Causes and risk factors
Lymph nodes are present in clusters at different sites of body. Lymph node contains cells called as lymphocytes which filter lymphatic fluid and help in combating harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Lymphadenopathy is caused due to an underlying condition. It can be caused due to infection such as common cold, tonsillitis, measles, skin infections, HIV. Diseases like tuberculosis, SLE, sarcoidosis, mononucleosis, rheumatoid arthritis. Cancers such as leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease; Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be a cause of lymphadenopathy. It can be also due to side effect of medications like phenytoin.
Clinical presentation
Lympadenopathy may or may not produce any signs and symptoms. Types of lymph node swelling can be localised due to localized infection, generalised due to generalized infection or dermatopathic, lymphadenopathy associated with skin disease. Enlarged lymph node may be soft or matted, or painful and tender. Size is small that of pea or even large that of bean. Signs and symptoms depend upon the underlying disease condition. There can be upper respiratory tract infection with signs such as running nose, sore throat, and cough. Fever is generally seen when there is lymphadenopathy. Hardened, fixed and fast growing nodes indicate a tumour. Lymph node swelling can also be due to lymphoedema.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine Blood test is recommended. Imaging studies such as Chest x-ray, Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan may be useful for further evaluation depending upon the site of swelling. Lymph node biopsy is done which confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. Treating the cause is essential. No treatment is required for patients in which the cause is viral infection. Lymph node swelling due to bacterial infection require antibiotics. Immunosuppressant therapy is needed in case of disease related to immune system. Lymph node swelling due to cancer will require treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy, radiation or even surgery etc.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating lymph node swelling. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating lymph node swelling.
