Swollen Lymph Nodes Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy is an enlargement of the lymph nodes with a size of more than 1 cm 2.
Lymph nodes, also called lymph, are small tissues that work to filter lymph fluid that circulates throughout the body through lymph vessels.
Swollen lymph nodes are a common complaint with a variety of causes. Based on the spread of lymphadenopathy:
• Generalized: lymphadenopathy in 2 or more different anatomical regions.
• Localized: lymphadenopathy in 1 region.
Symptoms
Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy are palpable lymph nodes as a lump in various parts of the body. The lump can be freely moved.
In the cause of infection, the lymph nodes will also feel painful when touched. In malignancy, lymphadenopathy can enlarge without pain and without other signs of inflammation.
Other lymph node symptoms that may coexist are various prodromal symptoms of viral infections. For example, such as fever, headache, or body aches.
Reason
There are many causes of swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy. Various conditions that can cause this condition include:
- Malignancy. There are various malignancies that can cause swollen lymph nodes, for example lymphoma, leukemia, skin malignancy, Kaposi’s sarcoma or metastases
- Infection. Some infections that often cause enlarged lymph nodes are brucellosis, CMV, HIV, rubella and syphilis.
- Autoimmune disorder. Various autoimmune disorders with symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of the cause of enlarged lymph nodes can be determined by a medical interview and careful physical examination. At the medical interview, it is necessary to find out if there are signs of infection such as painful swallowing, fever or infection elsewhere.
Exposure to animal and insect bites, drug use, contact with infected persons and a history of recurrent infections are important in finding the cause of persistent swollen lymph nodes. Exposure to cigarettes, alcohol, and ultraviolet radiation may be associated with metastatic carcinoma of the internal organs, head and neck cancer, or skin cancer.
On physical examination, various characteristics of enlarged lymph nodes can be found. In hard lymph nodes raise suspicion of malignancy. If the consistency is rubbery, it could point to Hodgkin’s lymphoma or infection.
The location of the lymphadenopathy can also help with the diagnosis. The main cause of cervical lymphadenopathy is infection. If an enlarged gland is found in a child’s neck, it is generally caused by an acute viral infection that heals on its own.
Meanwhile, supracervical lymphadenopathy can be caused by malignancy. In cases with unclear causes, lymph node tissue sampling can be done to examine the glandular tissue.
Treatment
Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy depends on the cause. If the cause is a bacterial infection, for example a tuberculosis infection, then the treatment is in the form of giving anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Meanwhile, if it is caused by an immune system disorder, corticosteroid administration can be considered. In cases of lymphadenopathy due to malignancy or cancer, treatment of the underlying cancer is necessary.
Prevention
Prevention of enlarged lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy is to avoid the cause, especially causes related to infection. Therefore, keep the body’s immune system healthy, take care of your food nutrition, and exercise regularly.