Regional lymph nodes. What is breast lymphadenopathy? Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes

You can often see a note in the report that an intramammary lymph node was found in the mammary gland. What does this mean and how dangerous is it? What diseases can it be a symptom of? What to do and how to treat? Let's try to find answers to all these questions.

What it is

Every woman has intramammary lymph nodes and they are located near the armpit in the upper outer quadrant of the mammary gland. But normally they are not visible on x-ray or ultrasound examination of the mammary glands and are not palpable during palpation.

If an intramammary lymph node is detected during examination, it means that it has become inflamed and enlarged, and this indicates that pathological processes are occurring in the mammary gland.

Why is lymph node inflammation dangerous?

Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) is always a symptom and consequence of a disease. Therefore, the degree of health hazard will depend on what the woman is sick with. There may be several reasons (including life-threatening ones), but in any case, intramammary lymph node enlargement cannot be ignored - you need to undergo a clinical and laboratory examination to find out the cause.

Most often, the node decreases on its own after treatment of the disease that caused its inflammation.

The main causes of inflammation

The intramammary lymph node is the first to respond to the inflammatory process in the breast, since it is through it that the main outflow of lymphoid fluid from the mammary gland to other nodes occurs.

Possible causes of intramammary node lymphadenopathy include:

– inflammation of the mammary gland caused by the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into its tissues during lactation, after injury, or due to the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body;
– benign compactions in the tissues of the mammary glands;
– malignant tumors in the breast;
Silicone leakage after mammoplasty.

Factors leading to lymphadenopathy of large regional lymph nodes, such as hypothermia, taking certain medications or infectious diseases (measles, tuberculosis, HIV) do not affect the appearance of an intramammary node.

Symptoms

The main sign of lymphadenopathy of the intramammary node is the presence of a compaction near the armpit measuring 1 - 1.5 cm, felt during palpation or visualized during hardware examination of breast tissue.

The course of each disease, due to which, has its own characteristic symptoms, so there are few common symptoms:

soreness of the upper chest on palpation;
weakness;
increased sweating during night sleep.

Sometimes the disease can be asymptomatic, and the node is detected only during a routine examination of the woman. This happens especially often in the early stages of cancer.

Symptoms of infectious inflammation of the mammary gland

Acute mastitis cannot be confused with other diseases, especially if its development occurred against the background of lactostasis during breastfeeding. The following symptoms are usually observed:

rise in body temperature to 39-40 0 C;
feeling of fullness in the chest;
redness of the skin;
increase in size of the mammary gland;
purulent discharge from the nipple;
headache;
enlargement of other regional lymph nodes.

The chronic course of inflammation of the mammary gland is more difficult to diagnose; differentiation from other diseases is often required. Women usually complain only of a slight increase in body temperature (37 - 37.2 0 C) and mild pain in the chest area. An enlarged intramammary node can sometimes be the only sign of inflammation.

Symptoms of mastopathy

Mastopathy occurs as a result of an imbalance of hormones in the body. One of the characteristic symptoms of the disease is pain and tension in the mammary gland, which increases and reaches its maximum towards the end of the menstrual cycle. Upon palpation, one or more dense nodules can be detected in the chest; drops of liquid may be released when pressing on the nipple.

Characteristic signs of breast cancer

Symptoms that should alert you and be a reason to immediately contact an oncologist if an intramammary lymph node is detected in the chest:

change in the shape of the breast, dents, unevenness;
cloudy or bloody discharge from the nipple;
general weakness, apathy;
night sweats;
change in skin color in the nipple area;
sudden weight loss.

With early diagnosis of cancer and timely treatment, the prognosis for the future is favorable, so if you have the slightest suspicion of cancer, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor.

Signs of silicone implant rupture

In 10% of cases, the cause of lymphadenopathy of the intramammary lymph node is poor-quality implantation of silicone breast endoprostheses. Any woman after surgery to increase breast size should monitor the condition of the lymph nodes and the appearance of the silicone implant. A decrease in size or change in the shape of the breast indicates a violation of its integrity and possible leakage of silicone.

Often this does not affect the woman’s condition in any way, but pain and discomfort in the mammary gland may occur, and the skin over it may turn red.

Diagnostics

An intramammary lymph node of the mammary gland requires mandatory examination by a specialist mammologist and additional studies to make a diagnosis.

If mastitis is suspected, a general blood and urine test is required. The existing one will be indicated by an increased number of leukocytes and a high ESR.

If the tests do not reveal an inflammatory process, hardware research methods are used to determine the cause of lymphadenopathy of the intramammary node.

Mammography. Allows you to detect various pathologies of the mammary glands, benign and cancerous formations in the early stages. Cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
– the main method of research for changes in breast tissue that disrupt the structural background and complicate X-ray examination (for multiple fibroadenomas). Suitable for young and pregnant women or those with breast implants.
. It makes it possible to detect the slightest changes that have occurred in the mammary glands and lymph nodes, characteristic of cancerous formations and differentiate them from the nodular form of mastopathy.
Axillography is an x-ray of the tissues of the axillary region. Detects metastases during cancer in the mammary gland.

To confirm or refute the presence of a malignant tumor in the breast, a biopsy is necessary.

The rupture of a silicone implant is difficult to determine visually and by palpation, therefore, if an intramammary lymph node is detected, it is recommended to undergo subsequent examination to exclude the possibility of silicone leakage.

Depending on the results of tests and examinations, a diagnosis is made that caused inflammation of the intramammary lymph node, and treatment of the disease begins.

Treatment

The treatment regimen depends on many factors, primarily on the cause that led to inflammation of the intramammary node. Both conservative and surgical treatment methods are used.

For any diagnosis, to eliminate pain and improve the condition of the mammary glands, it is recommended to use topical agents:

Doctor;
Mastofit Cream.

They relieve swelling well, reduce inflammation, and resolve compactions.

The treatment regimen for lymphadenopathy of the intramammary lymph node of the mammary gland is prescribed only by a qualified mammologist. It is not recommended to self-medicate or be treated using traditional medicine methods - such methods often lead to dire consequences.

Treatment methods for mastitis

If the cause of inflammation of the node is infectious mastitis, then its treatment is always carried out with the use of antibacterial agents. To eliminate pain in the chest and reduce body temperature, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nise, Ibuprofen) are used.

The purulent form of the disease requires surgical intervention with opening and cleaning out the affected areas of the mammary gland.

When mastitis develops in nursing women, hormonal drugs that suppress lactation are prescribed.

The chronic form of inflammation of the mammary gland is treated with antibiotic therapy using physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound or electrophoresis with Dimexide, Troxevasin).

Therapy for mastopathy

If the results of a breast examination show that the cause of inflammation of the intramammary lymph node is mastopathy, treatment will depend on its form:

The nodular form can only be treated surgically, since formations in the chest cannot be treated using conservative methods and threaten the patient’s life.

The other two forms of the disease require a comprehensive approach to treatment, which includes:

dietary restrictions;
lifestyle change;
selection of comfortable underwear that does not interfere with normal blood circulation in the chest area;
taking hormonal and non-hormonal medications.

Non-drug methods give good results in treating the initial stage of mastopathy, but if the intramammary lymph node in a woman’s mammary gland is inflamed, she must be prescribed medications.

Treatment of the disease begins with taking non-hormonal drugs:

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs);
iodine-containing drugs;
venotonics;
diuretics;
hepatoprotective drugs;
complex of vitamins.

The following dietary supplements are considered safe, but no less effective in the treatment of mastopathy:

Indinol;
Kelp;
Mastodinon;
Mamoklam;
Mulimen;
Mastofit.

These herbal-based preparations, which are not drugs, are created specifically to maintain the health of women's breasts.

Treatment for malignant tumors

If, after detecting an intramammary lymph node of the mammary gland, further diagnostic examination shows that the woman has an oncological process in the breast, the treatment regimen is selected by the oncologist and may include:

surgical treatment;
chemotherapy;
radiation therapy (external or intraoperative);
radiotherapy;
treatment with targeted drugs.

These measures are aimed at removing or destroying cancer cells in the breast. To prevent metastases, nearby lymph nodes, including the intramammary node, are removed along with the tumor.

After surgery and a course of chemotherapy, the woman is prescribed restorative treatment and recommended to regularly monitor her health.

An intramammary lymph node of the mammary gland is an indicator of a pathological process in the body. But timely detection and clarification of the cause of its occurrence is almost always the key to successful treatment and complete recovery of the woman. Do not panic when you see such a diagnosis - only in 5% of cases does it indicate the presence of an oncological formation in the breast tissue. But even cancer is not a death sentence: the chances of regaining health and living a full life are quite high if you seek help from specialists in time.

Regional lymph nodes are significant elements of the lymphatic system, the value of which is to prevent the activation of processes that adversely affect the body. Therefore, even a slight change in their functioning disrupts the system’s ability to self-heal and signals that a person needs help.

Types of regional lymph nodes

About one hundred and fifty regional nodes are located throughout the body. Carrying out protectorate of the relevant parts of the body.

The following groups are distinguished:

depending on the location in the tissues: deep and superficial;
according to the principle of concentration near departments and parts of the body, regional lymph nodes are: submandibular, cervical, axillary, mammary gland, supraclavicular, abdominal, bronchopulmonary, tracheal, inguinal and others.

In turn, these groups have subdivisions. So, for example, the regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland, according to their location relative to the pectoral muscles, are divided into lower, middle, and apical.

Reasons for the increase

Enlarged lymph nodes occur as a result of various pathogenic processes in the body associated with the action of numerous pathogens.

The following diseases can be identified that are the causes of these changes in the structure of the lymph nodes:

various respiratory ailments;
tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV;
inflammation resulting from exposure to cat scratches;
tumors, often spreading through the lymph, lead to damage to the pectoral muscles, abdominal cavity, groin area, and limbs;
thickening of the thyroid gland may indicate serious illness. At the same time, the regional lymph nodes of the thyroid gland enlarge. There are two stages of their pathological changes: primary (with the possible development of lymphocytic leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis), secondary - thyroid cancer.

How does regional lymphadenopathy manifest?

Once inside the node, the pathogens interact with leukocytes, which begin to resist them; the procedure is accompanied by inflammation. The size of the nodes also increases, causing pain and discomfort. Changes in the structure of the lymph nodes are associated with pathogenic processes in the sinuses of the regional lymph nodes. They are the ones who filter out harmful elements and are the first to be affected by contact with them.

These processes, accompanied by pain and fever, are symptoms of developing regional lymphadenopathy. In addition, more blood flows to the affected area and sweating increases. In some cases, there is a general loss of weight in a person and thickening of the formations.

Even more information about enlargement of lymphatic nodes in the review

Basic methods for diagnosing lymphadenopathy

If these symptoms are detected, you should seek help from a hospital. At the appointment, after examination, the doctor issues directions for a multi-level examination to confirm the suspected disease.

Diagnostic measures for this ailment include a comprehensive blood test for the qualitative and quantitative composition of red blood cells, platelets, biochemical diagnostics, ultrasound of nodes located in the area of the spread of the disease, as well as tomography and radiographic studies. Confirmed detection of red blood cells in the sinuses (canal walls) of the nodes will indicate progressive lymphadenopathy.

If necessary, a sample may be taken from the lymph node.

Treatment of lymphadenopathy of regional nodes

Therapy of infectious processes. If the regional nodes of the thyroid gland or lymph nodes of the mammary gland have enlarged due to inflammation caused by various infections, antibiotics are used to combat the pathogens.
Treatment of associated ailments. Enlarged lymph nodes of the thyroid gland and groin, which are manifestations of developing tuberculosis or syphilis, are cured through the implementation of comprehensive measures aimed at preventing outbreaks of these ailments. Using specialized therapeutic techniques: complexes of pharmacological drugs - antibiotics, vitamin complexes, various physiotherapeutic procedures.
Lymphadenopathy of the mammary gland is treated according to an individual method, depending on the test results and the degree of the disease. In the event of oncology development, the affected areas are removed through surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy procedures, with preventive measures, including lifestyle and nutrition correction.

Regional lymph nodes signal serious problems in various parts of the body, malfunctions in the functioning of the body system, emerging or already developing malignant formations that threaten the normal functioning of a person. Therefore, any changes in them should serve as an impetus to begin the diagnostic process and the necessary therapy.

The human lymphatic system provides reliable protection of the body from bacteria, viruses and pathological cells. It consists of lymphatic vessels, capillaries and regional lymph nodes. Their increase indicates a possible focus of inflammation. That is why it is important to know the location of the nodes in order to detect the disease in time.

Regional nodes - why they are called that

Regional lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes that collect lymph from different parts of the body. They are of different shapes and sizes. These are approximately 150 groups of lymphoid nodes located near large veins.

Their main function is to cleanse the blood and tissues of harmful particles. Lymphocytes also mature in them, metastases are delayed and an immune response is formed.

Important! The correct functioning of the immune system depends on the state of the lymphatic system.

Changes in regional lymph nodes give us the right to assume the presence of pathology in a particular area of the body. For example, regional lymphadenitis of the axillary region indicates pathology of the thoracic ducts or mammary gland.

Main groups of regional lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are located singly or in groups in important areas of the body. According to location, regional lymph nodes are classified as follows:

nodes of the lower limb - popliteal and inguinal;
pelvic - uterine, vaginal, rectal;
lymphoid vessels of the abdomen - gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, mesenteric, lower diaphragmatic;
chest nodes - intercostal, upper diaphragmatic, thoracic, esophageal, tracheal, pulmonary;
upper limb - superficial and deep, ulnar and axillary;
lymphoid vessels of the head and neck.

This is far from a complete classification. For example, regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland are classified as deep axillary. With any dysfunction of the glandular tissue of the breast, the characteristics of the regional node change.

Causes of enlarged regional lymph nodes

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between concepts such as lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy. In the first case, we are talking about infectious inflammation of the tissue of the node. Lymphadenopathy is a symptom of other diseases. This is a painless enlargement of the lymph node.

Some of these conditions begin asymptomatically. For example, enlarged lymph nodes are the first sign of leukemia. Only after some time does weakness, fatigue, joint pain and bone damage begin to increase. Therefore, you should always pay attention to changes in their appearance.

How does regional lymphadenopathy manifest?

When the body is not able to overcome the infection or if there is too much of a pathogenic factor, the lymph node cannot cope with it. He changes his parameters. First of all:

the node begins to be visualized;
increases in size;
changes its consistency - becomes denser;
the skin over the node acquires a reddish tint;
local temperature rises;
there is unevenness in the contours of the node;
pain is felt on palpation;

Normally, most lymph nodes are not visualized or palpated. If its characteristics change, it is necessary to look for pathology.

Diseases accompanied by enlargement of regional lymph nodes

Local enlargement of the node occurs when there is an infection or tumor in a specific area of the body. For example, regional lymph nodes can enlarge with the following pathologies:

inflammation of the ENT organs - tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis;
open tissue damage - abrasions, injuries;
inflammatory gynecological diseases (colpitis, vulvitis);
sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes;
pathologies of the mammary gland - mastitis, mastopathy;
dental diseases - caries, stomatitis, alveolitis;
generalized blood poisoning - sepsis;
purulent diseases - boils, abscesses, phlegmon;
fungal diseases - pyoderma;
immunodeficiencies - HIV-AIDS;

Lymphadenopathy also occurs with endocrine pathology. For example, with a goiter or tumor, the lymph nodes of the thyroid gland, cervical and retrosternal, become enlarged.

Which specialist can help?

It must be remembered that treatment tactics primarily depend on the primary pathology. Depending on this, different specialists provide treatment. They may be:

The main task of these doctors is to identify and confirm the underlying disease. Treatment tactics are selected individually in each case.

Important! You cannot take medications without a doctor's prescription. This can hide the true symptoms of the disease and worsen the condition.

With proper treatment, the symptoms of the underlying disease first disappear. This means that the lymph nodes gradually return to normal.

First, the disease is treated with medication. If there is a complication of lymphadenitis, then this is a direct indication for surgical intervention.

Basic methods for diagnosing lymphadenopathy

Typically, diagnosing lymphadenopathy is not difficult. After all, the enlarged lymphoid node is visualized first.

The following methods are used for diagnosis:

examination of the patient;
ultrasonography;
CT scan;
node biopsy.

Examination is a necessary diagnostic method that is used in all cases. With its help, you can identify the degree of pain and enlargement of the node, consistency and adhesion to other tissues. We also see the color of the skin above the node and can measure its temperature.

Ultrasound and computed tomography provide a more complete picture of the extent of the disease. We fully see the structure of the nodes and all their characteristics. With these methods we can accurately assess the condition of the entire organism. They also make it possible to find hidden diseases.

A node biopsy is necessary when there is a suspicion of oncological pathology. You can also use this method in cases where therapy does not bring the desired effect. We can isolate the infectious agent and select a drug that will be more effective.

There are many lymph nodes located in the chest. Lymph nodes in the chest in men and women can become inflamed and enlarged under the influence of various factors. Anyone who cares about their health should know where they are located and be able to recognize warning signs in time. What function do the thoracic lymph nodes perform, and why their work may be disrupted? Read more about this.

Lymph nodes in the chest refer to the axillary lymph nodes. They are located in the armpit and around the mammary glands. Lymph nodes in the chest in men are located along the pectoralis major muscle.

The thoracic lymph nodes also include the mediastinal lymph nodes. This is a large group of lymph nodes located inside the chest.

The mammary lymph nodes are an important part of the human immune system. They perform a barrier function, protecting the chest organs from infection.

A special feature of the lymph nodes in the mammary glands is their ability to respond to changes in hormonal levels in women. They increase during so-called hormonal surges - during pregnancy, lactation, menstruation. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mammary glands is observed in various breast pathologies, for example, mastitis.

In men, the function of the lymph nodes in the chest is the same - they protect the chest organs from infection. In addition, lymph nodes ensure normal functioning of the immune system, are an “intermediate base” for immune cells, and also act as a kind of filter, helping the body cleanse itself of toxins and harmful compounds.

Lymph nodes are an important part of the human immune system

Anatomy and functions

Anatomically, the lymph node is a bean-shaped formation, consisting of two layers (cortical and medulla), covered with a capsule. The structure of the node is lobular, it has slits through which lymph flows. It enters the lymph node through the lymphatic vessels, is purified there, and flows out through the vessels on the other side of the node.

All groups of lymph nodes perform the same functions:

cleansing the body of toxins;
providing immune protection;
regulation of lymph flow;
protection against infection.

Lymph passes throughout the body, moving from bottom to top. Once in the lymph nodes, it is cleared of toxins, infections and pathological cells (for cancer). This process is very important and provides strong immune protection for the body.

In women and men, the lymph nodes on the chest are located the same.

The number of lymph nodes in the mammary gland may vary. On average, a person has about 5-6 lymph nodes above and below the breast.

The normal size of the thoracic lymph nodes is not strictly defined. The normal size is considered to be between 3 and 10 mm. The size of the lymph nodes is an individual feature. For different men and women, their sizes can be either the same or completely different.

Any enlargement of the thoracic lymph nodes is considered a pathology, if pain and other unpleasant sensations occur.

The number of lymph nodes in this area is also not precisely determined. Some people may have just one lymph node in each breast area, while others have as many as 8-9 lymph nodes located in the inner part of the armpit and distributed around the breasts.

Pathology is any enlargement of the thoracic lymph nodes, which are accompanied by discomfort. At the same time, it is often problematic to notice signs of enlarged lymph nodes on the chest due to the peculiarities of their location.

How to palpate the thoracic lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes in the mammary gland in women are often easily palpable. This is due to the presence of soft glandular tissue and thin skin of the chest. Often, the lymph nodes of one zone differ markedly in size, so some of them are more difficult to palpate.

You can carry out palpation yourself. To do this, you should raise one hand up so that the breast rises, and with the other hand, gently palpate the area around the breast, moving towards the armpit - this is where the lymph nodes of the breast are located.

Lymph nodes in the pectoral muscle are more difficult to palpate in men. They hide under the muscle, which makes palpation difficult, especially with developed pectoral muscles.

Whether it is possible to palpate the lymph nodes on the sternum in men and women - it depends on the physiological characteristics. In some people, this group of nodes is relatively large in size, which makes palpation easier. Small nodes, about 3-4 mm in diameter, cannot be palpated normally.

The location of lymph nodes in the chest includes several areas, including the mediastinum. The mediastinal lymph nodes are located deep under the skin, near the internal organs, and are reliably protected by the chest, so it is impossible to palpate them. It is possible to diagnose pathologies of this group of lymph nodes only with the help of ultrasound examination, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Having figured out whether there are lymph nodes in the chest, you should know what symptoms indicate their pathology and when you should consult a doctor.

One of the symptoms that requires seeing a doctor is swelling of the mammary glands, regardless of the menstrual cycle.

The first alarming symptom is enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. If the nodes are located superficially, it is quite easy to notice their enlargement - a small bump will appear under the skin. In the case of deep location of the thoracic lymph nodes, you should consult a doctor if you experience discomfort, general weakness, night sweats and increased body temperature.

Another alarming symptom is swelling of the mammary glands, regardless of the day of the cycle. If breast swelling in women before menstruation is normal, breast swelling at any other time may indicate a disturbance in the movement of lymph. This may also manifest as swelling of the hands and face as lymph moves from the bottom up.

Enlarged lymph nodes: symptoms and causes

The lymph nodes of the mammary gland can enlarge under the influence of various factors.

Slight compaction of the lymph nodes in the mammary gland in women a few days before menstruation is not a pathology. This occurs due to changes in hormonal levels and goes away on its own within a few days from the start of menstruation. In all other cases, you should consult a doctor, since sudden enlargement of the lymph nodes indicates hidden pathologies.

Symptoms of lymphadenopathy (the so-called enlarged lymph nodes) are as follows:

a bump on the skin if the lymph node is located superficially;
skin redness;
general weakness;
night sweats;
chest discomfort.

In this case, palpation rarely causes pain, but minor discomfort may be present. As a rule, the tubercle is noticeable when the initially large lymph nodes are enlarged.

Either one node or several at once can increase. In some pathologies, bilateral thoracic lymphadenopathy is observed - an increase in nodes in the area of the right and left axillary fossa.

Causes of enlarged thoracic lymph nodes:

mastopathy in women;
gynecomastia in men;
tuberculosis;
syphilis;
lymphoma;
breast cancer;
infections of the mediastinal organs, etc.

Mastopathy is a change in the tissue of the mammary gland, accompanied by the formation of nodules. With this pathology, the axillary lymph nodes near the mammary glands and armpits become enlarged. The main symptoms of the pathology are engorgement of the mammary glands, pain, and general weakness.

Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the mammary glands in men. The causes of mastopathy and gynecomastia are most often hormonal imbalances and diseases of the endocrine system.

If the lymph nodes on the chest are enlarged, tuberculin tests should be performed to rule out tuberculosis. Lymphadenopathy of the axillary region and mediastinum is often the first symptom of lung damage with Koch's bacillus and appears before cough and other specific signs of tuberculosis.

The most dangerous pathologies accompanied by lymphadenopathy are cancer. An increase in axillary nodes is observed in lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), malignant tumors of the mediastinal organs, and breast cancer.

Causes and symptoms of inflammation

Mastitis and furunculosis are some of the causes of inflamed lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the mammary gland is lymphadenitis. The pathology is manifested by the following symptoms:

noticeable enlargement of the lymph node;
pain syndrome;
fever;
symptoms of general intoxication;
enlarged liver and spleen;
redness of the skin around the lymph node.

Inflammation of the lymph node in the chest is often caused by infectious causes. Pathology occurs against the background of any infectious processes in organs located in close proximity to the axillary lymph nodes. In women, the cause is often mastitis, in men – furunculosis.

A disease manifested by inflammation in the mammary gland in women is called mastitis. Pathology is observed in nursing mothers. In this case, the infection can spread through the blood and lymph flow into the lymph nodes, causing their inflammation.

With furunculosis, a lymph node in the chest located near a purulent lesion on the skin may become inflamed.

Lymphadenitis is usually unilateral, that is, the lymph nodes on only one side of the body become inflamed.

In general, there are many causes of lymphadenitis. These include tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea; staphylococcal, streptococcal, fungal infections, etc. The spread of pathogens occurs through the blood or lymph flow in the event of a weakened immune defense.

Pain syndrome

When the thoracic lymph nodes are enlarged, there is most often no pain. Discomfort can occur with a significant change in the size of the node, but it is associated with compression of the nerve endings, so it can radiate into the chest, under the collarbone or into the shoulder blade, into the armpit.

When the lymph nodes are inflamed, the pain syndrome is acute. It clearly manifests itself upon palpation of the inflamed node, as well as with a sudden change in body position.

Diagnostics

An ultrasound of the mammary glands should be done

If you suspect pathology of the thoracic lymph nodes, you should immediately consult a doctor. Women should visit a mammologist first. In this case, the primary examination of men is carried out by a therapist, but after making a preliminary diagnosis, he may refer the patient to another specialist.

Necessary examinations:

palpation of lymph nodes;
Ultrasound of the mammary glands and lymph nodes around them;
chest x-ray;
fluorography;
general and biochemical blood tests;
CT and MRI – according to indications.

As a rule, it is enough for an experienced doctor to palpate the thoracic lymph nodes to suggest a diagnosis. Additional examinations help clarify the diagnosis and identify the cause of lymph node pathology.

In case of pathologies of the lymph nodes, it is important to identify and eliminate the cause of their enlargement or inflammation. The fact is that the lymph nodes themselves are not treated. Their increase is a normal reaction of the body to a pathological process occurring in nearby organs. Once the cause is eliminated, the size of the lymph nodes will return to normal after some time.

In case of inflammation of the lymph nodes, it is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease. In addition, it is important to eliminate the cause, which most often is the presence of a chronic source of infection in the body.

It is necessary to establish and eliminate the root cause of inflammation

For example, for mastopathy, hormonal drugs are prescribed to normalize estrogen levels. In case of male hormonal imbalance and the development of inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes of the chest, a man should consult with a urologist-andrologist about prescribing hormone replacement therapy.

Tuberculosis is treated with antibiotics.

In the treatment of syphilis, penicillin drugs are used.

Only a doctor can prescribe treatment after the necessary examinations. You should not delay your visit to a specialist, as in some cases, pathologies of the thoracic lymph nodes can be the initial symptom of cancer.

Regional lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici regionales.
Head and neck, caput et collum.
Occipital lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici occipitales. They lie along the edge of the trapezius muscle. Lymph is collected from the occipital region, and their efferent vessels end in the deep cervical lymph nodes. Rice. A.
Mastoid lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici mastoidei []. They lie on the mastoid process. Lymph flows into them from the back surface of the auricle, the adjacent scalp and the back wall of the external auditory canal. The efferent vessels end in the tubal cervical lymph nodes. Rice. A.
Superficial parotid lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici parotidei superficiales. Located in front of the tragus above the parotid fascia. Their afferent vessels begin in the skin of the temporal region and the anterior surface of the auricle. The efferent vessels end in the tubal cervical lymph nodes. Rice. A.
Deep parotid lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici parotidei profundi. Located under the parotid fascia. Lymph is collected from the tympanic cavity, external auditory canal, frontotemporal region, upper and lower eyelids, root of the nose, as well as from the mucous membrane of the posterior part of the lower wall of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The efferent vessels end in the tubal cervical lymph nodes. Rice. A.
Pre-auricular lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici praauriculares. Located in front of the auricle. Rice. A.
Inferior auricular lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici infraauriculares. Located under the auricle. Rice. A.
Intraglandular lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici intraglandulares. They lie in the thickness of the parotid gland. Rice. A.
Facial lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici faciales. Their location is variable. Lymph is collected from the upper and lower eyelids, the outer nose and the skin of other areas of the face, as well as the mucous membrane of the cheek. Their efferent vessels accompany the a facialis and end in the submandibular lymph nodes.
[Buccal node, nodus buccinatorius]. Located on the surface of the buccal muscle. Rice. A.
[Nasolabial node, nodus nasolabial]. Lies under the nasolabial groove. Rice. A.
[Malar node, nodus malaris]. Lies in the subcutaneous tissue of the cheek.
[Mandibular node, nodus mandibularis]. Located in the subcutaneous tissue at the level of the lower jaw. Rice. A. 14a Lingual lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici Unguales. Lies on mJiyoglossus. Lymph is collected from the lower surface, lateral edge and medial part of the anterior 2/3 of the dorsum of the tongue.
Submental lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici submentals. Localized between the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles. Lymph is collected from the middle part of the lower lip, the bottom of the mouth, and the apex of the tongue. The efferent vessels end in the deep cervical and submandibular lymph nodes. Rice. B.
Submandibular lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici submandibulares. Located between the lower jaw and the submandibular gland. Lymph is collected from the inner pelvis, cheek, lateral surface of the nose, the entire upper lip and lateral parts of the lower lip, gums, the lateral part of the anterior 2/3 of the back of the tongue, and the efferent vessels of the submental and facial lymph nodes also approach them. The efferent vessels of the submandibular nodes end in the tubular cervical nodes. Rice. B.
Anterior cervical lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici cervicales anteriores.
Superficial (anterior jugular) lymph nodes, nodi tympharici superficiales (jugulares anteriores). Located along the anterior jugular vein. Lymph is collected from the skin of the anterior neck area. The efferent vessels end in the tuba cervical ganglia of both sides. Rice. A.
Deep lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici profundi. Located in the front of the neck.
19a. - sublingual lymph nodes, nodi tympharici infrahyoidei. Located below the hyoid bone in the midline. Lymph is collected from the vestibule of the larynx, pear-shaped pouches and nearby parts of the pharynx. The efferent vessels end in the tubal cervical lymph nodes. Rice. B.
Preglottic lymph nodes, nodi tymphatici praelaryngeales. They are located on the cricothyroid ligament and collect lymph from the lower half of the larynx. The efferent vessels end in the tubular cervical lymph nodes. Rice. B.
Thyroid lymph nodes, nodi tympharici thyroidei. Located in the area of the thyroid gland. The efferent vessels end in the deep cervical lymph nodes. Rice. B.
Pretracheal lymph nodes, nodi tympharici pretracheales. Located in front of the trachea. Collect lymph from the trachea and larynx. The efferent vessels end in the deep cervical lymph nodes. Rice. B. Paratracheal lymph nodes, nodi tympharici paratracheales. Located next to the trachea. Rice. B. nodes of the head and neck 23a Retropharyngeal lymph nodes, nodi tympharici retropharingeales. Located in front of the arch of the atlas.