People, scrupulous about their own he alth, immediately notice the slightest changes in the size and structure of organs. An increase in the volume of the neck is usually associated with the modification of the lymph nodes. Morphological changes in these organs can be very dangerous to he alth and even life. In order to adequately assess the general condition, it is necessary to know the normal size of the lymph nodes. This information will help you start treatment on time and avoid complications.
What is a lymph node?
The lymph node is a peripheral organ of the vascular system that acts as a lymph filter. These are bean- or ribbon-shaped formations of a pinkish-gray hue, located along the lymphatic vessels near the arteries and veins and in the sinuses of the flexor surfaces of the arms and legs. They are placed in groups, sometimes several dozen, in tot althere are about 460 people.
The normal size of the lymph nodes in length is 1-22 mm, the total weight of all peripheral organs is 500-1000 g (this is about 1% of body weight). They reach their maximum mass by the age of 25, after 50 years the natural filters of the human body begin to decrease.
Functions of lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are organs of lymphocytopoiesis - a complex of processes of differentiation, growth and development of lymphoid cells, leading to the formation of components of the immune system that are involved in the production of antibodies. Lymph nodes perform several functions.
- Barrier filtration. In the lumen of the sinuses of the nodes, foreign microparticles, tumor cells, coming along with the lymph, linger.
- The protective function is that when foreign microorganisms enter, the peripheral organs of the vascular system begin to produce macrophages aimed at their destruction. The normal size of the lymph nodes is no more than 2.2 cm, with inflammation they can increase several times. This is due to the immune response, which is characterized by the expansion of the pericortical zone of the peripheral organ.
- Immunological. It is expressed in the formation of plasmocides in the nodes and the production of immunoglobulins.
- Reserve. Lymph nodes act as a depot of lymph with its subsequent redistribution into the blood.
Normal size lymph nodes in the neck in adults
All groups of lymph nodes are located so as to be an obstacle to pathogens of infections and cancer onpathways to organs and tissues. The cervical are involved in immune processes and are responsible for the he alth of the respiratory tract, respond to diseases of the oral cavity and teeth.
The normal size of lymph nodes in adults is 5-7 mm, in large people - up to 10 mm. In a he althy person, they should have clear, even boundaries, a soft structure, and be mobile. The skin above them should be without visible changes: no redness, no signs of peeling.
What does enlarged cervical lymph nodes indicate?
Of all the peripheral organs of the vascular system, most of them are localized at the junction of the head with the body. The normal size of the lymph nodes in the neck is 0.5-0.7 cm. With upward changes, it can be argued that an inflammatory process is going on in the body.
There are several groups of lymph nodes in the neck area, they differ in size, location and protective function.
- The anterior cervical are responsible for the condition of the back of the throat, the tonsils of the Waldeyer ring and the thyroid gland.
- An increase in the posterior cervical lymph nodes may indicate inflammation in the bronchi, meningitis.
- Inflammation of the submandibular nodes is a sign of periodontal disease, stomatitis, diseases of the salivary glands and tongue, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media.
- Swollen lymph nodes behind the ears indicates trauma or pathology of the occipital and parietal region.
- Submental are responsible for the immunity of the cheeks and lower lip.
- Change in the size of the supraclavicular peripheral organs of the lymphatic system is a signdiseases of the lungs, heart, esophagus.
Lymph nodes in children
In a he althy child, by the end of the first year of life, some groups of peripheral organs of the vascular system can be palpated. Usually these are inguinal, axillary, submandibular and cervical. The normal size of the lymph nodes in children is 1-10 mm. Of course, it is necessary to take into account the age of the child, for example, in newborns, the volume of peripheral organs should be within 1-3 mm.
As the child grows older, the number of palpable nodes increases. The pediatrician during the physical examination pays special attention to the size and structure of the lymph nodes. Normally, they should not exceed the size of a pea and have a soft texture. On palpation, the lymphatic organs should be mobile (slightly shifted to the side) and in no case should they hurt when palpated.
When examining a child, the pediatrician takes into account the topography of enlarged organs, the diagnosis depends on this. As a rule, in childhood, an increase in cervical nodes is associated with ENT diseases of infectious etiology, toxoplasmosis or lymphadenitis.
The size of the cervical lymph nodes in tumor and infectious pathologies
Tumor lesions of a peripheral organ may initially come from it, or may be the result of metastasis. The normal size of the lymph nodes in such diseases increases by 2-3 times. The organ itself becomes dense and painful. Most often, the neoplasm is a consequence of Hodgkin's lymphoma and lymphosarcoma.
Infectiousdisease is the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes.
- When pyogenic bacteria enter, acute lymphadenitis occurs. It is characterized by an increase in the lymph node up to 3-4 cm, pain, redness of the skin at the site of inflammation.
- Cat-scratch disease is a common cause of an enlarged lymphatic system in children. The causative agent of the disease is Bartonella, the carriers are cats. A characteristic sign of infection is a purulent wound that does not heal for a long time and an enlarged, nearby lymph node.
- With ARVI in children, several groups of peripheral organs of the vascular system increase at once. This is due to the immune response to viruses.
A prolonged significant change in the size of the organs of the lymphatic system can be a symptom of serious pathologies: listeriosis, brucellosis or even HIV infection
How should cervical lymph nodes be treated?
Modification of the peripheral organ of the vascular system indicates the presence of a disease in a person. But, even knowing what the size of a normal lymph node is, what pathology its change indicates, it is still better to entrust the diagnosis and prescription of therapy to the doctor.
The inflammatory process is usually eliminated by conservative methods.
- After identifying the pathogen, a course of antibacterial drugs is prescribed. Treatment is prescribed based on the resistance of the microbial flora.
- Conduct UHF therapy. The method has anti-inflammatory, regenerating,antispastic (relieving spasms) effect, improves lymph and blood circulation.
- Vitamin therapy.
- In case of purulent lymphadenitis, an autopsy, drainage and treatment of the focus are shown.
- Treatment of specific lymphadenitis is carried out taking into account the primary process.
Surgical treatments are indicated for abscesses. Cancer therapy involves the use of specific techniques: chemotherapy, immunomodulators.
Submandibular lymph nodes
Submandibular lymph nodes are located in the subcutaneous tissue of the chin, not palpable. They act as a biological filter, delay malignant cells, and ensure the transport of proteins and electrolytes into the blood.
The normal size of the submandibular lymph nodes is 0.5 cm. They have clear contours, are mobile, and are not soldered to the subcutaneous tissue. The increase in nodes is most often due to ENT diseases. Other pathologies can also affect the change in size:
- Dental diseases.
- Blood diseases.
- Benign and malignant neoplasia of the head area.
- Rheumatic diseases.
- Infected wound in the jaw area.
Axillary lymph nodes
The names of the lymph nodes are due to their localization. The main function of the axillary lymph nodes is to cleanse the lymph. They produce immunoglobulins that resist pathogens and aggressive cells.
The normal size of the axillary lymph nodes is from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Their increase may be a sign of diseases of the breast, chest or hands. Also, node modification may be the result of other factors:
- Excessive sweating with the formation of a large number of pathogens on the skin in the area of \u200b\u200bthe muscle cavity.
- Allergies.
- Inflammation of hair follicles.
- Neoplasia.
Swollen lymph nodes is not a disease, but a clinical sign of some kind of pathology, the treatment of which should be carried out by a doctor.
