Swollen lymph nodes? Many people are alarmed at first. But in most cases, the causes are completely harmless. In some instances, however, swollen lymph nodes can also be a sign of serious illness. A visit to the doctor is therefore strongly recommended in such cases. It is therefore helpful to be able to consult a proven specialist – one recommended by the Leading Medicine Guide.
Our lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures embedded in our fatty and connective tissue, found individually or in chains along our lymphatic vessels. They form part of our immune system and play a vital role in defending against infections. In their normal state, we are completely unaware of our lymph nodes, even though they are constantly at work protecting our bodies from disease.
Tasks and function of lymph nodes
The most important task of our lymph nodes is to cleanse and filter the tissue fluid, known as lymph. Our body produces almost five liters of this tissue fluid every day. This flows through the lymphatic system, which functions like a sort of ‘sewer network’. Of our 600 to 700 lymph nodes, each is responsible for cleansing the tissue fluid of a specific region of the body or an organ. They cleanse the ‘tissue waste’ before it returns to the bloodstream. Pathogens or even cancer cells are flushed by the lymph into the nodes, where they are intercepted. In the lymph nodes, immune cells are then activated and stimulated to produce antibodies. As a result, the lymph nodes swell.
Lymph nodes © arsdigital / Fotolia
Causes of swollen lymph nodes
So, when our lymph nodes swell, it initially means that they are particularly active and our immune system is working at full capacity. Swelling can occur, for example, as part of a viral infection – such as measles, rubella or glandular fever. Swollen lymph nodes can also indicate a bacterial infection, such as tonsillitis, chlamydia or even tuberculosis. Sometimes, however, the cause is a particularly serious one: In some cases, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of lymph node or lymph gland cancer. The location of the swollen lymph nodes provides information about the affected area of the body – an experienced specialist can recognize this immediately.
When should you see a doctor?
If the swelling has not subsided after three weeks at the latest, you should see a doctor. This is particularly important if, in addition to the swollen and tender lymph nodes, other symptoms occur – such as persistent tiredness, fever or unintentional weight loss. In such cases, it is advisable to have yourself examined. The treating doctor can determine the cause and decide on the next steps in treatment.
Seeing a specialist: Diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes
To determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes, it is first important to feel the affected nodes – a process known as palpation. Some lymph nodes are located very close to the surface of the skin, so they can be easily felt when they are enlarged. The consistency and surface texture, the mobility and the sensitivity to pain of the lymph nodes allow conclusions to be drawn about the cause of the swelling. If the cause cannot be determined by palpation alone, further investigations are necessary – such as a blood test or the removal of tissue samples. Naturally, if cancer is suspected, imaging techniques are used, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.
How can lymph node cancer be treated?
If lymph node cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are between seventy and ninety per cent. The treatment method depends heavily on the severity, stage and location of the tumor. Chemotherapy is often used. In serious cases, you can count on competent experts who will support you with their expertise and many years of experience:
For example, the internationally renowned cancer expert Prof. Dr. med. Ullrich Graeven, who heads the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Gastroenterology at the Maria Hilf Clinics in Mönchengladbach. He has made a name for himself particularly as head of the clinic’s Oncology Center and possesses a high level of expertise, especially in the interplay between blood and cancer. His areas of expertise also include the treatment of all diseases of the lymphatic system. This makes him exactly the right person to consult for leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors. Prof. Graeven is familiar with all modern diagnostic techniques and is particularly adept at quickly identifying malignant diseases – such as acute leukemia.
If necessary, simply contact one of the listed doctors directly; the specialists at the Leading Medicine Guide will be happy to provide you with expert assistance!
