Lymph nodes swollen on one side

Only unilaterally swollen lymph nodes can occur as a result of a localized unilateral infection. Malignant changes, i.e. tumors in the tributary area of the lymph node or lymphomas of the lymph node itself, can also initially manifest on only one side. The next topic might also be interesting for you: Swelling of the neck under the jaw

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose the cause of a swollen lymph node, the node is examined on palpation for its size, its consistency (soft or hard), its surface (smooth or rough), its ability to be separated from the surrounding tissue, its mobility, and for pressure pain. A normal result would look as follows: not palpable or less than 1 cm in size, soft, smooth surface, delimitable, movable and not painful. If a malignant disease is suspected, a specimen collection (biopsy) is performed. The excised tissue is examined microscopically and checked for malignant changes.

Therapy

Lymph nodes that are enlarged due to an infection usually swell again after the disease has passed. In the case of severe bacterial infections, antibiotics can be used if necessary, viral infections are usually only treated symptomatically, for example by lowering fever. If lymph node metastases occur, all lymph nodes of the corresponding lymph drainage area are usually removed during the surgical removal of the primary tumor in order to prevent further metastasis via the lymphatic system.

This procedure is called lymphadenectomy. As a result of this removal, lymphedema can develop, i.e. water accumulation in the surrounding tissue, since resorption and drainage through the lymph vessels is interrupted. For breast or prostate cancer, the concept of the sentinel lymph node is implemented.

Here, the lymph node closest to the primary tumor is examined for metastasized tumor cells. If it is tumor-free, it is assumed that the following lymph nodes are also not yet affected and do not need to be removed. In the case of chemo- or radiotherapy, this also affects the lymph node metastases and can contribute to the reduction of the size of the lymph nodes.

Malignant lymphoma is also treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy or with chemotherapy alone. The intensity and type of treatment depends on the stage of the disease. To a certain extent, it is also possible to treat the swollen lymph nodes in the neck during a flu-like infection. Since the lymph nodes also swell again after the infection has healed, one can try to accelerate this process by supporting the immune system.Rest, protection and a healthy, vitamin-rich diet should accelerate the healing process.