As you may know, lymph nodes always react sharply to inflammatory processes occurring in their immediate vicinity. For example, do you know why a lymph node under the jaw can be enlarged? There may be several reasons for this. As a rule, pathological changes in the tonsils, head, neck, ears, eyes, and oral cavity act as a provoking factor. As you know, a running inflammatory process in these areas can turn into lymphadenitis. In addition, soreness of the lymph nodes can be caused by tuberculosis and infectious mononucleosis.
Density
If you find that you have an enlarged lymph node, first of all check its density (for this you will need to gently feel it with your fingers). If the knot is soft enough, it's most likely an infection. Dense elastic tissue is a sign of a benign tumor. This is due to the fact that when a metastasis enters the lymph node, it becomes "associated" with the surrounding tissues. By the way, according to doctors, the larger the node, the less likely it is that the tumor is the cause of inflammation.
Lymphadenitis
If you have an enlarged lymph node, but pain does not bother you, most likely, the reason lies in an old disease or an inflammatory process that occurs in a latent form. It can also eventually lead to chronic lymphadenitis. In this case, with any infection, you will suffer from acute pain.
Reasons
Do you have an enlarged lymph node and it also hurts a lot? This has its advantages. Do you know what causes pain? The lymph node is surrounded by a special capsule, with its increase it stretches, thereby signaling an infection that has entered the body. Therefore, all you need to do is take pain medication and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Jaw cancer
Unfortunately, the situation when the lymph node in the jaw area is enlarged is often a prerequisite for leukemia. The main problem is that jaw cancer in the early stages is very difficult to identify. A malignant tumor can "mask" as ordinary stomatitis or gingivitis, misleading even experienced professionals. As concomitant symptoms, loose teeth and hardened gums should be mentioned. What other signs to look out for?
Symptoms
So, jaw cancer can be diagnosed by swelling of the cheeks and general deformity of the face. In this case, the teeth that are in contact with the tumor may become numb. The lymph node on the right is often enlarged. Patientmay complain of profuse lacrimation and pain radiating to the temples. It should be noted that these symptoms very rarely occur simultaneously; the presence or absence of one or another sign depends primarily on the localization of the tumor. Unfortunately, modern cancer treatment cannot be called effective enough: a complete cure occurs only in 20 cases out of 100. It is often very difficult to find out the cause of lymphadenitis. Your doctor will likely order an ultrasound and a biopsy.
