Definition
Lymph node swelling, known as lymphadenopathy, can occur throughout the body. Lymph nodes collect all the lymphatic fluid in the body, filter it, examine the fluid for foreign and pathological substances and then return the fluid to the large bloodstream via lymph channels. and lymph node pain – How dangerous is this?
In the lymph nodes, defense cells are formed against foreign substances, causing them to swell (). Superficial lymph node stations, where lymph fluid from important body and organ areas collects, are located in the groin, the back of the head, along the neck, in the armpits and on the collarbone. If the superficial lymph nodes are enlarged, they can be palpated. This is part of a routine examination. and lymph node swelling in the armpits
Causes
Lymph node swelling can have many causes and is not initially a threatening disease. The causes can be differentiated into reactive swelling and non-reactive swelling, as well as painfully enlarged and painless lymph nodes. Frequently, the swollen lymph nodes occur together with flu and infection symptoms (more rarely, malignant diseases can be behind the lymph node swelling at the collarbone.
So-called lymphomas are a form of lymph cancer that affects the lymph cells. In order to rule out such a disease, a doctor should be consulted as a precautionary measure if the swelling is unclear. Diseases such as sarcoidosis, HIV, juvenile arthritis or syphilis can also cause the lymph nodes to swell through certain mechanisms.
Diagnosis
In the case of lymph node swelling on the collarbone, the cornerstone of the diagnosis consists of a specific questioning of the patient and palpation of the lymph nodes. Decisive for the anamnesis are the accompanying symptoms, the presence of pain, the duration of the swelling and the location of the swelling (for example, whether only one lymph node is affected or whether symmetrical swellings exist). When the lymph nodes are palpated, further swelling can be diagnosed.
It is also possible to determine whether the node is soft or has a hard capsule. Similarly, the mobility of the lymph node can provide indications of disease. Further tests are then ordered to clarify the diagnosis.
If inflammation caused by the pathogen is suspected, blood tests can provide further information. If a malignant disease is suspected, the lymph node must be biopsied. For this purpose, a fine needle is inserted into the node and a tissue sample is taken. If the suspicion is confirmed, numerous further examinations of the entire body must be carried out before a therapy can be initiated.
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