Swelling of lymph nodes after vaccination
Vaccinations are an achievement of modern medicine, which has managed to reduce the number of children who fall ill with infectious diseases, die or suffer harm from them. Despite strict approval conditions, vaccination reactions or complications can occur in rare cases. Depending on the vaccine, parts of the pathogen are given into the child’s organism to activate and train the child’s immune system.
An immune response of the body is therefore desired and part of the immunization in vaccinations. All this shows the functioning response of the body to invading pathogens.
- For example, a local reaction can lead to a reddening of the puncture site with swelling of the regional lymph nodes.
This is reported in about 1 in 100 cases and requires no further therapy.
- In addition, 1-4 weeks after a vaccination, a vaccination disease can occur. This means that the disease, which is caused by the pathogens in the vaccination, is experienced in an attenuated form. Mild flu symptoms, increased temperature, skin rashes and also swelling of lymph nodes are observed.
- Swelling of lymph nodes after vaccination
- Pain after a vaccination – What you should consider
Lymph node swelling as an indication of a tumor
The swelling of lymph nodes can also be an indication of a tumor in a child in rare cases. Inflammation as the cause of lymph node swelling is much more common, but malignant events must always be considered as a differential diagnosis. Non-specific symptoms that indicate cancer are also: All these descriptions of a tumor, however, also apply to the condition of a tuberculosis infection.
One of the cancers in children, which in 60% of cases is accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes, is acute leukemia. In order to carry out further diagnostic steps in this case, the attending physician will first order a blood test with blood smear. However, a bone marrow puncture is then indispensable in order to make a definitive diagnosis.
- Painless, steadily increasing enlargement of lymph nodes may be associated with a tumor.
- Poor displaceability of the lymph node in relation to its surrounding tissue can also be an indication of malignancy.
- In addition, it is worth mentioning that in the case of tumorous events, the nodes tend to be hard as stone or rubbery to the touch.
- Weight loss,
- Increased susceptibility to infections,
- Bone pain,
- Strong night sweats,
- Increase of bruises and
- A general decrease of the general condition.
