The neck, due to its anatomy and the region of lymph drainage from all the organs of the head and neck, is the area where lymph nodes are most often enlarged.
Enlarged nuchal lymph nodes - Symptoms and course
The nuchal lymph nodes are often enlarged in rubella virus infections and in the nodal form of toxoplasmosis. The lymph nodes often enlarge gradually and may not be noticed at first. The enlargement may involve one or several nodes and are usually asymmetrical. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can also be the starting point of the neoplastic process and cancer metastases.
When to go to the doctor and treat
Any enlargement of the lymph nodes in 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.
Enlarged nuchal lymph nodes - Treatment
There is no home treatment. The doctor's recommendations must be followed.
