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

There is a magical organ in our body. It is usually unknown, but once the body is attacked by unknown invasion, it will always stand up 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.

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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, about 0.5 cm in diameter , with a smooth surface, no tenderness, and no adhesion to the surrounding tissues. When the body's lymph nodes are swollen, it often indicates that there is an abnormality in the body.

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck:

Nonspecific lymphadenitis: tonsillitis and periodontitis caused by bacterial infection; rubella and measles caused by viral infection; specific lymph node tuberculosis caused by tuberculosis infection;

Malignant tumors may metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes, all of which may cause cervical lymph node enlargement.

Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit:

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

Lymph node metastasis of malignant tumors, such as breast cancer, often occurs in the axillary lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes in the inguinal area:

Bacterial infections such as erysipelas and tinea pedis;

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

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

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 the diameter of lymph nodes is usually less than 0.5 cm. When the diameter of axillary lymph nodes exceeds 1 cm, and the diameter of inguinal lymph nodes exceeds 1.5 cm, it indicates lymph node enlargement. In normal times, we can assess whether there is lymph node enlargement by touching it ourselves.

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Specific touch method: Put the index finger, middle finger and ring finger together, place the fingertips flat on the part to be examined, and slide and touch the skin of the part to be examined. Slide and touch in multiple directions. Once 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.

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Assess systemic symptoms

Malignant lymph node enlargement is often accompanied by compression symptoms , such as cervical lymph node enlargement, dysphagia caused by compression of the esophagus, hoarseness caused by compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, 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 systemic manifestations such as general fatigue, poor appetite, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.

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.

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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

Author: Wang Qian, attending physician, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hebei Chest Hospital

Review | Dr. Tao Ning, Associate Professor at National Institute

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