Cervical lymph nodes and lymph node diseases

Lymph nodes are important immune organs in the body. They are the places where antigen stimulation is received and immune responses are produced. They have filtering, proliferation and immune functions. So how do we classify lymph node enlargement and what are the most common lymph node diseases?

How to distinguish swollen lymph nodes

If swollen lymph nodes appear in the middle of the front of the neck or just above the collarbone, or if the lymph nodes continue to be swollen, hard, and immobile, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lymph nodes are a type of lymphatic structure found in mammals and humans. They are mostly oval in shape and are scattered throughout the body's lymphatic drainage pathways, such as the neck, armpits, groin, elbows, mesentery, and hilum. Lymphadenopathy is very common and can occur in people of any age and with a variety of diseases.

The three most common types of lymph node diseases

1. Various infections

Bacterial infections, such as acute inflammation in the mouth and face, often cause swollen mandibular lymph nodes. The swollen lymph nodes are soft in texture, have good mobility, and are accompanied by pain and fever. Generally, it will gradually return to normal as the inflammation disappears. Viral infections, such as measles and infectious mononucleosis, can cause swollen lymph nodes. In addition, allergic reactions and insect stings can also cause lymphadenopathy.

2. Chronic lymphadenitis

Most of them have obvious infection foci, and often localized lymph node enlargement with tenderness. The diameter usually does not exceed 2 to 3 cm, and will shrink after anti-inflammatory treatment. Inguinal lymphadenopathy, especially long-standing, unchanged, flat lymphadenopathy, is usually of no significance. However, unexplained enlargement of the cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes indicates a systemic lymphoproliferative disease and should be taken seriously and further examined to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Tuberculous lymphadenitis

The most common symptom is swollen lymph nodes in the neck, some of which may rupture and some may not. Symptoms include fever, sweating, fatigue, etc., which are more common in young and middle-aged people. It is often accompanied by pulmonary tuberculosis. The texture of the lymph nodes is uneven, some parts are soft (caseous change), some parts are hard (fibrosis or calcification), and they are adhered to each other and the skin, so their mobility is poor. These patients have positive tuberculin test and blood tuberculosis antibodies.