SYMPTOMS

What is cervical lymphadenopathy?

Cervical lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck due to various pathogenic factors. It is sometimes referred to as a "neck mass" and may be accompanied by symptoms such as localized pain, redness, swelling, ulceration, or pus discharge. The lymph nodes may swell individually or in clusters, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes may even fuse together or be accompanied by systemic lymphadenopathy.

Lymph nodes are vital immune organs in the human body. In healthy individuals, superficial lymph nodes are very small, typically less than 5mm in diameter, with a smooth and soft surface. They are not adherent to surrounding tissues, are movable upon pressure, and are painless. Deep lymph nodes, due to their deeper location, are usually not palpable.

When the body is exposed to various pathogenic factors, the cells within the lymph nodes reactively proliferate to eliminate these pathogens, leading to lymph node enlargement. Additionally, if malignant tumors develop in the lymph nodes or cancer cells from other parts of the body metastasize to the lymph nodes, the continuous proliferation of tumor cells can also cause lymph node enlargement. Cervical lymphadenopathy often persists until the underlying cause is resolved, after which the lymph nodes may gradually shrink. However, in some cases, they may not fully return to their normal size.

TREATMENT

How to reduce swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

When swollen lymph nodes appear in the neck, the first step is to identify the cause rather than blindly relieving symptoms. Therefore, patients should seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause. After addressing the root cause, the swollen lymph nodes will gradually shrink. For those whose lymph nodes do not return to normal size after treatment, close observation is sufficient, and no further special measures are needed.

DIAGNOSIS

Should You Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes?

Neck lymph nodes do not normally enlarge, so if swelling is detected, patients should promptly visit a hospital to determine the cause. Special attention is required if accompanied by the following conditions:

• Swollen neck lymph nodes with localized redness, swelling, heat, or pain;
• Swollen neck lymph nodes with ulceration or pus discharge;
• Progressive enlargement of neck lymph nodes, hard texture, and poor mobility;
• Swollen neck lymph nodes with recurrent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, weight loss, or fatigue;
• Swollen neck lymph nodes with multiple swollen lymph nodes throughout the body;
• Swollen neck lymph nodes with difficulty breathing.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of swollen cervical lymph nodes?

• Swollen lymph nodes below the mandible: Common conditions include infectious diseases such as gingivitis, parotitis, glossitis, tonsillitis, bacterial skin infections of the head and face, acute pharyngitis, herpetic stomatitis, and cervical lymph node tuberculosis; neoplastic diseases such as lymph node metastasis from oral cancer, tongue cancer, and facial malignant melanoma.
  
  
• Swollen lymph nodes in the anterior neck: Refers to swollen lymph nodes in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Common conditions include infectious diseases such as thyroiditis, cervical lymph node tuberculosis, and parotitis; neoplastic diseases such as lymph node metastasis from thyroid cancer, laryngeal cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer.
  
  
• Swollen lymph nodes in the posterior neck: Refers to swollen lymph nodes behind the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Common conditions include infectious diseases such as cervical lymph node tuberculosis and bacterial infections of the occipital scalp; neoplastic diseases such as lymph node metastasis from thyroid cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer.
  
  
• Swollen lymph nodes above the clavicle: Common conditions include infectious diseases such as cervical lymph node tuberculosis; neoplastic diseases such as metastasis from nasopharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and gastric cancer.
  
  
• Cervical lymphadenopathy with generalized lymphadenopathy: Common conditions include infectious diseases such as syphilis, infectious mononucleosis, AIDS, and toxoplasmosis; neoplastic diseases such as Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia; other conditions such as sarcoidosis.