Do not overrate swollen lymph nodes

Do not overrate swollen lymph nodes

11/11/2014

In swollen lymph nodes, many people think of cancer or other serious diseases. Often there is something quite harmless behind the complaints. And in some cases, the swelling is not a lymph node at all.

„Reaction of the immune system“
Even though many people think of cancer or other serious illnesses when they have swollen lymph nodes, there is no reason to panic. Often sufferers, for example, during a cold thick nodules on the neck. And even if you notice swollen lymph nodes in the groin area or under the armpits, this does not have to be a sign of cancer. „Such a swelling is in most cases a reaction of the immune system“, explained Hans-Michael Mühlenfeld from the German GP's Association, according to a message from the news agency dpa. The swelling can be an indication of inflammation against which the body is fighting and showing the body „works well“.

Check for swelling by the doctor
The physician advises, however, that sufferers should have the swelling clarified by the family doctor, if the lymph nodes are still thick after three or four days. „The doctor then looks to see if it is at all a lymph node.“ It may be that the lymph node turns out to be seborrhea. Especially with women who shave their armpits regularly, this can be the cause. In the groin area, a swollen lymph node can sometimes be an indication of an injury to the foot. For example, a nail infection, often caused by an ingrown toenail. However, if groin pain also occurs, this could be an indication of a hernia.

Lymph nodes should be scanned
In general, sufferers should feel the lymph nodes calmly. „A lymph node that hurts when pressed is usually an indication of an infection“, so mill field. If the knot does not hurt, the swelling has other causes. However, that does not automatically mean that something bad has to be behind it. In some cases, it may be helpful to wait four weeks in consultation with a doctor to see how the lymph node develops. If the swelling does not recede, the lymph node is punctured and a tissue sample taken, which is examined under the microscope. „But that only happens in the rarest cases“, stressed Mühlenfeld. Swelling of the lymph nodes may also indicate serious illnesses such as leukemia or Hodkin's disease, but these are often accompanied by other indications such as marked weight loss. (Ad)