Inflammatory processes causing enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck include bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Their primary source is infections:

• teeth,
• gums
• lips,
• palate,
• tonsils,
• tongue,
• throat,
• oesophagus,
• larynx,
• nose,
• paranasal sinuses and ears.

Theinflammatory reaction of the nodes is manifested by their enlargement and often by soreness, infiltration, softening and sometimes turning into an abscess. This is accompanied by a rise in temperature.

In the neck, the most inflamed nodes are the submandibular and paranasal lymph nodes, less frequently the parotid and inframandibular lymph nodes. Staphylococcus, streptococcus and other non-specific bacteria cause a sharply increasing inflammatory process, and the lymph node takes the shape of a round, painful tumour with a smooth surface and little mobility in relation to the base.

The course of lymph node enlargement is different in specific infections such as tuberculosis. The lymph nodes are cohesive, with slight soreness, and may form adhesions between themselves and the skin and form fistulas.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck may be the starting point of the neoplastic process and cancer metastases. Tumours originating in the lymph nodes of the neck region, among others, include Hodgkin's disease (malignant granuloma).

The disease is accompanied by intractable symptoms in addition to lymphadenopathy:

• markedly accelerated ESR,
• leucocytosis with lymphocytosis and eosinophilia,
• anaemia,
• fever,
• night sweats,
• splenic enlargement,
• pruritus.

Emerging initially from a single lymph node, the disease occupies neighbouring lymph nodes, fusing together and forming a compact, poorly mobile bundle.

Neck lymph nodes can also be the starting point of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and the site of metastasis of various cancers.

Any enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck region requires medical consultation. If an inflammatory lesion is found, antibiotic therapy is required, sometimes also ENT or dental treatment depending on the point of origin of the infection (oral cavity, nasal sinuses, etc.).

Lymph nodes suspected of malignant proliferation or cancer metastasis require special attention and the implementation of an efficient diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Any such node is an indication for its surgical removal in its entirety and histopathological examination.

It is important to remember that not every enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck is related to an ongoing pathological process. Sometimes it is the result of a history of inflammation, in which case the node (which is often fibrotic) only requires observation.

There is no home treatment. Medical recommendations should be followed.