PN-regional lymph nodes. Lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes of areas of the body Lymphatic vessels and nodes of the head and neck

The human lymphatic system consists of many lymph nodes, most of which are combined into groups. Based on the condition of certain lymph nodes, the doctor can determine what diseases the patient has. During examination, doctors often discover that a person has enlarged regional lymph nodes of the thyroid gland. Such a symptom may indicate that there is a malignant tumor in the body that needs to be treated urgently.

It is important to know

A disease such as thyroid cancer in the initial stages rarely causes any discomfort to a person. The disease can be asymptomatic for a long time, and then suddenly manifest itself in full with all the complications and ensuing consequences. In some cases, it is possible to identify a dangerous illness that poses a threat to life during a routine examination. An ultrasound or x-ray may show an enlarged regional lymph node, which becomes larger due to the growth of a malignant tumor or the spread of metastases.

Associated symptoms

The lymph nodes and the thyroid gland are closely related to each other, so a patient with oncology, even before a diagnosis is made, may experience indirect symptoms such as:

heat;
heavy sweating;
weakness;
compaction, goiter on the neck;
lymph node hyperplasia (lymph nodes can enlarge to the size of a chicken egg);
painful sensations in the throat, pharynx, trachea;
discomfort when swallowing;
esophageal compression;
feeling of fullness in the neck;
dyspnea;
hoarseness, loss of voice, etc.

Each sick person with suspected cancer may experience completely different symptoms. This happens because the disease rarely follows one scenario and has many varieties.

At-risk groups

Inflammation of regional lymph nodes and the development of a thyroid tumor most often occurs in the following categories of people:

those who underwent radiation therapy in childhood to treat hemangioma, herpes zoster and other ailments;
exposed to radiation and ingested radioactive iodine while working at work or under any other circumstances;
having neoplasms of various etiologies in the genitourinary area, mammary glands, adrenal glands and other organs;
having a lack of iodine in the body, suffering from thyroiditis;
having a family history (a predisposition to thyroid diseases can be transmitted at the genetic level).

People who fall into the listed risk groups must visit an endocrinologist and therapist at least once a year, undergo tests, and also regularly have ultrasound scans of the lymph nodes in the neck and thyroid gland. Such preventive measures will help to identify the disease at the very initial stage and carry out treatment when there is every chance of full recovery and restoration of the body.

Diagnostic methods

After examination and palpation, the doctor may suspect his patient has a tumor. To confirm or refute his assumptions, the doctor will have to conduct special studies that give accurate results. The patient may be prescribed:

ultrasound diagnostics of the thyroid gland and lymph nodes (even the smallest tumors can be visualized on ultrasound, modern equipment allows you to see formations whose size does not exceed 3 millimeters);
puncture biopsy (sampling of materials from a lymph node using a syringe with a thin needle);
CT scan;
radiography.

The above studies will help identify cancer, cysts, benign formations, blood clots, purulent abscesses and other changes in the thyroid gland and lymph nodes.

In addition to hardware examinations, the patient will need to donate blood for tumor markers and other indicators, urine, an analysis of the level of thyroid hormones and some other tests.

Types of tumors

After the studies, the doctor will be able to determine what type of tumor arose in the sick person:

papillary (can occur even in young children, and the disease has a good prognosis and a high recovery rate);
follicular (most often diagnosed in elderly people, gives metastases, but is well treated with timely treatment);
medullary (considered a more aggressive type of cancer, in which rapid growth and spread of metastases occur);
anaplastic (this disease is often called undifferentiated cancer; it has a high rate of development and often has an unfavorable outcome).

In some cases, examination can establish that it is not the tumor itself that is localized in the thyroid gland and lymph nodes, but its metastases. Such symptoms most often occur with lymphoma, sarcoma and some other types of oncology.

Treatment

Enlarged regional lymph nodes and thyroid cancer always require urgent treatment.

Typically, doctors in such cases resort to the following therapeutic measures:

Operation. During surgery, doctors usually remove the tumor site - the lymph nodes themselves or the thyroid gland. Full or partial resection of a hyperplastic lymph node or enlarged gland is always performed under anesthesia, so the patient will not experience any pain or discomfort.
Hormone therapy. After removal of the thyroid gland, a recently operated patient should be prescribed a maintenance course of hormonal iodine-containing drugs to normalize hormonal levels.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Such procedures are prescribed to cancer patients as a treatment necessary to prevent further formation of tumor cells and the spread of metastases.
Immunomodulators. A patient who has undergone major surgery and taken potent drugs usually has a weakened immune system. To strengthen the immune system and speed up recovery, people with cancer are prescribed immunomodulator drugs and vitamin complexes.

In custody

An increase in regional thyroid nodes is considered a symptom signaling an oncological disease in the body. If there is any suspicion of the development of this disease, it is necessary to undergo an examination that gives reliable results. If the suspected diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe treatment for the patient or suggest surgery.

To preserve his life and health, the patient should not refuse these types of therapy or postpone treatment until later. Full compliance with the doctor’s recommendations and prescriptions will help the patient recover and normalize the condition of his body.

Lymph from the head and neck collects into the right and left jugular lymphatic trunks, trunci jugulares dexter et sinister, which run on each side parallel to the internal jugular vein and empty: the right one into the ductus lymphaticus dexter or directly into the right venous angle and the left one into the ductus thoracicus or directly into the left venous angle.

Before entering the named duct, the lymph passes through the regional lymph nodes. On the head, lymph nodes are grouped mainly along its border line with the neck. Among these groups of nodes the following can be noted:

1. Occipital, nodi lymphatici occipitales. Lymphatic vessels flow into them from the posterior part of the temporal, parietal and occipital regions of the head.
2. Mastoid, nodi lymphatici mastoidei, collect lymph from the same areas, as well as from the back surface of the auricle, external auditory canal and eardrum.
3. Parotid (superficial and deep), nodi lymphatici parotidei (superficiales et profundi), collect lymph from the forehead, temple, lateral part of the eyelids, outer surface of the auricle, temporomandibular joint, parotid gland, lacrimal gland, wall of the external auditory canal, eardrum and auditory tube on that side.
4. Submandibular, nodi lymphatici submandibulares, collect lymph from the lateral side of the chin, from the upper and lower lips, cheeks, nose, from the gums and teeth, the medial part of the eyelids, the hard and soft palate, from the body of the tongue, the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.
5. Facial, nodi lymphatici faciales (buccal, nasolabial), collect lymph from the eyeball, facial muscles, mucous membrane of the cheek, lips and gums, mucous glands of the oral cavity, periosteum of the mouth and nose, submandibular and sublingual glands.
6. Submental, nodi lymphatici submentales, collect lymph from the same areas of the head as the submandibular, as well as from the tip of the tongue. There are two groups of lymph nodes in the neck: anterior cervical, nodi lymphatici cervicales anteriores, and lateral cervical, nodi lymphatici cervicales laterales.

The anterior cervical lymph nodes are divided into superficial and deep, among the latter there are: preglottic (lie in front of the larynx), thyroid (in front of the thyroid gland), pretracheal and paratracheal (in front and on the sides of the trachea). The lateral nodes also make up the superficial and deep groups. Superficial nodes lie along the external jugular vein.

The deep nodes form chains along the internal jugular vein, the transverse artery of the neck (supraclavicular nodes) and behind the pharynx - the retropharyngeal nodes. Of the deep cervical lymph nodes, nodus lymphaticus jugulo-digastricus and nodus lymphaticus jugulo-omohyoideus deserve special attention.

The first is located on the internal jugular vein at the level of the greater horn of the hyoid bone. The second lies on the internal jugular vein directly above m. omohyoideus. They receive the lymphatic vessels of the tongue either directly or through the submental and submandibular lymph nodes. Cancer cells can enter them when a tumor affects the tongue.

The retropharyngeal nodes, nodi lymphatici nefropharyngeales, receive lymph from the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and its accessory air cavities, from the hard and soft palate, the root of the tongue, the nasal and oral parts of the pharynx, as well as the middle ear. From all these nodes, lymph flows to the cervical nodes. Lymphatic vessels:

1. the skin and muscles of the neck are directed to the nodi lymphatici cervicales superficiales;
2. larynx (lymphatic plexus of the mucous membrane above the vocal cords) - through the membrana thyrohyoidea to the nodi lymphatici cervicales anteriores profundi; lymphatic vessels of the mucous membrane below the glottis go in two ways: anteriorly - through the membrana thyrohyoidea to the nodi lymphatici cervicales anteriores profundi (preglottic) and posteriorly - to the nodules located along n. laryngeus recurrens (paratracheal);
3. thyroid gland - mainly to the nodi lymphatici cervicales anteriores profundi (thyroid); from the isthmus - to the anterior superficial cervical nodes;
4. from the pharynx and palatine tonsils, lymph flows to the nodi lymphatici retropharyngei et cervicales laterales profundi.

From the organs of the head, lymphatic vessels deliver lymph to the lymph nodes, which lie in small groups on the border of the head and neck [occipital, mastoid (behind the ear), parotid, retropharyngeal, facial, submandibular, submental] (Fig. 93). From these nodes, lymph flows through the vessels to the superficial and deep lymph nodes of the neck (anterior, lateral, posterior), into which lymphatic vessels from the organs of the neck also flow. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the nodes of the largest cervical chain - the lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes - form the jugular (lymphatic) trunk.

Occipital lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici occipitdles (1-6), lie on the superficial layer of the cervical fascia, behind the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as under this leaf on the splenius capitis muscle and under this muscle near the occipital blood vessels. The occipital lymph nodes are approached by lymphatic vessels from the skin of the occipital region and from the deep tissues of the occipital region. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the occipital nodes are directed to the lateral deep cervical lymph nodes (nodes of the accessory nerve chain).

Mastoid(behind the ear) The lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici mastoidei (1-4), are localized behind the auricle on the mastoid process at the site of attachment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. They receive lymphatic vessels from the auricle and the skin of the parietal region. The efferent lymphatic vessels of these nodes are directed to the parotid, superficial cervical (near the external jugular vein) and lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes.

Parotid lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici parotidei, located in the area of the salivary gland of the same name. Outside (lateral) of this gland lie superficial parotid lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici parotidei superficiales (1-4), and under the capsule of the gland and in the thickness of the parotid gland between its lobules there are small deep parotid (intraglandular) lymph nodes,nodi lym phatici parotidei profundi intraglanduldres (4-10). Lymphatic vessels from the skin and other organs of the frontal and parietal areas of the head, from the auricle, external auditory canal, auditory tube, upper lip, and parotid gland are sent to the parotid lymph nodes. The efferent lymphatic vessels of these nodes are directed to the superficial (near the external jugular vein) and lateral deep (along the internal jugular vein) cervical lymph nodes.

Retropharyngeal lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici retropha- ryngeales (1-3), lie on the prevertebral plate of the cervical fascia behind the pharynx and on its lateral walls. Lymphatic vessels are directed to these nodes from the walls of the pharynx, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal (paranasal) sinuses, from the tonsils and palate, the auditory tube and* the tympanic cavity of the middle ear. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the retropharyngeal nodes flow into the lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes.

Mandibular lymph nodes,nodi lymphaticitap-dibuldres (I-3), non-permanent, lie in the subcutaneous base on the outer surface of the body of the lower jaw, near the facial artery and vein. In the subcutaneous tissue (fiber) of the cheeks near the facial vessels there are also non-permanent facial (cheek) lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici facidtes (buccina- torii). Vessels from the skin of the face, soft tissues of the eyelid, nose, lips, and cheeks are sent to the lymph nodes of these groups. Their efferent vessels flow into submandibular lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici submandibulares (6-8), which are located in the submandibular triangle, anterior and posterior to the salivary gland of the same name. The lymphatic vessels of the submandibular nodes go down along the facial vein and flow into the lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes. Submental lymph nodes,nodi lym phatici submentdles (1-8), are located on the lower surface of the geniohyoid muscle, between the anterior bellies of the right and left digastric muscles along the length from the chin to the body of the hyoid bone.

The division of the lymph nodes of the neck is based on their relationship to the superficial plate of the cervical fascia, as well as to the large vessels of the neck. In this regard, the superficial cervical lymph nodes, lying on the superficial plate, and the deep ones, located under it, are distinguished. Separate regional groups of lymph nodes lie near large vessels - the veins of the neck (Fig. 94).

Superficial cervical lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici cervicles superficidles (1-5), found in 3/4 cases, are located near the external jugular vein (1-3 nodes), on the trapezius muscle (1-2 nodes), in the back of the neck and rarely - near the anterior jugular vein (1 node) . Their efferent lymphatic vessels go to the lateral deep cervical lymph nodes, which lie near the internal jugular vein and the external branch of the accessory nerve.

Deep cervical lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici cer vicdles profundi, concentrated in the anterior and lateral areas of the neck. To the anterior deep cervical lymph nodes

relate preglottic lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici prelaryngedles (1-2), thyroid,nodi lymphatici thyroidei (1-2), pretracheal,nodi lymphatici pretracheales (1 - 8), paratracheal,nodi lymphatici paratracheales (1-7), lying next to the trachea. In the lateral region of the neck there are numerous lymph nodes (11-68), which form several regional groups. This lateral cervical deep(internal jugular)The lymph nodes,nodi lympha tici cervicles laterales profundi (7-60). They are localized near the internal jugular vein; 1-8 lymph nodes in the form of a chain are adjacent to the external branch of the accessory nerve. Near the superficial branch of the transverse artery of the neck there are from 1 to 8 lymph nodes. In the lateral region of the neck there are also non-permanent lymph nodes (1-2) lying on the splenius capitis muscle. Through the efferent lymphatic vessels of these nodes, lymph flows to the lateral cervical deep lymph nodes, which are adjacent to the internal jugular vein on all sides from the base of the skull to the confluence with the subclavian vein. In the group of lateral cervical deep lymph nodes there are jugular-digastric node,nodus jugulodigdstricus, And jugular-scapular-hyoid node,nodus juguloomohyoideus, to which the lymphatic vessels of the tongue are mainly directed. The first of these nodes is located at the level of the intersection of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle with the internal jugular vein, and the second is at the place where the belly of the omohyoid muscle is adjacent to the anterior surface of the internal jugular vein.

The efferent lymphatic vessels of the lateral cervical deep lymph nodes form on each side of the neck jugular trunk,tr(incus juguldris (dexter et sinister). This trunk flows into the venous angle or into one of the veins forming it on the corresponding side, or into the right lymphatic duct and the terminal section of the thoracic duct (on the left).

Occipital lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici occipitdles(1-6), lie on the superficial layer of the cervical fascia, behind the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as under this leaf on the splenius capitis muscle and under this muscle near the occipital blood vessels. The occipital lymph nodes are approached by lymphatic vessels from the skin of the occipital region and from the deep tissues of the occipital region. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the occipital nodes are directed to the lateral deep cervical lymph nodes (nodes of the accessory nerve chain).

Mastoid(behind the ear) The lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici mastoidei(1-4), are localized behind the auricle on the mastoid process at the site of attachment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. They receive lymphatic vessels from the auricle and the skin of the parietal region. The efferent lymphatic vessels of these nodes are directed to the parotid, superficial cervical (near the external jugular vein) and lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes.

Parotid lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici parotidei, located in the area of the salivary gland of the same name. Outside (lateral) of this gland lie superficial parotid lymph nodes(1-4), and under the capsule of the gland and in the thickness of the parotid gland between its lobules there are small deep parotid (intraglandular) lymph nodes, nodi lymphatici parotidei profundi intraglanduldres(4-10). Lymphatic vessels from the skin and other organs of the frontal and parietal areas of the head, from the auricle, external auditory canal, auditory tube, upper lip, and parotid gland are sent to the parotid lymph nodes. The efferent lymphatic vessels of these nodes are directed to the superficial (near the external jugular vein) and lateral deep (along the internal jugular vein) cervical lymph nodes.

Retropharyngeal lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici retropha-ryngeales(1-3), lie on the prevertebral plate of the cervical fascia behind the pharynx and on its lateral walls. Lymphatic vessels are directed to these nodes from the walls of the pharynx, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal (paranasal) sinuses, from the tonsils and palate, the auditory tube and* the tympanic cavity of the middle ear. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the retropharyngeal nodes flow into the lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes.

Mandibular lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici tap-dibuldres(I-3), non-permanent, lie in the subcutaneous base on the outer surface of the body of the lower jaw, near the facial artery and vein. In the subcutaneous tissue (fiber) of the cheeks near the facial vessels there are also non-permanent facial (buccal) lymph nodes, nodi lymphatici facidtes (buccina-torii). Vessels from the skin of the face, soft tissues of the eyelid, nose, lips, and cheeks are sent to the lymph nodes of these groups. Their efferent vessels flow into submandibular lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici submandibulares(6-8), which are located in the submandibular triangle, anterior and posterior to the salivary gland of the same name. The lymphatic vessels of the submandibular nodes go down along the facial vein and flow into the lateral deep cervical (internal jugular) lymph nodes. Submental lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici submentdles(1-8), are located on the lower surface of the geniohyoid muscle, between the anterior bellies of the right and left digastric muscles along the length from the chin to the body of the hyoid bone.

Superficial cervical lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici cervicdles superficidles(1-5), found in 3/4 cases, are located near the external jugular vein (1-3 nodes), on the trapezius muscle (1-2 nodes), in the back of the neck and rarely - near the anterior jugular vein (1 node) . Their efferent lymphatic vessels go to the lateral deep cervical lymph nodes, which lie near the internal jugular vein and the external branch of the accessory nerve.

Deep cervical lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici cervicdles profundi, concentrated in the anterior and lateral areas of the neck. To the anterior deep cervical lymph nodes

relate prelaryngeal lymph nodes(1-2), thyroid, nodi lymphatici thyroidei(1-2), pretracheal, nodi lymphatici pretracheales(1 - 8), paratracheal, nodi lymphatici paratracheales(1-7), lying next to the trachea. In the lateral region of the neck there are numerous lymph nodes (11-68), which form several regional groups. This lateral cervical deep(internal jugular)The lymph nodes,nodi lymphatici cervicdles laterales profundi(7-60). They are localized near the internal jugular vein; 1-8 lymph nodes in the form of a chain are adjacent to the external branch of the accessory nerve. Near the superficial branch of the transverse artery of the neck there are from 1 to 8 lymph nodes. In the lateral region of the neck there are also non-permanent lymph nodes (1-2) lying on the splenius capitis muscle. Through the efferent lymphatic vessels of these nodes, lymph flows to the lateral cervical deep lymph nodes, which are adjacent to the internal jugular vein on all sides from the base of the skull to the confluence with the subclavian vein. In the group of lateral cervical deep lymph nodes there are jugular-digastric node,nodus jugulodigdstricus, And jugular-scapular-hyoid node,nodus juguloomohyoideus, to which the lymphatic vessels of the tongue are mainly directed. The first of these nodes is located at the level of the intersection of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle with the internal jugular vein, and the second is at the place where the belly of the omohyoid muscle is adjacent to the anterior surface of the internal jugular vein.

The efferent lymphatic vessels of the lateral cervical deep lymph nodes form on each side of the neck jugular trunk,tr(incus juguldris (dexter et sinister). This trunk flows into the venous angle or into one of the veins forming it on the corresponding side, or into the right lymphatic duct and the terminal section of the thoracic duct (on the left).

Probably no one will argue that in the human body the most important are two interconnected systems - the circulatory and lymphatic. Everything is relatively clear with the circulatory system: it transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, nutrients and metabolic products excreted through the kidneys, skin, lungs and other organs, as well as thermoregulation in warm-blooded animals. Thus, it is impossible to overestimate its importance in the life of the body, but the lymphatic system is no less important. Lymph is the liquid component of blood, and this system is designed to drain lymph, maintain homeostasis, replenish blood lymphocytes, and participate in humoral and cellular immunity. The lymphatic system consists of vessels and lymph nodes, which are grouped into regional lymph nodes.

Lymphatic system

The entire set of structures of this system is represented by an extensive network of vessels (capillaries, trunks, ducts), on which there are numerous seals - regional, or regional nodes. As the body's fluid circulation system, the lymphatic system is responsible for removing water, insoluble particles, colloidal and suspended solutions from tissues. In regional lymph nodes, clusters of lymphocytes destroy harmful substances, performing an immune (protective) function.

Lymph nodes in the system

These are anatomical formations of pink color, soft and elastic when palpated. Usually kidney-shaped, ranging from 0.5 to 50 millimeters in length. are located singly or in groups and are found in important anatomical parts of the body. They are characterized by individual differentiation, and with age, neighboring nodes can merge. The nodes that are the first on the path of the vessels of the lymphatic system carrying lymph from a specific department or organ (region) are called regional or regional lymph nodes.

Human lymph nodes

The number of such “filters” in the body varies individually, but on average there are from 400 to 1000. The following diagram will help you understand where the regional lymph nodes are located.

Throughout a person’s life, they are rebuilt, changing their shape and structure. With age, their number decreases by 1.5-2 times, they can merge or be replaced by connective or adipose tissue. The nodes become impenetrable to lymph and atrophy. Accordingly, the level of the body's immune response and overall resistance to infections decreases.

Functions of lymph nodes

In addition to filtration, this component of the lymphatic system performs the following functions:

direct formation of immune reactions (production of T-lymphocytes and phagocytes);
maintaining water homeostasis in the body;
drainage of intercellular fluid;
participation in important metabolisms of proteins, fats, carbohydrates.

Types of regional lymph nodes

Groups of lymph nodes are located so as to block the path of infection. The following groups of regional lymph nodes are distinguished:

mediastinal (intrathoracic);
bronchopulmonology;
elbow and popliteal;
splenic;
paraortic;
mudjet.
ileal;
inguinal and femoral.

Enlargement of regional lymph nodes indicates trouble in the “service” zone of the node, which is one of the indicators in diagnosing diseases.

Lymph node structure

Anatomically, this structure has a lobular structure. Each node is covered with a connective tissue capsule. The medulla (external) and cortical (internal) substance are separated by trabeculae, or crossbars.

The medulla contains follicles in which B lymphocytes undergo antigen-dependent maturation and differentiation. The cortex contains mainly T-lymphocytes, which also mature and differentiate here. The lymph nodes form the body's immune response to foreign antigens that the lymph brings into the sinusoidal ducts. The surface of the ducts is covered with macrophage cells, whose task is to destroy foreign objects.

At the entrance of the lymphatic vessel there is a depression - the gate. Through the sinuses of the capsule - special gaps between the capsule and the crossbars - lymph enters the capsules of the cortex and medulla, collects in the portal sinus and enters the efferent vessel. When passing through the structures of the node, lymph is filtered.

Types of Lymph Nodes

Conventionally, three types of these formations are distinguished:

Rapid response, in which the area of the cortex is smaller than the medulla. Fills up very quickly.
Compact structure or slow response - there is more cortex than medulla.
Intermediate - both substances (cortical and medulla) are presented in equal quantities.

The effectiveness of treatment of oncological diseases largely depends on the individual predominance of one or another type of regional lymph nodes in a person.

Structure violations

In a healthy body, the lymph nodes are not painful and can hardly be felt. If regional lymph nodes are enlarged, this indicates an unfavorable condition of the region to which this structure belongs. An increase in size and pain in the area of the node may indicate the presence of viral infections (herpes, measles, rubella) or connective tissue disorders (arthritis, rheumatism). Deep lesions of regional lymph nodes are observed in lymphedema, lyfangioma, lymphosarcoma, lymphadenitis, tuberculosis, HIV and in the late stages of oncological lesions of various organs. At the first sign of concern, you should consult a doctor. To diagnose the condition, the most accurate study today is ultrasound of regional lymph nodes.

When to see a doctor

An enlarged node is a reason to consult a doctor (immunologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist). But do not panic - more often this condition is associated with an infectious lesion, much less often with oncology.

With purulent inflammation in the tissues, microbes from the wounds enter the lymph nodes, causing lymphadenitis - an acute inflammatory process. If you do not open the purulent node, phlegmon may develop - a serious complication and rupture of the lymph node.
Various forms of tuberculosis always cause enlargement of the lymph nodes, most often in the neck area (the so-called “scrofula”).
The nodules can become enlarged when infected with Bartonella and cause cat scratch disease. Cats are carriers of the microbe. Enlarged nodes and non-healing wounds should alert parents.
Quite often, lymph nodes become enlarged during ARVI as a result of the body’s fight against the invading virus. Upon recovery, the nodes return to normal.
In the groin area, enlarged nodes are often associated with sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis).

In addition to referring for an ultrasound, the doctor may refer the patient for a general blood test, an immunogram, an HIV test and a puncture of the regional lymph node of the affected area.

What will an ultrasound show?

Timely and high-quality examination largely determines the success of treatment and can save not only the health, but also the life of the patient. The study will show changes in the structure of the tissue of the node, disturbances in blood supply, localization of the lesion, and echo density of the tissue. The study also takes into account accompanying symptoms: chills, body aches, insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches. The reliability of the ultrasound examination results is quite high. Errors in interpretation may be due to the presence of an abscess or cyst at the examination site. In this case, an additional examination is prescribed: tomography or biopsy. Ultrasound examination of lymph nodes has no contraindications, does not irradiate and does not harm health.

Regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland

The lymphatic system of the mammary gland consists of sections inside and outside the organ. The internal system is represented by fatty tissue, capillaries and parenchyma of the mammary gland itself. Regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland are axillary, subclavian and parasternal lymph nodes. An increase in axillary nodes and the absence of their pain is a more alarming sign than the presence of swelling and painful palpation. Painless enlarged nodes indicate the onset of metastasis of malignant tumors.

Regional lymph nodes of the thyroid gland

Regional thyroid nodes include nodes in the neck and those located behind the sternum. The inflammatory process begins with an enlarged node, swelling and painful palpation. In this case, the risk of spreading infection or cancer metastasis is dangerous due to its proximity to the brain.

Spread of cancer

Cancer cells spread in the body in the following ways:

hematogenous route (through blood vessels);
lymphogenous route (through lymphatic vessels, through lymph nodes);
mixed way.

The lymph nodes of the neck are the main barrier to infections and tumors of the head organs; the nodes protect the mammary glands, arms, and shoulder blades. may indicate inflammation of the ovaries, syphilis, colitis and colpitis, appendicitis and arthritis. With inflammation in the oral cavity and oncology of the lips, jaws or tongue, the submandibular lymph nodes become enlarged. Oncological neoplasms in the abdominal cavity give metastases to the lymph nodes of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Oncological diseases and lymph

It is by the increase in regional lymphatic vessels that one can judge the initial stages of malignant formations. In the world, oncology today ranks second in terms of mortality after cardiovascular pathologies. The World Health Organization predicts a doubling of mortality from malignant pathologies in the next twenty years. Here are a few facts that speak for themselves.

About 25% of all cancer cases are caused by hepatitis and human papillomavirus.

A third of deaths from cancer are associated with food sources of risk. These are obesity, low levels of vegetables and fruits in the diet, lack of physical activity, drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.

Among oncological pathologies, lung cancer is the leader, followed by cancer of the liver, colon and rectum, stomach and breast.

Male mortality rates are highest in central and eastern Europe, and females are most likely to die from cancer in eastern Africa.

According to WHO, every year more than 200 thousand children worldwide become ill with cancer.

Health is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or borrowed. Every person who wants to lead an active lifestyle and occupy a certain social position is obliged to take care of their health. Today, being healthy is fashionable, it means being in trend. Healthy eating, feasible exercise, giving up bad habits - all this will help you avoid getting sick and support your body. However, at the first signs and symptoms of the lymphatic system, you should consult a doctor. Timely treatment, high-quality examination and correct diagnosis are the key to successful treatment, return to good health and prolongation of life.