Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopaty) can be due to an inflammation (infection) or tumor. An infection can be generalized (mononucleosis, rubella, AIDS…) or local. In cases of generalized infections, the lymph nodes in multiple regions are affected (generalized lymphadenopaty). In cases of local infection, only the lymph nodes that receive lymph from the infected area become swollen (for instance, the neck’s nodes during a throat infection).
Tumors in the lymph nodes can be either metastatic (secondary) or primary (lymphomas). Primary tumors (lymphomas) affect multiple lymph nodes because the disease is systemic. Metastases from other tumors usually affect the nearest lymph nodes that receive lymph from the region where the tumor is located.
If the case of lymphadenopaty doesn’t pass spontaneously, or after antibiotic therapy, a fine needle punition should be performed. Cells sucked from the lymph node are examined by a cyto-pathologist after the procedure. If necessary, the whole lymph node can be surgically removed and examined by a pathologist. You should first consult an ENT-specialist, and depending upon the pathologist’s results you may need to consult an internist, too.
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