Lymphadenopathy of the intrathoracic lymph nodes of the lungs. Lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes - a sign of a serious illness or simple inflammation? Symptoms and Causes

The lymphatic system in the body is responsible for cleansing tissues of toxins, outflow excess fluid from cells, protecting the body from harmful substances, viruses and bacteria. This system consists of vessels and lymph nodes, which are located along these vessels. It is these nodes that are the first to meet unwanted guests - toxins, allergens, bacteria or viruses. Therefore, lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, is a sign that the body is fighting an antigen. The reasons for this increase can be a number of other reasons or diseases, life threatening. Therefore, at the first manifestations of lymphadenopathy, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Possible causes of swollen lymph nodes

1. Infection. Provoke lymphadenopathy can be the introduction of viruses or bacteria into the lymph node itself and reactive amplification node on the infectious process in the adjacent area (reactive lymphadenopathy). For example, axillary lymphadenitis(axillary lymphadenopathy) may accompany hidradenitis (inflammation of the sweat gland under the arm), inguinal lymphadenopathy (increased inguinal lymph nodes) can become a symptom of a sexual infection, and submandibular lymphadenitis (increased submandibular lymph nodes or submandibular lymphadenopathy) - a symptom of tonsillitis, pulpitis or pharyngitis. Generalized infections accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes include tuberculosis, brucellosis, syphilis, HIV, viral hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, Infectious mononucleosis(more common in children) and others.
2. Tumors. An increase in lymph nodes during a tumor process can be both a symptom of a malignant process in the lymph nodes themselves, and a manifestation of a metastatic lesion in cancer or leukemia.
3. Immunoproliferation. This is a process that occurs in the lymph node and is accompanied by rapid growth immune cells and proliferation of node tissues. It is not associated with either infection or tumors. May occur when autoimmune diseases or lymphogranulomatosis.

What are the types of lymphadenopathy?

Depending on the location and extent of enlarged lymph nodes, there are several variants of lymphadenopathy:

Symptoms of lymphadenopathy

To establish the exact cause of enlarged lymph nodes, a complete examination of the patient is necessary. Sometimes the correct collection of complaints, anamnesis and examination of the patient gives a complete picture of the disease. Often, swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by specific symptoms, such as:

• Manifestations of the skin and mucous membranes (rash, hemorrhage, scratches, ulcers, animal bites). Such manifestations may indicate the infectious nature of lymphadenitis.
• Enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly). As a rule, such a symptom complex accompanies viral diseases(infectious mononucleosis), blood cancer (lymphocytic leukemia).
• Pain in the joints, limitation of movements in them. As a rule, articular syndrome in combination with lymphadenopathy accompanies diseases connective tissue(systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Fever. An increase in body temperature is a sign of any inflammatory or infectious process. The combination of fever, profuse night sweats and lymphadenitis speaks in favor of Hodgkin's disease.
• Respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis), along with an increase in intrathoracic lymph nodes, can become manifestations of a tumor process in the chest or tuberculosis.
• Submandibular, behind the ear or anterior cervical lymphadenopathy and ENT symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, earache, headache) speak in favor of sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis and other ENT diseases.
• Symptoms from the genital organs (pain during urination or intercourse, discharge from the genital organs) in combination with inguinal lymphadenopathy are signs of a urogenital infection.

Treatment of lymphadenopathy

After all diagnostic measures have been carried out and a diagnosis has been made, treatment can begin. Medical tactics will depend on the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes. With an infectious lesion, it is antiviral or antibacterial therapy, with a tumor lesion of the body, treatment is carried out in a specialized hematological or oncological department.

Lymph nodes are essential part of the immune system.

Their inflammation may indicate a disease of any organ or organism as a whole.

In this case, you need to seek help from a specialist, since axillary lymphadenopathy may be only the first sign of any disease.

What is lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the size of the lymphatic vessels various genesis increase.

In 75% of cases, with such a disease, inflammation only one lymph node is exposed.

Most often, lymphadenopathy occurs in the axillary or .

Sometimes the usual inflammation of the lymph nodes is confused with a disease called lymphadenitis. They are similar but have one difference. With lymphadenitis, in places of enlargement of the lymphatic vessels, accumulations of pus form, which is more dangerous for human health.

Features of the disease in the armpit

There are several forms of the disease depending on the severity:

1. Localized(inflammation occurs only in one lymph node);
2. Regional(several lymphatic vessels increase in one or two adjacent zones);
3. Generalized(affected by three or more nodes in several different areas).

The localized form is the most common(more than 70% of the population). Generalized lymphadenopathy is considered the most dangerous type.

Also varies acute and chronic form of the disease. In the acute form, the sites of inflammation of the lymph nodes are accompanied by pain, swelling and fever. Chronic lymphadenopathy long time is asymptomatic.

Inflammation of the lymphatic system is the first sign of a serious illness. Thus, a unilateral (right or left) enlargement of the lymph nodes may indicate diseases such as:

• breast carcinoma;
• Leaf;
• Brucellosis.

The appearance of so-called "bumps" in the armpit on the left and right at the same time (bilateral lymphadenopathy) says about the presence of venereal diseases.

Causes

Other causes of lymphadenopathy in the armpit are:

Symptoms

The main signs of lymphadenopathy include:

Almost the same symptoms may indicate.

Diagnostics

In order to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective course of treatment, you will need determine the cause of inflammation of the lymph node. Since lymphadenopathy can be just a symptom of another serious disease.

Usually, the following series of standard studies is carried out for diagnosis:

• UAC and OAM;
• Ultrasound procedure abdominal cavity;
• tumor markers;
• radiography;
• Blood chemistry;
• Serological tests for EBV, CMV, toxoplasmosis and HIV;
• Taking a sample for tuberculosis.

Sometimes an additional lymph node biopsy.

look ultrasound procedure video with lymphadenopathy of the axillary region:

Differences between adult and childhood illness

At present, the disease children under the age of 12 are more susceptible. This is because lymphatic system considered immature. Although the development of lymph nodes begins when the child is still in the womb.

The first year of a child's life is considered critical. since a rapid increase in lymph nodes begins, which are difficult to palpate.

In adulthood, lymphadenopathy is easier to detect than in adolescence or at birth.

The difference is only detection difficulty, everything else depends on the location, severity and cause.

Treatment

The method of treatment is determined after receiving the results of examinations, questioning the patient and making a diagnosis.

Treatment depends only on the identified cause of the disease:

• If this is the reason infectious nature, then a course of drugs aimed at combating the virus (for example, Acyclovir; Rimantadine) or antibacterial drugs (Amoxiclav; Ceftriaxone; Clindamycin) is prescribed.
• If the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes is oncological diseases, then a course of radio- and chemotherapy is prescribed.

Also conduct a course of physiotherapy:

Sometimes treatment of lymphadenopathy requires surgical intervention.

Some people prefer traditional medicine , in which for recovery use:

1. Herbal decoctions;
2. echinacea tincture;
3. Warming of the lymph nodes.

Attention! Warming is strictly prohibited during the development of adenophlegmon, the presence of tuberculosis and a tumor in an enlarged lymph node or signs of intoxication of the body (fever, headaches).

Alternative methods of treatment can be used only after the final diagnosis, in therapy with antibacterial drugs and with the permission of the doctor.

Prevention

To prevent the onset of disease several rules must be followed:

Axillary lymphadenopathy is inflammatory process in the lymph nodes. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are just a symptom of a more serious disease. Early treatment, and preventive measures will keep you healthy.

Lymph nodes are small, no larger than beans, organs of the immune system. They're in in large numbers are present throughout the body, being part of the lymphatic system. Lymph is a liquid that, as it were, collects foreign substances throughout the body and carries them to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes themselves are the natural filters of the body, in which a huge number of cells of the immune system - lymphocytes - are concentrated. The purpose of lymphocytes is to get rid of foreign substances and microorganisms (viruses, bacteria) that are transferred to the lymph nodes along with the lymph.

Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the lymph nodes increase in size. These pathological changes are indicative of serious illness, which progresses in the body (often oncological). Several laboratory tests are required to make an accurate diagnosis. instrumental analyzes. Lymphadenopathy can form in any part of the body and even affects the internal organs.

Lymphadenopathy syndrome may indicate the presence of serious illnesses the patient, so given state should be given Special attention when diagnosing a patient.

Normally, lymph flows freely through the lymph nodes, but sometimes it begins to accumulate in them, along with a growing number of immune system cells. As a result, the lymph node swells, sometimes increasing many times over.

Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by a number of reasons, including:

Apart from pathological change lymph nodes can be seen additional symptoms. The nature of their manifestation depends on what caused the development of such a pathology. In general, the following symptoms can be distinguished: skin rashes;

• fever;
• increased sweating (especially at night);
• bouts of fever;
• increased splenomegaly and hepatomegaly;
• sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.

In most cases, an increase in lymph nodes is a marker of other complex diseases.

Classification

Depending on the nature of the manifestation and localization of the disease, the following forms of lymphadenopathy are distinguished:

• local;
• generalized.
• reactive;

local form

It occurs in 70% of cases and is usually associated with a limited infectious process or trauma.

Generalized lymphadenopathy

Generalized lymphadenopathy is considered the most complex form of the disease. Unlike local, which affects only one group of lymph nodes, generalized lymphadenopathy can affect any area. human body. Generalized lymphadenopathy has the following etiology:

• allergic disease;
• autoimmune processes;
• acute inflammatory and infectious diseases.

If an increase in lymph nodes is observed in a chronic infectious disease, then persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is implied. Most often pathological process affects nodes in non-overlapping zones - in the anterior and posterior cervical chain, in the axillary and retroperitoneal region. In some cases, an increase in lymph nodes is possible in inguinal region and in the supraclavicular. Lymphadenopathy of the neck is most often diagnosed. Cervical lymphadenopathy may indicate ailments caused by insufficient or excessive production of hormones or cancer.

Reactive lymphadenopathy

Reactive lymphadenopathy is the body's response to infectious diseases. Any number of lymph nodes can be affected. Symptoms are not expressed, there are no painful sensations.

Stages of disease development

According to the statute of limitations, lymphadenopathy can be conditionally divided into the following groups:

• acute;
• chronic;
• recurrent.

In addition, any form of lymphadenopathy can take both tumor and non-tumor forms. However, any of them is dangerous to human life.

Typical localization of lesions

There are more than 600 lymph nodes in the human body, so the pathological process can develop in almost any system of the human body. But most often lesions are diagnosed in the following places:

• abdomen;
• milk glands;
• mediastinal region;
• groin area;
• lungs;
• submandibular region;
• armpit area;

Each of these types of pathology indicates an underlying disease. Often this is an oncological disease. It is possible to establish the exact causes of the formation of such a pathological process only after a complete diagnosis.

Abdominal lymphadenopathy

An increase in nodes in the abdominal cavity indicates an infectious or inflammatory disease. Less often, such a pathological process acts as a marker of an oncological or immunological disease. Symptoms, in this case, correspond to the above points. In a child, the list can be added with the following symptoms:

• rise in temperature at night;
• weakness and malaise;
• nausea.

Diagnosis, if a lesion of the abdominal cavity is suspected, begins with the delivery of laboratory tests:

• biochemical and general analysis blood;
• general urine analysis.

Particular attention in the diagnosis is given to the history and age of the patient, since some ailments are unique to the child. Lymphatic vessels and nodes of the abdominal cavity

Lymphadenopathy of the breast

Enlargement of the lymph nodes of the breast may indicate a dangerous oncological disease, including cancer. Therefore, if you have such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. In this case, it is worth noting the nature of the manifestation of the tumor. If an increase in nodes is observed in the upper part of the mammary gland, then it can be assumed benign education. However, almost any benign process can degenerate into a malignant tumor. Node increase in lower region mammary gland may indicate the formation of a malignant process. You should immediately consult a doctor. Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands can be visually easily noticed. As a rule, education is noticed by the woman herself. Painful sensations are not observed. Any extraneous formation in the area of ​​the mammary glands of both women and men requires an immediate examination by a specialized doctor in order to clarify the diagnosis and correct, timely treatment. The sooner the disease is detected, the greater the chance of a positive result. Especially with regard to intrathoracic pathological changes.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy, according to statistics, is diagnosed in 45% of patients. To understand what pathology is, it is necessary to clarify what the mediastinum is. Lymphatic vessels and nodes of the mediastinum

The mediastinum is an anatomical space that forms in the cavity chest. The mediastinum is closed anteriorly by the thorax, and posteriorly by the spine. On both sides of this formation are pleural cavities. Pathological increase nodes in this area are divided into the following groups:

• primary enlargement of the lymph nodes;
• malignant tumors;
• damage to organs located in the mediastinum;
• pseudotumor formations.

The latter may be due to defects in the development of large vessels, severe viral and infectious diseases.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy has a well-defined clinical picture. During the development of such a pathological process, the following symptoms are observed:

• sharp, intense pain in the chest area, which radiate to the neck, shoulder;
• dilated pupils or retraction of the eyeball;
• hoarseness of voice (more often observed in the chronic stage of development);
• headaches, noise in the head;
• difficult passage of food.

In some cases, there may be a cyanosis of the face, swelling of the veins in the neck. If the disease has chronic stage development, the clinical picture is more detailed:

• elevated temperature;
• weakness;
• swelling of the limbs;
• violation of the heart rhythm.

The child may be out of breath and increased sweating, especially at night. If such symptoms appear, then the child must be hospitalized immediately.

Lymphadenopathy of the lungs

Enlarged lymph nodes in the lungs signal a current underlying disease. In this case, the formation of metastases (lung cancer) is not excluded. But to make such a diagnosis on your own, on the basis of primary signs alone, is not worth it in any case. Simultaneously with an increase in the lymph nodes of the lungs, the same pathological process can form in the neck and mediastinum. The clinical picture is:

• cough;
• pain when swallowing;
• labored breathing;
• fever, especially at night;
• pain in the chest area.

Lung damage can be caused by severe infectious diseases - tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and trauma. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake should also not be ruled out.

Submandibular pathology

Submandibular lymphadenopathy is most often diagnosed in children. preschool age and teenagers. As shows medical practice, in most cases, such changes are temporary and do not pose a threat to the life of the child. But this does not mean that such symptoms should not be paid attention to. The cause of an increase in lymph nodes can be a dangerous oncological formation. Therefore, a visit to the therapist should not be postponed.

Axillary lymphadenopathy

The axillary type of pathology (axillary lymphadenopathy) can develop even due to a hand injury or an infectious disease. But inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes may indicate inflammation of the mammary gland. As statistics show, it is the increase in lymph nodes in the armpit and in the mammary glands that is the first sign of the appearance of metastases in the body of the mammary gland. If the disease is detected in a timely manner, then the chances of complete cure from breast cancer are significantly increased.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic methods depend on the localization of the pathology. To prescribe the correct course of treatment, it is necessary not only to make an accurate diagnosis, but also to identify the cause of the progression of the pathological process. The standard procedure includes:

• UAC and OAM;
• tumor markers;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• radiography.

Since LAP is a kind of marker for another disease, the first thing to do is to diagnose the cause of the development of the disease.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat the disease that caused the lymphadenopathy. If it is a tumor metastasis or a primary oncological process, then chemotherapy is performed as prescribed by the oncologist, radiation therapy operation, or a combination thereof.

In inflammatory processes, as a rule, they carry out:

• a course of antibiotic therapy in tablets or injections (if a bacterial infection);
• antifungal treatment (if the cause of inflammation is a fungus);
• antiviral effect in viral infection;
• anti-inflammatory, analgesic therapy (drugs of the NSAID group - ketorol, analgin, ortofen, diclofenac, butadion, nurofen);
• local application of antiseptics (gargling, washing the sinuses);
• physiotherapy (with oncology it is contraindicated) - UHF on the area of ​​enlarged lymph nodes;
• strengthening the immune system;
• with suppuration of the lymph node, it is sometimes opened and the abscess is removed.

Removal of the tonsils is carried out only when all conservative measures of therapy have been exhausted and do not bring positive result. It has been proven that, in addition to the barrier function, on the way of microbes, the tonsils play a significant role in the maturation of the ovaries in girls. Their early removal can lead to a delay in puberty. In the future, in adulthood, such women may have problems with bearing a child.

In allergic conditions that caused lymphadenopathy, prescribe antihistamines, carry out the elimination (removal) of the allergen.

At HIV infection evaluate immune status patient (carried out by determining the level of CD4 cells), if necessary (decrease in the level of CD4 cells below a certain level) antiretroviral therapy aimed at suppressing the human immunodeficiency virus.

At mechanical injuries that caused lymphadenopathy, painkillers are prescribed, rest, and if necessary, an operation is performed.

Prevention

Since lymphadenitis in the majority develops with colds, then their prevention is associated with hardening the body, strengthening the immune system, and preventing colds.

Complications

With untimely, belated treatment, the following consequences may develop:

• purulent fusion of an enlarged node, the formation of fistulas, abscesses;
• bleeding due to germination of the vessel wall;
• thrombophlebitis of the veins of the affected area;
• violation of the outflow of lymph, leading to lymphostasis;
• sepsis.

With the timely establishment of the cause of lymphadenopathy and adequate treatment of this pathology, it is possible to defeat the disease and avoid undesirable consequences.

The term "adenopathy of the lymph nodes" refers to pathological condition, characterized by a change in shape and an increase in size of one or at once a whole group of clusters that are part of vascular system. In most cases, the disease does not occur on its own, but develops against the background of an ailment that is a provoking factor. At timely treatment the prognosis is usually favorable. Ignoring the same problem can lead to complications that pose a danger to the life of the patient.

Development mechanism

The lymphatic system is similar in structure to the nervous and circulatory systems. Outwardly, it resembles the roots of trees. A feature of the lymphatic system is that it unites disparate organs into one whole. In addition, it is responsible for removing excess fluid, toxic compounds, and pathogens from tissues. It also takes part in transporting vital substances and strengthening the immune system.

Located throughout the body. Separate groups of clusters are localized in the axillary zones, neck, groin. At the same time, a slight increase in lymph nodes (less than 1 cm in diameter) is not an alarming sign. A similar situation can also occur in healthy person associated with the physiological processes in the body.

Under the influence of various adverse factors, a significant increase in lymph nodes (1 cm in diameter or more) can occur. At the same time, during palpation, it is possible to detect clusters that have changed in size in only one zone or several at once. In the first case, it is customary to talk about localized adenopathy of the lymph nodes, in the second - about generalized.

The disease develops as follows: a small amount of plasma and pathogens that have entered the body penetrate into the biological fluid circulating in the clusters. At the same time, it must be cleaned of harmful compounds before it enters the central venous bed. Pathogens, on the other hand, can infect clusters (as a rule, this happens when the body's defenses are weakened) and remain in them, carrying out their vital activity. At this time, the lymph nodes begin to increase in size, forming an immune response and trying to cope with foreign agents. Often, the clusters become sore. The clinical picture directly depends on which area of ​​the body is affected.

According to lymphadenopathy, the code R59 was assigned.

Causes

Pathology is rarely independent. Lymphadenopathy is a disease that most often develops against the background of other ailments that have served as provoking factors.

The main causes of pathology:

• Various kinds of infections. Most often, patients have stomatitis, pharyngitis, tooth abscess, HIV, tuberculosis, mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, and STDs as the main disease. Less common cause infectious lymphadenopathies is cytomegalovirus, brucellosis, histoplasmosis, plague, tularemia, rat-bite fever, paracoccidioidomycosis. In most cases, clusters located on the neck are affected, less often in the groin area, the area above the collarbones. In the presence of HIV infection, adenopathy of the lymph nodes is generalized.
• Neoplasms. The disease develops against the background of leukemia, lymphoma, and also with tumor metastasis.
• Systemic pathologies: lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, Kawasaki disease.
• Reception of some medicines. The use of medication often leads to an increase in active substances which are allopurinol, atenolol, carbamazepine, quinidine, captopril, phenytoin. Also, the pathology develops against the background of taking antibiotics belonging to the following groups: penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides.
• In women, the cause of the disease is often the installation of silicone implants in the mammary glands.

The lymphatic system is directly involved in the formation of the immune response when various foreign agents enter the body. That is why its involvement in the pathological process can occur for many reasons, the main of which are inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as various types of tumors.

Tuberculosis, oncological pathologies and HIV - ailments that pose a danger to the life of the patient. However, most often, adenopathy of the lymph nodes is diagnosed in patients with less threatening conditions.

From the point of view of the mechanism of the development of the disease, it does not matter what kind of provoking agent entered the body. This is due to the fact that the nature of changes in the node structure is always the same.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease directly depends on its form, individual features human body and underlying pathology. In some cases, the defeat of even one node may have a stronger intensity of manifestation than changes in the whole group of clusters.

There is such a thing as "reactive lymphadenopathy". This is a severe form of the disease, in which there is a significant deterioration in the patient's condition. He is worried about fever, chills, increased sweating, local hyperemia and soreness. If left untreated, there is a violation of the integrity of the tissues of the affected lymph node. At the same time, inflammatory elements are carried throughout the body with blood flow, provoking the development of sepsis of a generalized nature.

First of all, with lymphadenopathy, there is an increase in nodes in size. It is important to understand that their normal parameters for different parts of the body are different.

The clinical picture and the severity of symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in each case are different. They directly depend on the accumulations in which zone are involved in the pathological process. Types of disease:

• cervical lymphadenopathy. The most common form of the disease. The knot is well palpable. It has a bumpy surface and a dense texture. The skin immediately above the knot becomes red and tight. The patient feels unwell, symptoms may appear allergic reaction. Nodes are painful. If they are filled with purulent contents, fever is added to the general symptoms of cervical lymphadenopathy. There are several groups of nodes in this zone. Most often inflamed: parotid, occipital, submandibular. Adenopathy of the lymph nodes in the neck most often develops against the background of infectious diseases. Rarely, it occurs due to oncology and autoimmune pathologies.
• Axillary lymphadenopathy. The disease is accompanied by an increase in nodes, which immediately acquire a cone-shaped form. In addition, patients have the following symptoms: general deterioration well-being, excessive sweating (usually during a night's rest), a sharp decrease in body weight, fever, rashes on the skin, local redness, swelling in the area of ​​accumulations. It is important to know that axillary lymph node adenopathy is a benign pathology in most cases. However, sometimes patients are diagnosed with cancer.
• Lymphadenopathy of the mediastinum. Most often develops after past pneumonia. General symptoms adenopathy of intrathoracic lymph nodes: pain, cough, shortness of breath, omission upper eyelid, feeling of discomfort during the passage of food through the esophagus, fever, general weakness, headache, itching skin. The disease can be both benign and malignant.
• Retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. A feature of this type of disease is the fact that enlarged lymph nodes cannot be detected during a superficial examination. For the diagnosis of pathology, it is necessary to conduct an x-ray or ultrasound procedure. Symptoms of adenopathy of the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity: excessive sweating, weakness, a slight increase in body temperature, diarrhea. On palpation, the doctor detects an increase in the size of the spleen and liver.

If symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes appear, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that pathogenic microorganisms spread very quickly with the flow of biological fluid circulating in clusters.

Diagnostics

When the first warning signs indicating lymphadenopathy (axillary, cervical, mediastinal, etc.), you must consult a therapist. If necessary, he will refer you for a consultation with narrow specialists (infectionist, oncologist, surgeon, phthisiatrician, endocrinologist, urologist or gynecologist).

An important role in the diagnosis of adenopathy of the lymph nodes is the collection of anamnesis. The specialist needs to provide information on the symptoms present and their severity, as well as talk about episodes of injury, past infectious diseases, as well as the nature of sexual activity. After that, the doctor conducts an examination, during which he evaluates the size, shape, density, soreness and localization of the affected node or group of clusters.

Based on the results primary diagnosis specialist makes a referral to comprehensive examination, including:

• Clinical and biochemical analyzes blood and urine.
• Wasserman's test.
• Serological study.
• HIV analysis.
• X-ray examination.
• CT, MRI.

If there is suspicion of a malignant nature of the disease, a biomaterial sample is taken bone marrow or the contents of the node for cytological and histological studies.

Conservative methods of therapy

Volume medical measures directly depends on the age of the patient, the form of the disease, the severity of the patient's condition. The choice of tactics for the treatment of adenopathy of the lymph nodes is carried out after the identification of the underlying pathology, which served as a provoking factor.

With the defeat of accumulations and surrounding tissues with an infection, reception is indicated antibacterial drugs. Before the degree of sensitivity of pathogens to certain substances is revealed, doctors prescribe antibiotics belonging to the group of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. As a rule, experts recommend taking Medaxone and Levofloxacin. The duration of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's health and the severity of the disease.

Pathogens spread very quickly throughout the body through the lymph nodes. In this regard, to local therapy diseases should be treated with caution. All funds should be prescribed by a doctor, only he can evaluate the appropriateness of their use. In almost all cases, experts recommend using Vishnevsky's ointment. The agent must be applied directly to the affected lymph node.

If during the biopsy it was found that the pathological process is malignant, the patient is prescribed a course of chemotherapy. The outcome of the disease in this case directly depends on the severity of the underlying disease.

As additional treatment doctors prescribe immunostimulating agents. They are designed to strengthen the body's defenses during the fight against the disease. High efficiency in practice showed the drug "Glutoxim".

Surgical intervention

In most cases, adenopathy is treated with medication. Performance surgical intervention it is advisable only when the contents of the lymph nodes are represented by purulent fluid.

In such situations, the formation is opened. It is carried out, as a rule, using a standard technique - an open operation. After gaining access, the surgeon removes the purulent contents, installs a drainage system through which the outflow of the discharge will occur, and sutures it.

Folk methods

The use of non-traditional methods does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical care. Application folk methods allowed, but only after obtaining the approval of the attending physician. This is due to the fact that in some cases natural remedies can significantly worsen the course of the disease.

The most effective recipes:

• Grind freshly harvested dandelion herb. Moisten a cotton swab in the released juice and apply the latter directly to the affected lymph node. Lotions can be done up to 3 times a day.
• Mix in equal proportions nettle and yarrow. Combine these components and pour them with 500 ml of water. Put the container on fire. Boil for 20 minutes. Let the broth cool down. Take the remedy three times a day before meals.
• Mix 500 g of goose or badger fat with burrow ( medicinal plant). The latter must be taken 6 tbsp. l. Treat the affected areas with the resulting ointment.

Features of the disease in children

Until a child reaches the age of 12, his lymphatic system is immature. At the same time, it begins to form even in the period of intrauterine development. It is because of the immaturity of the system among children that adenopathy of the lymph nodes is very often diagnosed.

In a newborn child, the accumulations should not be palpable. Otherwise, it is customary to talk about their increase, and, consequently, about the presence of a pathological process.

The first 12 months of life are considered critical. In this regard, if any palpable formations are found, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician. At this age, inflammation of the clusters on the back of the head, in the groin and on the neck most often occurs. In a child, the cause of swollen lymph nodes is most often infectious diseases. In addition, adenopathy often develops against the background of systemic pathologies and immunodeficiency. In isolated cases, the disease occurs when helminthic invasion and an allergic reaction. According to statistics, 10% of young patients are diagnosed with malignant tumors.

If on the neck, the cause may also be an inflammatory process in oral cavity, including banal teething. If after the first month of life the generalized form of the disease is combined with dermatitis, fever, diarrhea and candidiasis, the doctor assumes the presence of immunodeficiency.

Forecast

The outcome of the pathology directly depends on the timeliness of contacting a specialist. Children under 12 years of age in the presence of palpable formations should be immediately shown to the pediatrician to exclude the presence of serious ailments. Adults also need to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

By itself, lymphadenopathy is not dangerous, the underlying disease poses a threat. It is important to know that the cause of the disease can be a malignant process, ignoring which leads to death.

Finally

Adenopathy of the lymph nodes is a pathology that is not an independent disease, but serves as a symptom of numerous ailments. If the first warning signs occur, you should consult a doctor who will issue a referral for a comprehensive examination and, based on its results, will make the maximum effective scheme treatment.

As already mentioned, in international classification diseases (ICD-10) lymphadenopathy was assigned the code R59.

Quite often in life we ​​meet with such a manifestation as an increase in lymph nodes. Most often this occurs in the armpit or behind the ear, but there are other more serious locations of the lesion. In medicine, such a disease is referred to only as lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes, and, having seen such a diagnosis in history, many patients do not know that this is not a specific ailment, but only a sign of another more serious illness.

Lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy is usually divided according to such classifications as the location and degree of damage. We will consider the first characteristic a little later in more detail, but for now we will briefly explain the second. There are three types of this disease:

• localized;
• regional;
• generalized.

Most often, doctors diagnose the first type of lymphadenopathy - in 75% of cases only one lymph node is affected. With a regional subspecies of the disease, all or several lymph nodes in one area or in two adjacent ones are affected. by the most dangerous type is a generalized lymphadenopathy, which is characterized by inflammatory processes of the lymph nodes in several non-overlapping zones.

Symptoms characteristic of the disease

The symptoms of such a disease are very different and they depend on the cause of the inflammatory process. For example, the most characteristic is the appearance of "bumps" on the affected lymph node, palpation of which brings discomfort up to severe pain. The lymph nodes of the muscular region, inguinal or cervical, become inflamed. In this case, reddening of the skin can be visually detected.

The second type of lymph nodes is visceral. If they are affected, it is much more difficult to detect the inflammatory process, since the lymph nodes of the gates of the liver or mesenteric nodes are in hard-to-reach places. And here you can't do without diagnostic methods within the walls of the laboratory.

The main symptoms of the disease include the following:

• edema, rapid increase in body temperature, pain ( acute form an ailment that can develop into a phlegmon - if the resulting cavity is not opened);
• slight soreness or complete absence symptoms (with chronic form);
• weight loss;
• enlargement of the spleen or liver;
• excessive sweating;
• enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Cervical lymphadenopathy: causes

Cervical lymphadenopathy: causes

The causes of inflammation of the nodes that collect lymph in the neck can be infectious and non-infectious. Most often it is:

As we can see, cervical lymphadenopathy has the most different reasons, therefore, regardless of the symptoms and the degree of discomfort, if there is the slightest suspicion, you should immediately contact your therapist. This will help to quickly localize the disease and prevent a more serious illness.

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy: causes

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mediastinal region very often has an oncological background. Therefore, the main causes of such lymphadenopathy are:

• lymphomas;
• corcinomas with metastases;
• malignant tumors thyroid gland or organs of the gastrointestinal tract, mammary glands;
• bronchogenic lung cancer;
• tuberculosis;
• metastatic lung cancer (mediastinal lymphadenopathy in 80% of all cases has this cause).

Axillary lymphadenopathy: causes

Axillary lymphadenopathy

This area of ​​​​damage to the disease is one of the most common. Surely, every person has encountered a similar phenomenon in life: the axillary region reacts painfully to touch, palpation diagnoses the appearance of swelling. It means that the immune system began the active phase of the fight against infection that has entered the body.

But there is another more dangerous reason inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes - the growth of tumor cells. To avoid irreversible consequences, you need to consult a doctor when the slightest sign of hyperplasia appears, and not self-medicate.

Consider other reasons due to which axillary lymphadenopathy may occur:

• Sweat gland inflammation or blockage hair follicles, and the glands responsible for sweating (with self-treatment of such abscesses at home) due to the use of low-quality deodorants, non-compliance with hygiene standards, etc .;
• Appearance in the shoulder, chest, or arms various wounds or boils;
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema;
• HIV infection (in this case, an increase in lymph nodes is one of the first symptoms);
• Various forms of mastopathy in female patients;
• Children's diseases (measles, infectious mononucleosis or chickenpox);
• Serious illnesses infectious breed (tuberculosis, syphilis, plague);
• Systemic diseases(rheumatism);
• Oncological diseases(In particular, breast cancer is one of the most common forms in the field of oncology).

What is the treatment for lymphadenopathy

Undoubtedly, with the manifestation of the slightest signs of such a syndrome, it is necessary to conduct a qualitative diagnosis in order to determine the cause. Only by setting it, the doctor can prescribe the first treatment. And this means that self-treatment is unacceptable. To completely get rid of the symptoms of lymphadenopathy, you just need to cure the disease that caused it. Then the pain and swelling will disappear on their own, without any additional manipulations.
Undergo further treatment after determination true reason inflammation of the lymph nodes, the patient will see an infectious disease specialist, oncologist, endocrinologist or urologist. Rarely, lymphadenopathy requires surgery to remove the affected lymph node.

Top Tip: Permanent Immunity Boosting Measures – The best way avoid such an unpleasant disease as lymphadenopathy.

Video. Lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes.