Consider tuberculosis if you notice a painless lymph node that develops slowly over several months. Tuberculosis nodes most commonly appear in the neck area.
 |
Swollen lymph nodes (Photo: Tuổi trẻ) |
Lymph nodes are swollen structures shaped like oval buttons, scattered along lymphatic vessels and clustered in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They are composed of lymphoid tissue, producing lymphocytes and antibodies.
You can think of lymph nodes as military outposts, tasked with blocking, defending, and protecting the body while destroying pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) or harmful elements in specific areas of the body. Clusters of lymph nodes act as obstacles, preventing infections from spreading by filtering and phagocytizing bacteria and foreign materials from the lymphatic fluid.
Children and thin individuals may palpate small lymph nodes (in the neck or groin) that are less than 1 cm in diameter, painless, mobile, and consistently felt during examinations, but do not grow larger. A lymph node is considered pathological when it is enlarged (over 1 cm in diameter), tense, painful, or very hard. Typically, pathological lymph nodes are found in cases such as:
Common Infections
These are reactive lymph nodes from some infection; it could be from the ear, nose, or throat. If there is an infection in the teeth, neck lymph nodes swell; if there is a skin infection on the hand, the armpit lymph nodes swell; and if there is a boil on the leg, the groin lymph nodes swell… These lymph nodes swell quickly, are not hard but have a certain degree of tension and are tender to the touch. When antibiotics are used, swelling and pain decrease, and the volume of the lymph nodes reduces.
Tuberculosis
Painless lymph nodes that develop gradually over several months, with a soft, tense consistency. While tuberculosis lymph nodes can be found in many places, they are most commonly seen in the neck; although only a few lymph nodes may be palpable, they actually exist in clusters, but only the largest nodes can be felt. In the past, this was commonly referred to as “tràng nhạc” (a local term). Diagnosis is confirmed through lymph node biopsy, Mantoux testing, and tests to identify the tuberculosis bacteria.
Cancerous Lymph Nodes
These are metastatic lymph nodes from a cancer located in the head, neck, or a systemic lymphatic cancer. The lymph nodes typically swell gradually, starting at an undefined time, characterized by being very hard (feels like a stone upon palpation), widely attached to surrounding tissue, and firmly anchored in deeper layers, giving the sensation of having roots or legs, being painless and not causing discomfort. Elderly individuals should be attentive to the early detection of this type of lymph node.
When you notice swollen lymph nodes, the primary task is to identify the underlying condition that caused the lymph nodes to react in order to treat it. Treatment will depend on the specific pathology of each case.
Dr. Vu Huong Van, Health & Life
