The Therapy | Swelling of the neck – What can be the cause?

The Therapy

The therapy of a swelling of the neck depends on the underlying disease and therefore varies from case to case. For example, in the case of lymph node enlargement as part of an inflammation, no treatment is necessary because the lymph node inflammation subsides by itself. Waiting is usually the treatment of first choice.

If lymphadenitis is the result of bacterial inflammation, for example of the tonsils, the underlying disease is usually treated with antibiotics. Lymph node enlargement for which no cause can be found always carries the risk of a malignant tumor. If this is the case, a microscopic examination of the respective lymph node is usually performed.

The further therapy of lymph node cancer then depends on the results of the examination. The administration of antibiotics is also appropriate in cases of bacterial salivary gland inflammation. If, however, the inflammation is caused by a virus, symptomatic therapy is used, i.e. a pulp-shaped diet, moist compresses and painkillers.

If there is repeated inflammation of the salivary gland, surgical removal may be necessary. If the cause of the swelling in the neck is the thyroid gland, it is usually treated with medication, and in the case of severe thyroid enlargement and thyroid nodules, surgery or radiotherapy is also used. Neck cysts and fistulas are also treated surgically and, if necessary, with antibiotics. Jugular vein thrombosis, on the other hand, requires drug treatment with heparin (a blood thinner) and antibiotics to prevent sepsis. To avoid further thromboses, however, the underlying underlying disease must also be treated.

Duration and prognosis

Swelling of the neck can have various causes. In the context of an infection, swelling of the neck is often caused by the presence of many lymph nodes, which, for example in the case of a cold, become active to support the body’s immune system. They often swell up in the process.

This swelling usually disappears when the infection subsides. Occasionally, it is possible that an enlarged lymph node remains after an infection. However, swellings also form during inflammation.

Examples of this are inflamed insect bites or injuries. Here, too, the swelling recedes in the course of treatment. Swelling of the neck can also be caused by thyroid glands or tumor diseases. These have an individually varying duration and prognosis.