Swollen lymph nodes, it's better to have pain than no pain! You can check yourself by touching these parts

Expert of this article: Wang Qian, attending physician of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hebei Provincial Chest Hospital

This article was reviewed by Tao Ning, PhD, Associate Professor at a National Institute

There is a very magical organ in our body.

It is usually unknown, but once the body is attacked by unknown invasion, it will always stand up first and mobilize the body's immune power to protect you.

When you stay up late, smoke, drink, and harm your body, it will always protect you silently.

Isn’t it touching and inspiring?

It is the lymphatic system, which is made up of many lymph nodes.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are round or oval structures, mainly distributed in the neck, armpits, groin area, mesentery and other parts. They are important immune organs and defense systems in the human body.

Lymph nodes are equivalent to the police in the city. They are the "alarm devices" for many diseases and protect our bodies.

When the body is invaded by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, the lymph nodes will fully exert their immune capabilities to fight against the microorganisms, resulting in a certain degree of lymph node enlargement.

What do abnormal lymph nodes in different parts mean?

Under normal circumstances, the superficial lymph nodes of the human body are very small, with a diameter of about 0.5 cm or less, a smooth surface, no tenderness, and no adhesion to surrounding tissues. When the body's lymph nodes become swollen, it often indicates that there is something abnormal in the body.

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck:

1. Nonspecific lymphadenitis: tonsillitis and periodontitis caused by bacterial infection; rubella and measles caused by viral infection;

2. Specific lymph node tuberculosis caused by tuberculosis infection;

3. Malignant tumors may metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes, all of which may cause enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit:

1. Infectious diseases: such as superficial tissue infections of the upper limbs and chest wall, and acute mastitis common in lactating women;

2. Lymph node metastasis of malignant tumors, such as breast cancer, often causes axillary lymph node metastasis.

Swollen lymph nodes in the inguinal area:

1. Bacterial infection such as erysipelas and tinea pedis;

2. Special infections: syphilis, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS (HIV);

3. Systemic diseases: connective tissue-related diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and systemic lupus erythematosus;

4. Distant metastasis of malignant tumors: rectal cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, etc.

Mesenteric lymphadenopathy:

Most cases of mesenteric lymphadenopathy in young children are mesenteric lymphadenitis;

If adults develop mesenteric lymphadenopathy, infectious diseases must be ruled out first. Second, and most importantly, one must be alert to intestinal malignancies.

How to self-diagnose whether lymph nodes are swollen?

Under normal circumstances, human lymph nodes cannot be felt and their diameter is usually less than 0.5 cm.

When the diameter of the axillary lymph nodes exceeds 1 cm and the diameter of the inguinal lymph nodes exceeds 1.5 cm, it indicates lymphadenopathy.

Normally, we can assess whether there is any swollen lymph nodes by palpation.

Specific touch method:

Put your index finger, middle finger and ring finger together, place the fingertips flat on the area to be examined, and slide and touch the skin of the area to be examined. Slide and touch in multiple directions. If any abnormality is found, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to determine whether a swelling is benign or malignant?

The most intuitive way to distinguish is to look at the degree of lymph node enlargement.

Benign lymph node enlargement caused by bacterial or viral infection is generally not obvious. When the diameter of the lymph node exceeds 2 cm, the risk of malignancy increases.

Check the mobility and texture of the lymph nodes

Malignant lymph nodes have poor mobility, a hard texture, and obvious adhesion to surrounding tissues, and even multiple enlarged lymph nodes may fuse into a mass.

Determine whether there is pain

Swollen lymph nodes caused by bacterial, viral and other infections are usually accompanied by obvious pain, increased skin temperature around the lymph nodes, and fever. However, malignant lymph node enlargement is often painless.

Assess systemic symptoms

Malignant lymphadenopathy is often accompanied by compression symptoms, such as cervical lymphadenopathy, dysphagia due to esophageal compression, hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve compression, etc.

The lymphatic system is closely related to the blood system. Lymphoma is a common malignant disease of the blood system, which is often manifested as progressive painless lymph node enlargement, accompanied by general fatigue, poor appetite, fever, weight loss, night sweats and other systemic manifestations.

Notice:

Regardless of whether it is benign or malignant lymph node enlargement, the above examination is only a preliminary judgment. Once lymph node enlargement is found, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For some enlarged lymph nodes whose causes are difficult to identify, lymph node puncture or even lymph node biopsy is often required to clarify the cause.

How to protect lymph nodes?

First of all, you should pay attention to avoid bacterial and viral infections, pay attention to personal hygiene, and avoid inflammation of skin breaks.

Secondly, avoid frequent pressing and massaging of the lymph nodes, as repeated stimulation will cause swollen lymph nodes.

At the same time, avoid contact with harmful substances. Hair dyes, hair dyes, pesticides, decoration materials, secondhand smoke, etc. will damage the human immune system, leading to immune dysfunction and abnormally swollen lymph nodes.

Finally, maintain a good mood, be less upset, get enough rest, breathe fresh air, and eat more fresh fruits. This can enhance the body's immunity and is also good for the lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are the body's defense system

Appropriate lymphadenopathy

It's not necessarily a bad thing for the body.

Can detect diseases early

Attract attention

Early treatment

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