive drugs reduce the viscosity of sputum and remove it from the body – “ACC”, “Mukaltin”, “Ambroxol”, “Bromhexil”.
9. Vitamin and mineral complexes.
10. Inhalation administration of nitric oxide and surfactant.

All medicines intended for the treatment of coronavirus infection should only destroy viruses and not have a negative effect on the organs and systems of the body. Medicines must be effective and quickly overcome the disease. They should relieve patients of unpleasant symptoms.

Physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed to patients after exacerbation subsides: UHF therapy, electrophoresis, quartz.

For the treatment of coronavirus infection, various traditional medicines are often used: decoctions of berries, herbal infusions, essential oils, alcoholic tinctures.

• Thermal treatments are very effective for colds: they make the body sweat and get rid of viruses. Hot foot baths are usually done. They improve blood circulation in the legs, affect the nerve endings of the feet and warm up the body.
• Compresses.
• Rubbing the skin.
• Inhalation helps to moisturize cough and facilitate breathing. Usually soda inhalation is done at home, over potato steam, with essential oils.
• Inside it is useful to take warm milk with honey, decoctions of medicinal herbs – sage, thyme, St. John’s wort, chamomile tea, eat citrus fruits, onions, garlic, rose hips.

Preventive measures include: isolation of patients, quarantine measures, current and final disinfection, wearing gauze masks, prophylactic use of Ribavirin or Interferon.

Dangerous symptoms of cancer of the lymph nodes

Redness of the skin, swelling and pain in the armpit more often speak of a disease such as axillary lymphadenopathy. It is not dangerous if detected and treated in time. There is a risk of developing an oncological process, so everyone should be able to recognize dangerous symptoms. Cancer can affect not only breast tissue, but also lymph nodes, which is much more dangerous.

Having identified a small lump in the armpit, most people think about cancer.It should be noted that the malignant process develops in the lymph nodes of the axillary region, and then affects the surrounding tissues. This form is common, but experts still have not identified what causes the pathology. Lymphoma includes more than 30 types of tumors (30% Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 70% non-Hodgkin’s). Damage to the lymphatic system can be a complication of other types of cancer. The following categories fall into the risk group:

• men and women over 50; 90 016 90 015 adolescents and young people from 14 to 25 years old;
• Europeans, namely, representatives of the fair-skinned race; 90,016 90,015 people with autoimmune diseases; 90,016 90,015 women who gave birth after 35 years.

The environment is capable of causing cell mutation. It has been proven that those who have been in a radiation-contaminated area are more susceptible to cancer.

Dangerous symptoms

It is possible to identify a tumor on your own, but only tests will show whether it is benign or malignant. The first thing that pays attention to is the appearance of seals in the armpits. Pain, itching and peeling may occur (discomfort may affect the chest, arm, breast).As a rule, a person constantly has a temperature of at least 37.5-38 degrees. At night, he is worried about profuse sweating, as well as shortness of breath and shortness of breath. Against the background of impaired digestion, dramatic weight loss often occurs. Headaches, weakness, chills – all this indicates a malfunction in the body.

You should contact a surgeon who will conduct a thorough examination and prescribe an examination. It includes ultrasound, computed tomography or MRI. The doctor will make the final diagnosis only after a biopsy.

How many people live with cancer of the lymph nodes in the armpit

The sooner a tumor is detected and treatment is started, the better is the prognosis.