Size of lymph nodes in the left axillary area. Inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes in women

People's health largely depends on the condition of the lymph nodes (glands). There are many of them, about 700 units. under the arm refers to and is a stronghold of the immune system. This is one of the organs in which immune cells mature. Placed in the most critical places: near organs and in places of bends to increase the flow rate of fluid called lymph.

One of the most problematic glands are the axillary lymph nodes. They are the most frequently inflamed.

Purpose

The lymph nodes in the armpits are designed to cleanse the clear fluid of lymph. They produce antibodies and lymphocytes. The nodes trap aggressive cells that invade healthy cells of the body (cancer and the like); infection; bacteria; viruses; nuclides and various debris entering the blood. There is a fight and destruction of foreign cells. In this way, the organs of the armpit area and tissue are protected. These include the chest, mammary gland and upper limbs. In addition, lymphocytes enter the infected organ from the lymph nodes through efferent vessels, which also help destroy the disease.

Since the immune system protects the body, it sends lymphocyte cells to the site of infection. Lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to protect against microbes, accumulate at the site of infection and form lymphoid follicles - round vesicles. At rest, nodes in the axillary zone look like a rim of lymphoid tissue around adipose tissue in the center of the armpit cavity.

Location

The location of the axillary lymph nodes is classified as follows:

Central.
Apical.
Lateral.
Breasts.
Subscapular.

Let's look at where the lymph nodes are located. The science of anatomy explains the location of the lymph nodes and how many there can be:

The center of the armpit has up to 8 central nodes. They cleanse the superficial lymphatic vessels of the chest, upper extremities, and mammary glands.
In the axillary region, there are up to 10 lymph nodes in the cavity. The lymph nodes under the armpit are connected to other lymph nodes in the armpit. All of them also have a connection with the subcutaneous vessels of the upper extremities and the mammary gland.
There can be up to 8 units of lateral nodes.
At the inner wall of the cavity in the armpits there are up to 9 mammary lymph glands connected to the chest, its side wall, and the mammary gland.
In the armpits, in the fossa at the back wall, there are up to 11 subscapular nodes associated with the muscles and skin of the shoulder and chest cavity, its lateral surface.

The axillary fossa is the location of the lateral nodes at the outer wall. It is also called the axillary fossa. The glands are connected to the deep and superficial vessels of the upper extremities.

As a person ages, the number of nodes may change due to their connection with each other, that is, sticking together into one.

The diagram clearly demonstrates the location of the lymph nodes under the armpit.

If we look at the axillary fossa, the diagram will show:

The area enclosed between the pectoralis muscle, the serratus anterior muscle and the inner surface of the shoulder.
The skin contains sebaceous and sweat glands.
The skin is very thin and covered with hair.
Under the subcutaneous fat layer lies its own layer of fatty tissue. It contains the axillary artery, vein, nerves, and axillary lymph nodes.

Structure

There is a small depression in the armpit - the gate. This is where the lymphatic vessel comes out. Crossbars also extend from the goal. The long gate bars are connected to the capsule bars, which creates a lobular structure of the lymph node. The capsule contains the cortex. Lymph entering the lymph nodes in the armpits flows through the sinuses - the gap between the crossbars and the capsule. In addition to the cortex, the lymph node has a medulla located near the gate. Lymph inside the gland travels a long way, leaving microbes, tumor cells, and foreign particles along the way. Viscous fluid from the sinus under the capsule enters the sinuses of the cortex and medulla. Then, passing through the portal sinus, it leaks into the efferent vessels.

Dimensions

The lymph nodes under the arms vary in size depending on where they are located. Typically the dimensions range from 0.5 to 1 mm. For some glands, such as the inguinal and cervical glands, larger sizes are acceptable. Inguinal – 1.6; cervical – 1.5 mm.

Causes of inflammation

The axillary area becomes inflamed due to infection of the body, bacteria, and the occurrence of purulent abscesses of low-quality tumors. There are many infectious and bacterial diseases; there is no point in listing them. Under these circumstances, all lymph glands can become inflamed. But more often those that are close to the source of the disease become inflamed. So, if there is a problem in the mammary glands, chest and upper limbs.

How much the node initially enlarged depends on the degree of the inflammatory process. If the process progresses, the gland may enlarge more, which will lead to the disease lymphadenitis. If the nodes become inflamed and the process turns into a disease, then such glands are called lymphadenitis.

Boils often appear in the axillary fossa. Their inflammation is very dangerous. If the inflammation spreads under the pectoral muscle, subpectoral phlegmon will develop.

Air embolism occurs when arterial bleeding occurs due to damage to large vessels due to injury to the fossa.

The lymph node in the armpit has enlarged in women in the absence of visible causes (infection, bacterial contamination, abscesses, etc.). This should be alarming. Breast cancer may be developing.

During pregnancy, the nodes in the axillary fossa increased due to a decrease in immunity during this period due to changes in the body, development of the mammary glands, hormonal changes and other changes. After a few days it returns to normal.

However, the possibility of developing a cold or infection due to the weakening of the general condition cannot be ruled out.

During pregnancy, a woman's sensitivity to household appliances and cosmetics may increase, which will lead to inflammation of the nodes.

The cause of inflammation of the axillary glands is injury from shaving the hair. An infection or bacteria can get into a cut.

The reason for the increase in the size of the node in the axillary region in a child is teething. At this moment, his immunity decreases. Your temperature may rise. But the node itself is painless. There is no pain on palpation. Deterioration of the condition, an increase in temperature above the norm of the catarrhal form indicates the occurrence of intoxication.

Symptoms

Accompanied by similar symptoms for nodes in any area, including in the armpits:

Increase in size;
Painful palpation;
Redness of the skin;
Temperature;
Nausea is possible, especially in babies when they are teething;
Babies can be capricious and have headaches;
Nausea and vomiting may occur;
If the lymph glands are inflamed due to allergies, then symptoms may include swelling of the face, vomiting, and hives;
Sweating profusely.

Treatment

The axillary region is the anatomical zone of the armpit cavity. The walls of the cavity formed groups of muscles. In the cavity, lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, and blood vessels are recessed into the fatty tissue.

In the axillary region:

The condition of the lymph nodes under the arm is examined using ultrasound.
Diagnosis using breast ultrasound to detect cancer.
Injections with butolotoxin preparations are performed to treat hyperhidrosis.

Viral diseases are treated with immunomodulatory therapy (drugs that restore effective immune defense):

Immunal - tablets;
Eleutherococcus tincture;
Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon 1 time per day;
Echinacea tincture.

If the inflammation is purulent, surgical opening of the abscess is required.

If cancer is detected, chemotherapy is used.

For redness of the skin, various ointments are prescribed, such as troxevasin, heparin and others as prescribed by the doctor.

To reduce the size of the inflamed gland, doctors recommend physiotherapy, herbal medicine with sage and chamomile.

Conclusion

To combat the ever-increasing number of infectious and bacterial diseases, modern medicine proposes to adopt immunomodulatory therapy, which improves immunity. It is immunity that is able to eliminate the causative agent of infection, and not only limit the area of distribution.

It is important to remember: to maintain health, you need to walk long distances without stopping, preferably every day. Then the lymph will have time to cleanse the body of all harmful elements through the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system will make a full revolution only when walking non-stop.

Lymph nodes are located in different places in our body; there are about 150 of them. Their greatest accumulation is in places that are most often attacked by germs and bacteria: in the groin, near the armpits, on the neck.

Human lymphatic system

Of these, the lymph nodes located in the armpit area are the most susceptible to attack, so they most often become inflamed. At the same time, it is important to know how to treat the pathology so as not to harm the body.

The human lymphatic and immune systems are closely related. Therefore, any even slight enlargement of the lymph nodes may indicate the presence of a disease that requires urgent treatment. But in order to prescribe the correct therapy, it is necessary to find out what is causing the inflammation.

The reasons may be different:

Colds and viral diseases. Most often, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is associated with throat diseases, such as sore throat, ARVI, influenza and other viral infections. Before treating lymphadenitis, it is first necessary to eliminate the underlying disease, and the lymph nodes themselves will then recover;
Viruses and bacteria. The most common causative agents of inflammation in the lymph nodes are staphylococci and streptococci;
Oncological diseases. Here, special attention should be paid to breast cancer. But the body can also react in a similar way to tumors in the lungs or throat. In rare cases, the cause may be a malignant tumor of the lymph nodes;
Thrombophlebitis. If the blood is very thick, blockage of the veins may occur, which contributes to inflammation of the lymph nodes located nearby;
Toxin poisoning. In case of poisoning, the body tries to remove poisons, including through the sweat glands, the largest number of which are located in the armpits. Because of this, the lymph nodes in this area may become enlarged;
Allergy. The same principle applies as with toxin poisoning. The most common culprit is deodorant that prevents sweating;
Increased sweating. When you sweat very heavily, the sweat glands are attacked by many bacteria. The lymph nodes that guard order sometimes fail to cope with their task, and their inflammation may occur;
Furunculosis. Inflammation of the hair follicles can also lead to enlarged lymph nodes.

Note! With oncology of the lymph nodes, not only those where the tumor is located often become inflamed, but also others: in the groin, near the ears.

When the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, only a qualified doctor can tell you how to treat it. He will determine the cause of the inflammation and prescribe the correct treatment aimed at eliminating the disease that caused the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, an experienced doctor will tell you how to treat it

If the lymph nodes are enlarged and painful, doctors recommend following the following measures to treat inflammation:

Do not overload diseased lymph nodes, especially in the early stages;
Apply an integrated approach to treatment - physiotherapy, compresses, ointments, etc.;
Take antibiotics only under the supervision of your doctor;
Increase immunity.

Be careful! If the lymph nodes in the armpits become systematically inflamed, this may indicate a serious illness. Therefore, before treating them, you need to make sure that the chosen drugs will help cope with the pathology.

Antibiotic therapy for inflammation of the lymph nodes

If the disease of the lymph nodes is associated with a viral infection, then for successful treatment the doctor must prescribe antibiotics that help slow down the inflammatory process. They are most often used at the early stage of the disease.

Amoxicillin

If the inflammation is not specific, penicillin antibiotics will be sufficient:

Benzylpenicillin;
Oxacillin;
Amoxicillin.

Antibiotic therapy usually lasts from 10 to 14 days, during which time the lymph nodes shrink or their inflammation subsides altogether. If enlarged lymph nodes occur as a result of tuberculosis, treatment must be carried out in a hospital.

Local treatment with anti-inflammatory ointments

Since there are many causes of inflammation, different medications are also used to eliminate these causes. As a rule, after the underlying disease is cured, inflammation in the area of the lymph nodes subsides on its own. But if the treatment is comprehensive, then the result will come much faster. So, in addition to injections and tablets, local treatment is also used - compresses and ointments that relieve inflammation.

Most often, the following anti-inflammatory ointments are used to treat an enlarged lymph node:

Boric Vaseline;
Troxevasin;
Heparin ointment.

The use of Chlorethyl to relieve inflammation in the lymph nodes

Not everyone knows what to do and how to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes. Doctors often recommend the use of Chlorethyl. This drug not only eliminates the inflammatory process well, but also anesthetizes the area around the affected area.

It is used topically, just spray the area of the inflamed lymph node, and the skin around it will become numb. To completely prevent inflammation, several sessions are sufficient.

Physiotherapy for the treatment of lymph nodes in the armpit

Physiotherapeutic procedures have a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, so doctors very often prescribe them as an addition to the treatment of the underlying viral disease.

Basically, this is electrophoresis with the use of drugs and ultrasound therapy in the area of the affected lymph node, which not only help relieve inflammation, but also reduce pain.

Traditional recipes for the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes

In some cases, folk remedies help well with inflammation of the lymph nodes. Among traditional medicines aimed at treating the inflammatory process in the lymphatic system, the main ones are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating agents.

Herbal tinctures are an effective remedy against inflammation of the lymph nodes

Name of folk medicine	Medicine prescription	What is the drug aimed at?
Echinacea tincture	The tincture should be taken three times a day after meals, 0.5 tsp, diluted in ¼ tbsp. water	Prevents not only inflammation of the lymph node in the armpit, but also promotes the treatment and elimination of certain viral diseases that caused the inflammation
Aloe juice	Aloe juice, honey and red wine are mixed in equal proportions and left for a week. You should take 1 tbsp. l. before meals	Good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent
Beet juice	Squeeze the juice from the beets, refrigerate for 5 hours, and only then can you drink 0.5 tbsp. on an empty stomach for 7 days	Antiviral and immunostimulating effect
Calendula	It is brewed like tea and taken 50 ml 4 times a day, but not more than 10 days	Removes pathogenic microorganisms from lymph
Tansy	Brew like tea, leave for 4 hours, drink 20 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day. You can mix tansy with calendula flowers	Anti-inflammatory effect
Garlic tincture	Infuse 2 heads of garlic in 1 liter of water for 3 days. Take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day.	Strong antiviral agent
Vitamin C	It is recommended to take 200 ml three times a day. There are more products that contain this vitamin - citrus fruits, cabbage and others.	It is especially prescribed if inflammation occurs as a result of a sore throat, flu or acute respiratory viral infection, since in this case immunity increases
A decoction of calendula flowers, elderberry, lavender, wormwood and currant leaves	Two tablespoons of a mixture of dry plants are poured into 1 liter of boiling water and left overnight. Then taken throughout the day. The course of treatment is up to two months.	General strengthening, immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory

Important to remember! You can't let the disease take its course. Disease of the lymph nodes is dangerous because, without the necessary treatment, it can become chronic, and this will lead to constant exacerbations.

Surgery as a way to treat inflamed lymph nodes

In general, treatment of inflamed lymph nodes is carried out conservatively. Surgical intervention should be resorted to only in cases of purulent lymphadenitis. The operation is performed urgently to eliminate accumulated pus.

Surgical treatment is also used for malignant tumors of the lymph nodes. In this case, the affected lymph node is completely removed, and special anti-cancer drugs are prescribed.

Inflammation of the lymph node in the armpit area. How to treat and which doctor should I contact?

If the lymph node in the armpit is inflamed, it is better to see a doctor than to try to treat it yourself.

First of all, you should come to see your family doctor - therapist. He will order tests to determine whether the inflammation is due to an infectious disease or whether it may be something more serious. To identify more serious diseases, mammography and ultrasound are prescribed, as well as tests for cancer markers.

The next doctor you should visit is a surgeon. He will examine the inflammation and make a conclusion regarding the need for surgical intervention.

If inflammation of the lymph node is accompanied by increased fatigue and poor appetite, then you should definitely visit an oncologist in order to promptly identify or refute the appearance of a malignant tumor.

In case of lymph node cancer, in addition to weakness, a characteristic sign is shortness of breath and pale skin.

Since the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes are different, the treatment will be specific in each case. In one case, doctors recommend immunostimulants and vitamins, in the other, antibiotics cannot be avoided.

But under any circumstances, increasing immunity, which is directly related to the human lymphatic system, will significantly help.

Take care of yourself and your health, because health is the most important thing!

How to treat inflammation of the lymph node under the arm. Causes of inflammation

What to do if the lymph node under the armpit, on the neck or in other places is inflamed. Tips on how to treat the disease:

An excerpt from a TV show that talks about lymph nodes, the causes of their inflammation, and treatment methods:

What causes inflammation of the lymph nodes:

About the cervical and axillary lymph nodes from the doctor:

The lymph node under the arm can become inflamed and painful for various reasons. This group of lymph nodes is distinguished by its superficial location, so any pathologies in this area have specific symptoms that are easy to detect. First, you need to figure out where exactly these lymph nodes are located, how disruptions in their functioning manifest themselves, and what reasons can provoke inflammation.

Unpleasant sensations in the armpits, radiating to the arm and chest area, are often the first sign of inflammation of the lymph nodes localized in the armpit

The axillary lymph nodes are a group of superficial lymph nodes that are found in the armpit and along the pectoral muscle. They are located in the subcutaneous fat, are large in size and react acutely to pathological processes occurring throughout the body.

Disruption of the axillary lymph nodes is an alarming signal indicating a malfunction of the immune system. In addition, enlargement of lymph nodes in the axillary fossa and axillary region is one of the typical manifestations of breast cancer, so disorders of these organs of the lymphatic system cannot be ignored.

The lymph node under the arm can become enlarged and inflamed in response to various infectious diseases. Due to the superficial location and large size of the lymph nodes in the armpit, it is not difficult to suspect the onset of a pathological process, since a specific symptom of disorders of these organs is their enlargement. The main thing is to find where the axillary lymph nodes are located. The development of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm is easy to diagnose at an early stage by the characteristic swelling of the node and the appearance of pain.

Location and functions

Lymph nodes in the armpits are located in the fatty tissue of the armpit. They are located in the center of the fossa, on the inside and outside of the armpit, and also near the pectoral muscle. This group often includes subscapular lymph nodes, located in a chain from the outer edge of the axillary fossa to the area under the scapula. An anatomical diagram will help you understand in more detail the location of the lymph nodes under the armpit.

The lymph node is the most important organ of the human lymphatic system. It is a small formation in the subcutaneous fat layer, predominantly bean-shaped or round in shape. The structure of the nodes is homogeneous and quite dense. The axillary lymph nodes are located in clusters. They are distinguished by their superficial location, so they are easily palpated.

Their main function is to cleanse the lymph of toxins and infections, as well as saturate it with immune cells (lymphocytes) for their further transmission into the blood. In fact, these formations act as a filter for the entire body. The intercellular fluid travels through the lymphatic vessels to the nodes, is processed, and then used to transport immune cells and other important substances into the circulatory system.

The axillary lymph nodes react acutely to pathologies of the mediastinal organs and mammary glands, so their enlargement or inflammation is an alarming symptom that requires a comprehensive examination.

The condition of the armpit lymph nodes is a kind of marker of the health of the whole body. Due to the peculiarities of their location, they are the first to respond to serious malfunctions in the body. Enlarged lymph nodes are an important diagnostic sign of systemic infectious diseases, autoimmune processes and oncology.

Sizes for children and adults

In children under three years of age, the axillary lymph nodes may always be slightly enlarged and there is no need to worry about this

The number of lymph nodes and their size are a physiological feature of each person. So, there can be from 300 to 800 lymph nodes in the body. It is difficult to say how many lymph nodes a person has under his arm. On average, each person has from 5 to 20 axillary lymph nodes. If we take into account the axillary lymph nodes located along the vessels of the mammary glands, this number can be up to 40 lymph nodes on the right and left. An anatomical diagram will help you understand in more detail where the lymph nodes are located under the armpit.

The normal size of the axillary lymph nodes is a purely individual matter. The normal size of armpit lymph nodes is a diameter of 3 to 10 mm. Moreover, in some people the sizes can be very small (1-3 mm), while in others the lymph nodes can reach 1-2 cm in diameter. The number and size of axillary lymph nodes also depend on the characteristics of the body. Axillary lymph nodes run along the vessels of the mammary gland, near the inner corner of the axillary fossa. On average, their sizes are 1-3 mm.

You should pay attention to the fact that the lymph nodes in the armpits are located superficially, but the nodes near the mammary glands are located deep, so they are not palpable.

In children, the axillary lymph nodes may always be slightly enlarged. This is observed before the age of three, and is associated with the peculiarities of the children's immune system. At this age, the axillary lymph nodes are easily palpable, and their size can reach 10 mm in diameter. With a strong immune system in a child, the lymph nodes in the armpits measure about 3-5 mm. In children, the normal size of axillary lymph nodes is no more than 3 mm.

For self-diagnosis, you should know how to palpate the lymph nodes under the armpit. To do this, you need to raise your hand and place the hand of the other hand in the armpit so that the fingers touch its center. Then you should gently feel the entire hole with your fingers, moving from the center to the chest and to the back. It is quite easy to feel the lymph nodes in the armpit, due to the superficial location of the lymph nodes in the armpit.

When to see a doctor?

For a number of reasons, axillary lymph nodes can become enlarged and inflamed. Such disorders occur due to various diseases accompanied by decreased immunity. If in some cases a slight enlargement of the node does not pose a danger and is a natural reaction of the body to the disease, then if the lymph nodes under the arm are inflamed, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since such a violation indicates an infection of the lymphatic system organ.

Warning symptoms to look out for:

noticeable enlargement of the lymph node;
pain on palpation;
increased body temperature;
general malaise and weakness.

Many people do not know which doctor treats lymph nodes and which doctor to contact if there is inflammation or enlargement of the lymph node under the arm. First of all, you should consult a therapist. If there is severe pain in the lymph nodes in women, it is necessary to undergo examination by a mammologist.

Disturbances in the functioning of the lymph nodes

Infections entering the body affect the lymph node in the armpits, causing its inflammation

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, the cause should be sought in infectious diseases. An increase in the size of the lymph node is associated with a weakening of the immune defense and may indicate both inflammatory processes in the chest organs and mammary glands, and oncology.

In general, an enlarged lymph node occurs due to the fact that the lymphatic system, for some reason, ceases to cope with its function. First of all, this is due to the functioning of the immune system. Under normal conditions, lymph nodes constantly cleanse lymph coming from nearby tissues and organs, from infections and toxins. Lymph supplies antibodies and lymphocytes (immune cells) to the blood, which help fight various infections. In the case of severe diseases (inflammation, infection, cancer), a large number of infectious agents, toxins and cancer cells enter the node, but the node cannot cope with such a load. As a result, the infection affects the node, causing inflammation of the axillary lymph node.

Lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes

Having understood what an armpit lymph node is and where exactly it is located, you should know about diseases that can affect these organs.

The most common disorder is lymphadenopathy, or enlarged lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy is not a full disease, but rather a symptom of various pathologies.

The lymph nodes of the armpit are responsible for cleansing the lymph coming from the mediastinal organs, mammary glands and upper extremities. Any pathologies of these organs can negatively affect the functioning of the lymph nodes, which provokes the development of lymphadenopathy.

Symptoms of this pathology:

noticeable enlargement of lymph nodes;
discomfort during palpation;
night sweats;
general weakness.

It should be noted that pain with lymphadenopathy is mild and occurs only when pressure is applied to the node.

There are many reasons for this disorder - from infections to malignant neoplasms in internal organs. In children, enlarged axillary lymph nodes may be associated with childhood infectious diseases - chickenpox, rubella, measles. These diseases are accompanied by an enlargement of all large lymph nodes, so lymphadenopathy of the cervical and inguinal nodes can also be observed.

The most common causes of axillary lymphadenopathy are:

Infectious mononucleosis;
tuberculosis;
mastopathy;
sarcoidosis;
lymphoma;
breast cancer;
lungs' cancer;

The cause can only be accurately identified through a comprehensive examination. There is no treatment for lymphadenopathy; the size of the lymph nodes returns to normal several months after the underlying disease is eliminated.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes

A specific symptom of inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) is an increase in the size of the liver

If you find inflamed lymph nodes in your armpits, you should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. This is a dangerous symptom that requires adequate drug therapy. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is called lymphadenitis. This pathology is of an infectious nature, resulting from the penetration of infection into the lymph node.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm, the causes of which are varied, is accompanied by severe pain, so it is impossible to “miss” this disease. Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits:

severe swelling and significant increase in the size of the lymph node;
acute pain;
high body temperature;
redness of the skin under the armpits;
symptoms of general intoxication;
weakness and general malaise.

If the lymph node in the armpit is inflamed, there is an increase in body temperature above 38 degrees. In case of purulent inflammation, the temperature can increase to 40 degrees. Signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit appear acutely. Severe intoxication of the body is often observed, which is manifested by weakness, nausea, loss of appetite and headache. Patients often complain of worsening sleep, which is associated with worsening pain at night.

As a rule, lymphadenitis manifests itself as inflammation on one side of the body, for example in the right or left armpit, and the pain can spread to the entire side of the body, disturbing the right or left side.

Another specific symptom of lymphadenitis is an increase in the size of the liver and spleen. In severe cases, this may be felt as heaviness and pressure in the right hypochondrium, but most often this symptom does not manifest itself, and organ enlargement is diagnosed on ultrasound.

Not everyone knows why the lymph nodes under the arm become inflamed, mistaking lymphadenitis for an independent disease, but not trying to identify its cause. The main causes of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes are various infectious lesions of organs located in close proximity to this group of organs of the lymphatic system. As a rule, the inflammatory process occurs against the background of infection of the node with staphylococcus, streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The lymph nodes in the armpits can become inflamed due to the following diseases:

tuberculosis;
syphilis;
gonorrhea;
mastitis;
furunculosis;
hidradenitis

Inflamed lymph nodes under the arms, the causes of infection of which are hidden in infection of the body with mycobacteria (the causative agent of tuberculosis), require urgent treatment. It should be noted that inflammation of the lymph nodes against the background of tuberculosis can act as both the first symptom of infection with Koch’s bacillus, even before the appearance of a cough, and as a complication of an untreated disease.

The spread of the causative agent of syphilis (treponema pallidum) can lead to infection of large lymph nodes. As a rule, the axillary node, inguinal and cervical lymph nodes can become inflamed.

In the vast majority of cases with inflammation of the lymph nodes, the cause should be sought in infectious diseases of organs located as close as possible to the source of lymphadenitis. If the lymph node in the armpit is inflamed, diseases such as furunculosis and hidradenitis should first be excluded. Hidradenitis is a purulent inflammation of the sweat gland. This pathology develops when the glands of the armpits become infected with pyogenic bacteria. The most common pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus. The disease is manifested by the formation of a large cavity in the axillary fossa, filled with pus, and is manifested by severe pain both during palpation and at rest.

Furunculosis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. A large abscess (boil) forms on the skin, a necrotic core is visible, the skin around the area of inflammation turns red and swells. This disease is also associated with infection of the epidermis by staphylococcus. Infection can penetrate through small wounds and scratches, this especially often occurs due to poor personal hygiene and careless hair removal of the armpits.

Having figured out where the lymph nodes are located in the armpit and what an inflamed lymph node looks like, you should consult a doctor when the first symptoms of inflammation appear. A purulent inflammatory process in the lymph node is potentially dangerous for infection of the entire body, so it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner to avoid dangerous complications.

Pain in lymph nodes in women

The lymph node in the armpit in women and girls can become inflamed due to mastitis

Lymph nodes react to any changes occurring in the body. In addition to the reasons listed, enlarged lymph nodes may be associated with changes in hormonal levels. For many women, the lymph nodes become enlarged in the days leading up to menstruation, causing mild armpit soreness. This condition is not a pathology in most cases, and is one of the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

Important! If a woman has always experienced pain in the lymph nodes before menstruation, this phenomenon can be considered a variant of the norm. In case of sudden onset of pain and enlarged lymph nodes, you should undergo a comprehensive examination as soon as possible, visit a mammologist and gynecologist.

In women suffering from PMS, enlarged lymph nodes are caused by obstructed lymph drainage from the mammary glands due to fluid retention before menstruation, but there should be no inflammation. Pain during palpation of the lymph nodes in this case is due to mechanical irritation of the surrounding tissues, and not to the inflammatory process.

The lymph node in the armpit in women can become inflamed due to mastitis. This disorder develops due to infection of the mammary gland. As a rule, mastitis is observed in nursing women and occurs shortly after childbirth. If a woman has an inflamed lymph node under her arm while breastfeeding, she should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since it is impossible to continue lactation with mastitis.

The symptoms of inflammatory processes in the axillary lymph nodes in women are the same as with inflammation of this group of lymph nodes in men.

Lymph nodes in cancer

Another cause of enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes in the armpits is cancer. This group of lymph nodes reacts to cancer of the breast, lungs, and trachea. In addition, axillary lymph nodes can become enlarged and hardened due to lymphoma, a malignant process of lymphoid tissue.

Tumor and swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits may indicate either malignant processes in other organs. Moreover, in case of cancer of internal organs, the lymph nodes increase as a natural reaction of the body to the malignant process against the background of general intoxication, and when metastases spread to the lymphatic system.

Important! Enlarged axillary lymph nodes without any other symptoms may indicate early stage cancer.

With malignant neoplasms of internal organs, the lymph node often does not hurt or become inflamed, but increases in size. At the same time, the risk of infection increases, since a weakened body is vulnerable to pathogens.

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes and swelling of the arm

Knowing why the lymph nodes in the armpits become inflamed in women and how to determine the inflammatory process, you should also pay attention to such a symptom as swelling of the upper extremities. This pathology is called lymphostasis and is characterized by impaired lymph outflow. The cause may be mechanical damage to the lymphatic vessels entering the axillary lymph nodes, which ensure the drainage of lymph from the arms.

Typical symptoms: increased volume of the arm, heaviness in the limbs,... This disease is very dangerous and difficult to treat in advanced forms, so you should check the axillary lymph nodes when swelling appears.

Diagnostics

Women are required to have a mammogram if they have inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits.

What to do if the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, how to treat these lymph nodes - it depends on the cause of the disruption in their functioning. To prescribe the optimal treatment regimen for inflamed lymph nodes under the arm, you should visit a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination to identify the causes of the pathology.

Necessary examinations:

general and biochemical blood tests;
chest x-ray;
fluorography;
mammography.

Based on a blood test, it is possible to exclude lymphoma, as well as identify inflammatory processes and determine deviations in the functioning of the immune system by quantitative changes in lymphocytes. Ultrasound of the lymph nodes allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology - lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis. If lymphostasis is suspected, an X-ray of the lymphatic vessels with contrast is additionally taken.

A chest x-ray is necessary to identify pathologies of the mediastinum, and fluorography can detect tuberculosis, pneumonia, and sarcoidosis.

Mammography is mandatory for women. This examination allows us to identify pathological changes in the tissues of the mammary glands - mastopathy, mastitis, malignant neoplasms.

After all the examinations have been carried out, the doctor makes a conclusion about how to treat the inflamed lymph node under the arm and how to cure the underlying disease.

Principles of treatment

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit depends on the cause of the pathology. First of all, the underlying disease is treated, since if the cause is not eliminated, symptomatic therapy of lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy will be ineffective.

Treatment of inflammatory processes in the body should be prescribed by a doctor, but if the lymph nodes under the arm are inflamed, antibacterial therapy must be used. Proven remedies are broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Additionally, symptomatic therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

During treatment, the patient must adhere to a diet (“Table 15”). The purpose of this diet is to generally strengthen the body by ensuring that all necessary substances are supplied with food.

Drug treatment

If the lymph nodes under the arm are inflamed, antibiotics are first prescribed. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, at home, drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules, and less often injections are prescribed. The following drugs are widely used in therapy:

Azithromycin;
Sumamed;
Ceftriaxone;
Amoxiclav.

The listed drugs have a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Only a doctor can accurately select the drug; the dosage and duration of medication are selected on an individual basis.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce the severity and symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm. These include tablets Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, Nalgesin, Dexalgin. These medications reduce pain, stop the inflammatory process, and have an antipyretic effect.

Additionally, immunomodulators and herbal medicines (for example, Lymphomyosot) may be prescribed. These medications do not treat inflammation, but help the lymphatic system recover more quickly.

Ointments for the treatment of lymph nodes

The ointment is applied under the bandage, which must be changed twice a day.

Inflamed lymph nodes in the armpit can be treated with external agents - ointments and gels. Such drugs are classified as auxiliary drugs, since they cannot destroy the infection in the lymph nodes, so they will not replace taking antibiotics. How can you anoint an inflamed lymph node under the arm? This is a question asked by many patients who have encountered lymphadenitis.

To reduce the inflammatory process, you can use Vishnevsky liniment or Levomekol ointment. Both drugs have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, accelerate tissue regeneration and reduce pain. The ointment is applied under the bandage, which must be changed twice a day.

If the lymph nodes are enlarged, heparin ointment can be used. It eliminates swelling, has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Before using external treatments, you should consult your doctor.

Folk remedies

Treatment of lymph nodes under the arm with folk remedies is a dubious undertaking. This treatment is ineffective, but can significantly aggravate symptoms and harm health, so it should be used with great caution.

Important! Infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs are not a substitute for antibiotics.

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, folk remedies can only be used as an auxiliary, but not the main treatment. One of the fairly popular remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine is a tincture or decoction of Echinacea. This plant is a natural immunomodulator and is approved by official medicine. The downside is that it takes a long time to prepare the tincture yourself, since it must be infused for at least 2 weeks. A good alternative would be to purchase an alcohol tincture at a pharmacy or take echinacea tablets.

For inflammation of the lymph node under the armpit, treatment with folk remedies can be carried out using anti-inflammatory herbs - calendula, sage, stinging nettle. You should take a small spoon of each plant, place it in a thermos and pour half a liter of boiling water. The medicine should infuse for 6 hours, and then it can be taken 100 ml in the morning and evening.

Axillary lymphadenopathy (axillary localization of pathology) most often develops due to an infectious disease or injury to the upper limb. In women, inflammation of the lymph node in the armpit on one side sometimes signals an inflammatory or tumor process in the mammary gland. According to statistics, this is the most characteristic symptom of the occurrence of malignant neoplasms and metastases. Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

Possible reasons for the increase

Pathological changes in the axillary region in most cases develop during infectious processes. Treatment helps to reduce the size of lymph nodes. The inflammatory process can be provoked by fungi, bacterial and viral infections, protozoan microorganisms, and cancer cells. In women, enlarged lymph nodes under the armpit can signal the development of a breast tumor, so timely diagnosis and treatment at an early stage of the disease is important.

Factors that can cause pathology are inaccurate shaving of the armpit (infection penetrates into the cut), the use of antiperspirants and deodorants with poor skin hygiene. The products help close pores in which pathogenic microorganisms continue to multiply, which leads to inflammation of the hair follicle and reaction of regional lymph nodes. Also, the cause of the pathology can be furunculosis and benign lymphoreticulosis.

In the first days of the menstrual cycle, some women experience enlargement of the lymph nodes under the armpit, caused by changes in hormonal balance. Goes away on its own within 2-3 days. If, in addition to this symptom, there are no other health abnormalities, then there is no cause for concern.

Unilateral enlargement of the immune glands in the armpit is a typical phenomenon in respiratory infections and ENT diseases. This is caused by the immune system's normal protective reaction to viruses and bacteria entering the body. In the lymph nodes, white blood cells are produced to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, as a result of which they increase in size.

Soft tissue bruises, injuries, lipomas, cysts and allergic reactions can also cause pathological changes. Enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes in women, which occurs in parallel with compaction in the mammary gland, indicates inflammation of the latter. To rule out cancer, you must immediately go to the hospital.

The cause of unilateral enlargement of the lymph nodes in the armpits in women can be not only infections, but also diseases of the lungs, connective tissue, joints, and kidneys. The side of localization of the enlarged node corresponds to the location of the diseased organ.

Immune diseases are often the cause of the change:

Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Serum sickness.
Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy.
Dermatomyositis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.

If the lymph nodes under the armpit on one side in women are enlarged and do not go away for a long period of time, this is already a serious signal. Thus, there may be severe infections, such as listeriosis, brucellosis, mononucleosis or HIV disease.

Symptoms of pathology

At the beginning, the axillary nodes in women may change on one side and become painful on palpation. The skin over them is hyperemic and swollen. This condition can persist for a long time without changes. If the body copes with the infection on its own, over time the pathological changes themselves disappear without medical intervention.

If there are foci of pus in the axillary nodes, the symptoms worsen. The temperature may rise sharply, the patient may feel chills, and the general condition gradually worsens. In the area of the armpit, pain is felt, which is pulsating in nature, the lymph nodes are enlarged and fused with the surrounding tissues. With mechanical impact, a woman feels severe discomfort on one side in the armpit.

Depending on what caused the development of the disease, other symptoms are sometimes observed:

hyperemia of the skin in the armpit;
hepato- or splenomegaly;
chills, fever;
night sweats;
pale face, general weakness;
sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.

Unilateral enlargement of axillary lymph nodes in women is a characteristic sign indicating some serious diseases, so this symptom cannot be ignored.

Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes under the armpit in women

To establish a diagnosis and prescribe therapy, the specialist conducts a visual examination, palpation of the woman’s enlarged nodes, and evaluates the examination results. Most often, symptomatic treatment is sufficient.

At the onset of the disease, the affected lymph nodes must be kept at rest. At this stage, physiotherapy (ultrasound, electrophoresis), local procedures (compresses and ointments) provide a good therapeutic effect. Treatment of the inflammation site with Chlorethyl eliminates pain and inflammation in just a few applications. Additionally, the patient is prescribed applications of Troxevasin or Heparin ointment.

For a nonspecific infection, a woman is prescribed penicillin antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Flemoxin). The duration of treatment is up to 14 days. If the inflammation is caused by specific infections (for example, Mycobacterium tuberculosis), then the therapy is long-term and carried out in a hospital setting. The most important thing is not to engage in self-diagnosis and treatment using “grandmother’s” methods. A friend of mine had a lump under her arm, I thought it was cancer. The examination showed inflammation of the lymph node. They prescribed applying heparin ointment. Cheap and cheerful. She helped very quickly.

Answer

Sometimes the lymph node in my armpits becomes enlarged. The first thing I thought about was oncology. The doctor reassured me, saying that this often happens to girls because shaving and injuring the skin. The most important thing is that if the node hurts, then most likely it is just inflammation. But if it doesn’t hurt, then you can consider cancer pathology.

Answer

Normal lymph nodes under the armpit are not palpable, since their size does not exceed a pea and in a non-inflamed state they cannot be felt through the thickness of the pancreas. Many people are unaware of the existence of these elements of the lymphatic system until they develop any problems with them.

Inflammation of the lymph node under the arm is a sign that makes itself felt almost immediately. The fact is that the inflammatory reaction is accompanied by significant swelling, so even with a slight touch, the inflamed lymph nodes under the arm will hurt. As a rule, axillary lymphadenitis most often occurs after a respiratory illness. Therefore, if such a complication occurs, it is necessary to seek help from a qualified specialist as soon as possible.

The main etiological factors contributing to the development of lymphadenitis include:

a previous infectious disease, for example, ARVI;
the development of an inflammatory process in the area of hair follicles, which are located in this anatomical area;
severe intoxication of the body, which develops after an illness;
increased sweating, leading to an increase in the number of pathological microorganisms in the armpit area;
an allergic reaction as a response to the use of deodorant that prevents sweating;
oncological lesions of individual regional lymph nodes. It is worth noting that in the initial stages the lymph nodes will not increase in volume, and pain in the lymph nodes in the armpits will not manifest themselves due to the absence of swelling;
lymphosarcoma;
Hodgkin's disease is a pathology characterized by the development of malignant granuloma.

Parents need to remember that in children, the cause of swollen lymph nodes can be cat scratch fever, which does not pose a particular threat. If you notice that the lymph nodes in your armpits have become enlarged, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. With a timely visit to a specialist’s office, you can achieve complete recovery from almost any disease that led to the development of lymphadenitis.

photo of an inflamed lymph node under the armpit

Symptoms of axillary lymphadenitis

The inflammatory process in the regional axillary lymph nodes is isolated and, as a rule, is characterized by a catarrhal or purulent course. Below are the most common clinical pictures of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes.

Acute catarrhal form. This inflammatory process is more common than others and often occurs in a mild form. It is characterized by severe pain, enlarged lymph nodes and their hardening. With catarrh, the lymph nodes are easily separated and do not lose their mobility. In the axillary area, hyperemia and mild swelling may develop. The patient may notice worsening of the condition, discomfort during shoulder abduction, and mild low-grade fever.
Purulent form. This type of inflammatory process poses the greatest danger due to the formation of a purulent focus, which can be represented by single or multiple abscesses. The lymph node itself loses its mobility and becomes painful and swollen. Nearby tissues are sharply hyperemic and may be subject to alteration or melting. Possible fusion of lymph nodes with the skin.
Chronic course of lymphadenitis. Sluggish inflammatory processes occur quite often, in which the lymph node under the arm becomes inflamed when the immune system is weakened and the body’s resistance to various infectious agents is reduced. Symptoms in this form are mild, the lymph nodes are mobile, but there is slight pain.

Diagnostic examination

Conducting laboratory and instrumental studies and collecting anamnesis is the main way to diagnose and establish the etiology of enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Initially, a primary diagnosis is carried out, which consists of a detailed interview with the patient. Its main focus is the need to determine the moment when the patient began to notice an enlargement of the lymph node, the presence and severity of related symptoms. Anamnesis is also collected and the medical history of an individual patient is studied, a thorough examination of the patient according to the systems is carried out, which consists of assessing the local status of the armpit and palpating this area to assess the condition of the lymph nodes.

The second stage is to conduct laboratory diagnostics, which consists of:

general and biochemical blood tests to determine signs of inflammation;
clinical urine analysis;
performing a Mantoux test if Koch's bacillus is suspected of multiplying in the patient's body;
testing tumor markers to exclude this pathology.

Instrumental techniques include:

axillary lymph nodes;
X-ray examination;
for women - mammography;
biopsy if the development of oncological pathology is suspected.

Treatment of lymph nodes

Treatment of lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes consists of selecting the correct etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy. The main thing is to remember that patients are strictly prohibited from attempting to independently eliminate this manifestation of the inflammatory reaction.

As a rule, all treatment is based on the elimination of the inflammatory focus, which caused the development of axillary lymphadenitis. Often, a course of antibacterial therapy or a number of anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for this. In addition, it is advisable to use compresses with Dimexide, immunomodulating drugs and a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, which will contribute to the overall strengthening of the body.

If a malignant process develops with concomitant lymphadenitis, the patient is advised to undergo a course of chemotherapy or surgical treatment.