- What can make lymph nodes swollen
- 1. Underarm tongue
- 2. tongue in the neck
- 3. Groin tongue
- 4. Language in the collarbone
- 5. Languages throughout the body
- 6. Tongue at the back of the neck
- 7. Languages near the ear
- When enlarged lymph nodes can be cancer
- When to go to the doctor
Lymph nodes, also known as tongues, lumps or lymph nodes, are small 'bean' shaped glands that are distributed throughout the body and help the immune system to function properly, since they filter the lymph to remove viruses and bacteria that can be a risk to the body. Once removed, these microorganisms are destroyed by lymphocytes, which are defense cells present within the lymph nodes.
These lymph nodes can be found isolated by the body, but, mostly, they are present in groups in places such as the neck, armpits and groins. Each group is generally responsible for helping to fight infections that develop nearby, getting swollen when that happens. Thus, it is common that during a urinary infection, the lymph nodes in the groin are easier to feel, for example.
What can make lymph nodes swollen
Lymph nodes swell when there is trauma or infection nearby, so the location where they become swollen can help with diagnosis. About 80% of enlarged lymph nodes in people under 30 years of age are due to infections close to the site, but they can also be:
1. Underarm tongue
The most common causes of swollen axillary lymph are wounds or infections in the hand, arm or armpit, due to a cut, ingrown hair or furuncle, for example. However, it can indicate more serious problems such as lymphoma, especially when there is night fever and sweat, but other situations, such as animal bites, brucellosis, sporotrichosis, and breast cancer can also be the cause of this change.
However, cancer is a relatively rare cause and, often, the swelling in the armpit region may not even happen due to a tongue, it can also be a sign of a cyst or a lipoma, for example, which are simpler problems of deal with. Thus, the ideal is that, whenever you have a tongue that does not disappear, a general practitioner is consulted to evaluate the place and do other tests that help confirm the diagnosis.
2. tongue in the neck
Lymph nodes in the neck may swell in the lateral region, but also under the jaw or close to the ears. When this happens it may be possible to feel or even see a small lump in these regions, which may be a sign of:
- Tooth abscess; Thyroid cyst, Changes in salivary glands; Sore throat; Pharyngitis or laryngitis; Cut or bite in the mouth; Mumps; Ear or eye infection.
In the rarest cases, this swelling of the tongue may also be a sign of some type of tumor in that region, such as in the throat, larynx or thyroid.
3. Groin tongue
Lymph nodes in the groin, on the other hand, may be swollen by infections or trauma to the legs, feet or genital region. One of the most common causes is urinary tract infection, but it can also happen after intimate surgery, and in case of sexually transmitted diseases, infection in the legs or feet, and some types of cancer in the genital region, such as vulvar, vaginal or penile cancer.
Check out the most common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Language in the collarbone
Lumps in the upper part of the clavicle bone may indicate infections, lymphoma, a tumor in the lungs, breasts, neck or abdomen. The hardened ganglion in the left supraclavicular region, may indicate gastrointestinal neoplasia, and is known as Virchow's nodule.
5. Languages throughout the body
Although it is more common for lymph nodes to swell in only one region, lumps can appear all over the body and this is usually related to diseases such as:
- Autoimmune diseases, Lymphoma; Leukemia; Cytomegalovirus; Mononucleosis; Secondary syphilis; Sarcoidosis; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Hyperthyroidism; Side effect of medications such as hydantoinate, antithyroid agents and isoniazid.
See the top 10 symptoms of lymphoma.
6. Tongue at the back of the neck
Lumps near the neck can usually indicate the presence of infections of the scalp, rubella or even insect bites. However, and although it is much rarer, this type of language can also result from the presence of cancer.
7. Languages near the ear
The enlarged lymph nodes near the ear can indicate situations such as rubella, eyelid infections or conjunctivitis, for example.
When enlarged lymph nodes can be cancer
Swollen lymph nodes are almost always a sign of infection close to the region, however, there are some cases where this swelling can be a sign of cancer, and the only way to be sure is to see a general practitioner for tests, such as exam blood, biopsy or tomography, for example.
The evaluation of the enlarged ganglion helps to identify what it may be, and for that reason the doctor palpates the area and checks if the ganglion moves, what is its size and if it hurts. Sore nodes are less likely to be cancerous. Having multiple nodes enlarged by the body, increases the chances of being leukemia, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, reactions to drugs, and in some infections. The ganglia in leukemias and lymphomas are firm and do not cause pain.
The risk of a tongue being cancer is greater when it lasts more than 6 weeks or signs such as:
- Various lymph nodes swollen throughout the body; Hardened consistency; Absence of pain when touching lumps and Adherence.
In addition, age is also important because in people over 50 years of age, it is more likely to be a tumor, than in younger people. Thus, in case of doubt, the doctor may request an aspiration biopsy with a fine needle to check for cancer cells.
Some neoplastic diseases that can cause enlarged lymph nodes are: lymphoma, leukemia, and in case of breast, lung, kidney, prostate, melanoma, head and neck metastasis, gastrointestinal tract and germ cell tumors.
When to go to the doctor
Most cases of swelling of the tongue do not need any treatment and, therefore, disappear in less than 1 week. However, it is recommended to go to the general practitioner if:
- The lymph nodes are swollen for more than 3 weeks; There is no pain when touching the water; The lump increases in size over time; There is weight loss without apparent cause; Other symptoms appear, such as fever, excessive tiredness, weight loss or night sweat; Lingua appear in more places on the body.
In these cases, the doctor may order several tests, especially blood tests, to try to identify the cause, according to the affected lymph nodes, initiating the most appropriate treatment.
