Why are supraclavicular lymph nodes enlarged? The reasons for the development of such a pathological phenomenon will be listed below. You will also learn about what these organs are, why a person needs them, and how to treat them in case of inflammation.
Basic information
Supraclavicular lymph nodes, enlarged several times, indicate serious malfunctions in the body. And before telling you about what diseases provoke such a pathology, you should find out what these organs are in general.
Lymph nodes are small glands that are shaped like beans. As you know, they are located throughout the human body and are an integral part of the lymphatic system, promoting lymph and nutrients, as well as removing unnecessary substances into the bloodstream.
According to experts, the supraclavicular lymph node and the entire lymphatic system as a whole are the most important part of the human immune system, which protects the body from various diseases. Such glands filter the lymph, trapping viruses, bacteria and other harmful elements, which are then destroyed by white blood cells, or socalled lymphocytes.
Lymph nodes can be single or grouped. Their sizes vary from small to quite large. In an inflamed state, the supraclavicular lymph node is felt in the region of the supraclavicular fossa. Also, similar glands can be seen in the armpits and groin, but they have different names. In a he althy state, lymph nodes do not cause pain. In addition, they are invisible to the eye and completely insensitive.
Causes of inflammation
Why are supraclavicular lymph nodes enlarged? The reasons for the development of such a pathology can be hidden in various problems. Often, single lymph nodes hurt and swell due to various injuries, as well as tumors or infections that develop directly in them or in organs located nearby. Thus, depending on which glands are inflamed, it is possible to identify their cause of the increase.
For example, a supraclavicular lymph node becomes inflamed due to a tumor or infection in the chest, lungs, abdomen, or neck. Therefore, with such a pathology, it is these organs that should be examined first of all.
Diseases that cause inflammation of the lymph nodes
Why does the supraclavicular lymph node become inflamed? Enlargement of this gland may occur together with inflammation of other glands in other areas of the body. In this case, they speak of generalized lymphadenopathy. This pathological condition is usually caused by:
- Mononucleosis, symptoms of which are sore throat, fever and fatigue.
- Bacterial diseases, including strep throat (due to the streptococcus bacteria).
- Lyme disease (a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks).
- Viral infection - cytomegalovirus.
- Viral diseases, including rubella, measles, mumps or chickenpox.
- Cancer, including Hodgkin's disease, leukemia and lymphoma.
- Side effects of using Phenytoin, a drug used to prevent seizures.
- Adverse reactions from the mumps-measles-rubella vaccine.
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
- Venereal disease - syphilis.
Metastases to supraclavicular lymph nodes
Modern medicine knows the following ways of spreading malignant tumors:
- lymphogenic;
- mixed;
- hematogenous.
For lymphogenous metastasis, the penetration of tumor cells first into the lymphatic vessel, and then into nearby or distant lymph nodes, including supraclavicular ones, is characteristic. Most often, epithelial cancer (for example, melanoma) spreads in this way. Such metastasis is well studied, so it is quite easy to recognize a tumor at the stage of its inception.
Metastases in the lymph nodes above the collarbone very often develop in lung or breast cancer, as well as in malignant neoplasms in the peritoneal region.
Reason for developmentmetastases
Metastases in an organ such as the supraclavicular lymph node most often spread due to:
- age factor (appear mostly in older age);
- the size and localization of the initial focus of the neoplasm (a large tumor several times increases the likelihood of metastases);
- comorbidities (chronic diseases that weaken the body's defenses);
- spread of cancer cells (proliferation of formations into the wall of an organ is more dangerous and most often causes metastasis than tumors growing into the lumen of an organ).
Diagnosis of disease
Where are the supraclavicular lymph nodes? The location of these glands in a he althy state is quite difficult to determine. If such organs are inflamed, then they are quite easily palpable in the supraclavicular fossae.
Diagnosis of inflammation of the lymph node should only be carried out by an experienced doctor. To do this, he examines the supraclavicular space from the sternocleidomastoid muscle tissue to the acromioclavicular joint. At the same time, the area between the legs of the sternocleidomastoid muscles is carefully checked. In this area, palpation is carried out with one middle or index finger.
With a thorough and deep examination of the subclavian fossae, their lateral sections are probed right at the edges of the deltoid muscles. In he althy people, the supraclavicular lymph nodes are not palpable.
Other diagnostic methods
An inflamed supraclavicular lymph node on the left or right can be detectedpalpation, that is, the usual probing with the hands. Also, these glands are available for research in the following ways:
- Ultrasound. Ultrasound examination of the supraclavicular lymph node is the most accessible, informative and painless way to detect its abnormal enlargement.
- Computed tomography is a complex method. At the same time, it is used only to assess the condition of the lymph nodes that are inaccessible for conventional palpation.
- X-ray examination. This method is used very rarely. As a rule, enlarged lymph nodes are found on a chest x-ray quite by accident.
- Mediastinoscopy, thoracoscopy and laparoscopy.
- Biopsy.
The final point in the diagnosis and search for the causes of enlarged lymph nodes is the result of a biopsy. Other research methods provide information only about the external characteristics of the inflamed gland. And only after analyzing the structure of this organ under a microscope, as well as by performing PCR analysis and bacteriological seeding, one can speak with full confidence about the true cause of the enlargement of the lymph node.
Treatment process
How to cure an inflamed supraclavicular lymph node on the right or left? The therapy of such a gland consists in the direct elimination of the cause of its increase, soreness and swelling. In particular, a bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection can go away on its own without the use of drugs.
More seriousa case of inflammation of the supraclavicular lymph node is a cancerous tumor. If there is even the slightest reason to suspect that the increase in this organ is associated with an oncological disease, then a biopsy must be carried out and, of course, a complete examination by an experienced doctor.
Thus, if the enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes have not gone away in one month, and at the same time their size has not decreased, then you should immediately visit a qualified specialist. It is impossible not to say that such glands can remain swollen for a long period after the passage of an infectious disease. This phenomenon is especially common in children.
Special Information
When lymph nodes are enlarged, including supraclavicular, remember that:
- The size of a normal lymph node is about 1-1.5 cm;
- the main reason for the enlargement of this organ is a local infection;
- the older the patient, the higher the probability of the malignant nature of this pathological phenomenon;
- taking antibiotic drugs without establishing the exact cause of the development of lymphadenopathy is a false treatment tactic (first the diagnosis must be made, and only then the appropriate treatment is prescribed);
- if the enlarged node has not decreased within a month, then its histological examination and biopsy are carried out;
- enlargement of glands and spleen requires immediate check;
- enlarged lymph nodes along withan increase in body temperature and soreness in the area of \u200b\u200btheir location indicates an infectious disease;
- A lymph node biopsy can be taken from the neck or axilla, and lymph nodes in the groin are not suitable for such a diagnosis;
- aspiration of an enlarged gland with a biopsy needle does not carry diagnostic information because it does not give any idea of structural changes.
