Causes of swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be caused by many factors such as sore throat, rhinitis, weakened immune system, tuberculosis, and cancer.

Lymph nodes develop along the armpits, neck, groin, wrist joints, etc., and play a role in producing and storing white blood cells to fight off pathogens; normally, they are hidden beneath the skin.

Cervical lymph nodes may appear in various forms such as oval, round, or in clusters; they can be hard or soft, mobile or attached. Their characteristics can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Typically, the swelling is the size of a pea or larger, palpable or visible. The swelling may also be firm or soft, painful or painless to the touch, appear suddenly, and gradually increase in size. Accompanying symptoms include night sweats and fever, sore throat, runny nose, toothache, general weakness, and sudden weight loss.

According to Dr. Doan Minh Trong, a specialist in the Head and Neck Unit at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, there are many causes for this condition, such as infections in the throat, nasal sinuses, tonsils, salivary glands, and gums. People with a weak constitution, weakened immune system, or those with syphilis in the second stage may also develop swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Doctor Trong examines the lymph nodes in the patient's neck. Photo: Nguyen Tram — Doctor Trong examines the lymph nodes in the patient's neck. Photo: *Nguyen Tram*

Patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis will have small, irregular, painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, forming a chain along both sides of the sternoclavicular muscle (a group of muscles in the neck that support cervical spine movement and allow the head to turn left and right), the neck area, or under the jawbone. Patients may also experience fever in the afternoon, paleness, rapid weight loss, and lesions in the peritoneum and pleura.

People with malignant blood diseases such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute leukemia, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia also develop swollen lymph nodes in the neck. This disease can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, supraclavicular fossa, and groin.

Patients with head and neck cancer often have swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Some cases of breast cancer, stomach cancer, etc., can also cause swollen lymph nodes in this area, but these are less common. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck due to cancer are typically large, less mobile, clustered together or separate, and cause pain and swelling around the nodes.

According to Dr. Trong, cervical lymph nodes can be benign or malignant, signaling many dangerous diseases that can lead to severe complications and threaten life. Patients should see a doctor for examination, diagnosis, and timely treatment.

Nguyen Tram

Readers can ask questions about cancer here for doctors to answer.

Source link