Lymph nodes have the function of fighting against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, having swollen lymph nodes behind the neck can be a warning sign of a certain disease. So is having swollen lymph nodes behind the neck dangerous? Let's find out the answer through the following article.
1. What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are a type of lymphoid tissue that appears in many different parts of the body, from internal organs the abdomen to subcutaneous soft tissue. Lymph nodes play an important role in preventing diseases, especially infectious diseases. Swelling and pain are the body's natural reactions when touching the lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes on the body are mostly benign, but sometimes can be a warning sign of a dangerous disease.
Lymph nodes are usually located in the neck, above the collarbone, armpits, groin, etc. They are often submerged so we do not notice them and only enlarge when fighting against disease. Lymph nodes function like the body's immune system, destroying bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells when they enter the body.
2. Causes of swollen lymph nodes behind the neck
Lymph nodes are found almost all over our body, from internal organs, the abdomen, to subcutaneous soft tissue Some easily palpable lymph nodes are neck lymph nodes (front of the neck, back of the neck...); groin, and armpit areas... Swollen lymph nodes behind the neck can be caused by a few of the following reasons:
Diseases such as gingivitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections...: Lymph nodes in the neck receive lymph fluid from the neck and head. When the head and neck are infected with bacteria, the lymph nodes will collect and destroy the bacteria that cause the infection. During this process, the lymph nodes can swell and appear in many locations in the neck, including the nape of the neck. The swelling will go away after the infection is gone;
Rheumatoid arthritis, HIV-AIDS, and systemic lupus erythematosus can also cause swollen lymph nodes behind the neck;
Due to the effects of some drugs and vaccines for typhoid, mumps and measles;
Cancer: Cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and thyroid cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes behind the neck.
3. Are lymph nodes behind the neck dangerous?
When having lymph nodes behind the neck, people are often afraid of getting dangerous diseases. However, whether lymph nodes behind the neck are dangerous or not depends on many factors as follows:
Swollen lymph nodes but not painful: Not all types of lymph nodes that appear need treatment, because there are benign types. Especially with types of lymph nodes that do not cause fever or pain. With this type, the lymph nodes will disappear on their own after a few days.
If the lymph nodes are swollen, painful, or have pus: In reality, many people do not pay attention to swollen lymph nodes behind the neck due to subjective psychology and lack of knowledge. In particular, when the lymph nodes behind the neck are accompanied by symptoms of swelling, and pain in the back of the neck,k, or pus, this can be a warning sign of a certain disease. In the case of swollen lymph nodes due to infection and self-healing after a few days, there is nothing to worry about.
Cancer warning: Lymph nodes due to cancer will not disappear and tend to become larger, less mobile, often painful, ss, and increasing in number. In particular, lymph nodes behind the neck appear with fever, night sweats, and difficulty swallowing…
In general, whether lymph nodes behind the neck are dangerous or not depends on the cause. When you see lymph nodes appear, you should monitor the condition of the lymph nodes. If they disappear after a few days, there is no need to worry. However, if they are accompanied by other signs or the lymph nodes are getting larger, you should go to the hospital for examination.
4. How to treat lymph nodes behind the neck?
Usually, people with lymph nodes behind the neck are often worried and seek treatment. However, for benign lymph nodes, patients do not need to worry too much and just need to monitor for a few days for this type of lymph node to disappear. However, for the condition of swollen and painful lymph nodes behind the neck, patients should go to the hospital for treatment depending on the cause:
- Lymph nodes behind the neck caused by bacterial infection: The doctor will prescribe antibiotics. After the infection is cured, the lymph nodes will naturally disappear and the body will return to normal.
- Lymph nodes behind the neck caused by immune disorders: Treat the main causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Lymph nodes behind the neck caused by cancer: The treatment methods used depend on the type of cancer.
In addition, some home remedies for treating lymph nodes behind the neck that are often recommended by doctors include:
- Hot compress: Dip a towel in hot water, wring it out, and apply it to reduce swelling of the lymph nodes behind the neck.
- Use pain relievers: People with lymph nodes behind the neck can buy over-the-counter pain relievers to use. Some recommended pain relievers include Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen.
- Rest: Do not overwork, rest fully and scientifically so that the body can recover quickly and the condition of the lymph nodes behind the neck will quickly disappear.
Not everyone can distinguish between benign and malignant lymph nodes, in fac,t the nature of the lymph nodes also varies depending on each case of the disease. Therefore, as soon as there are symptoms of abnormal lymph nodes of unknown cause, the patient should go to a professional, reputable medical facility for an accurate diagnosis.
To make an appointment at the hospital, please dial the HOTLINE number or make an appointment directly HERE. Download and make an automatic appointment on the MyVinmec application to manage, track schedules and make appointments anytime, anywhere right on the application.
