Diagnosis

For a correct diagnosis, a good anamnesis and physical examination are crucial. If the lymph nodes are palpated, a distinction is made between enlarged, soft, easily displaceable, pressure painful nodes, which indicates an infectious cause. A further distinction is made between enlarged, coarse, non-painful nodules that are fused with the surrounding tissue, which may indicate a tumor disease.

An acute course with bilateral lymph node swelling is more likely to be of infectious origin. A blood count can confirm the suspicion of an infection. More precise blood tests may have to be performed to determine the presence of bacteria or viruses. If the cause is in the abdomen, an ultrasound or MRI can provide further clues. If there is a suspected tumor disease, a suspicious lymph node can be removed and histologically examined.

Other accompanying symptoms

The swelling of a lymph node is a sign of an activated immune system, this can also cause general symptoms such as fever, chills, exhaustion or tiredness. Such symptoms are mainly found with viral or bacterial infections. Local infections such as abscesses or ingrown toenails cause local reactions like overheating, redness and pain in the affected area.

General symptoms are rather rare here or only occur in severe cases. If the cause is in the abdominal cavity, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or painful pressure can occur. For gynaecological reasons, increased or irregular menstruation may occur. Cancer also triggers so-called B-symptoms, such as fever, night sweats (very heavy sweating during the night) and unwanted weight loss (10% of body weight in 6 months).

Treatment and therapy

The therapy depends on the cause.In case of local causes such as an abscess or ingrown toenails, the defect must be surgically removed. If the inflammation has already spread further, antibiotics may have to be taken for several days. Inflammations in the abdominal cavity such as appendicitis must also be treated surgically as soon as possible.

If it is a mild infection, such as the flu, the best therapy is physical protection and sufficient fluid intake. In addition, painkillers and antipyretic drugs can be taken. If the diagnosis of a cancerous disease is available, after an exact staging, a stage-appropriate therapy with surgery, chemo- and/or radiotherapy must be initiated.