This is an automatically translated article.
The lymph nodes have the function of resisting the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. So, lymph nodes on the back of the neck can be a warning of a medical condition. So, is the lymph node at the back of the neck dangerous? Let's find out the answer through the following article.
1. What is a ganglion?
Lymph nodes are a type of lymphoid tissue that occurs in many different parts of the body, from internal organs, abdominal cavity to soft tissue under the skin. The lymph nodes play an important role in the prevention of diseases, especially infectious diseases. Swelling and pain are the body's natural response to the touch of lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are mostly benign but can sometimes be a warning of a dangerous disease.
Lymph nodes are usually located in the neck, on the collarbone, armpit, groin,... They are often sunken so we don't notice and only enlarge when fighting disease. Lymph nodes function like the body's immune system, destroying bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells when they enter the body.
2. Causes of lymphadenopathy at the nape of the neck
Nodules are found almost all over our body, from internal organs, abdomen, to soft tissue under the skin. Some lymph nodes that are easy to feel are cervical lymph nodes (anterior neck, back of the neck...); inguinal and armpit... The condition of swollen lymph nodes behind the neck can be caused by a few reasons as follows:
Diseases such as gingivitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection...: Lymph nodes in the neck receive lymphatic fluid from the neck and head. During a bacterial head and neck infection, the lymph nodes collect and destroy the bacteria causing the infection. During this process, lymph nodes can swell and appear in many places in the neck, including the nape of the neck. The swelling will go away once the infection clears up; Rheumatoid arthritis, HIV-AIDS, and systemic lupus erythematosus can also cause lymphadenopathy at the back of the neck; Due to the effect of some drugs and vaccines on typhoid, mumps and measles; Cancer: Cancers such as throat cancer and thyroid cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes in the back of the neck.
Hạch sau gáy có thể đang cảnh báo một bệnh lý nào đó
3. Is the lymph node at the back of the neck dangerous?
When having lymph nodes on the back of the neck, people are often afraid of dangerous diseases. However, the danger of lymph nodes in the back of the neck no longer depends on many factors as follows:
Swollen lymph nodes but no pain: Not all types of lymph nodes appear need to be treated, because there are benign types. Especially with 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 fact, many cases of people due to subjective psychology and lack of understanding should not pay attention to the lymph nodes on the back of the neck. Especially when the lymph nodes behind the neck are swollen, painful, or have pus, this may be a warning sign of a medical condition. In cases where the lymph nodes are enlarged due to an infection and go away on their own after a few days of healing, there is nothing to worry about. Cancer warning: Lymph nodes caused by cancer will not go away and tend to become larger, less mobile, often painless, and increasing in number. Especially the lymph nodes on the back of the neck appear with fever, night sweats, difficulty swallowing ... In general, the lymph nodes on the back of the neck are dangerous no longer depending on the cause. When the lymph nodes appear, you should monitor the status of the lymph nodes. If it disappears after a few days, there is no need to worry. However, if accompanied by other signs or enlarged lymph nodes, you should go to the hospital for examination.
Hạch sau gáy có nguy hiểm không còn phụ thuộc vào nhiều yếu tố
4. How to treat the lymph nodes at the back of the neck?
Usually, people with lymphadenopathy on the back of the neck are worried and seek treatment. However, for benign lymph nodes, the patient does not need to worry and only needs to be monitored for a few days, this type of lymph node will disappear. However, for painful swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck, the patient should go to the hospital for treatment depending on the cause:
The lymph nodes on the back of the neck are infected by bacteria: The doctor will prescribe the use. antibiotics . After the infection clears, the lymph nodes will naturally disappear and the body will return to normal. Immune dysfunction: Treat the underlying cause, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Cancer in the back of the neck: The treatments used depend on the type of cancer. Besides, some home treatment methods for lymph nodes at home often recommended by doctors include:
Hot compress: Dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water, and apply a compress to reduce swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck. . Use pain relievers: People with lymphadenopathy can buy over-the-counter pain relievers to use. Some recommended pain relievers include Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Rest: Do not overwork, get enough rest, science so that the body can quickly recover and the condition of the lymph nodes behind the neck will quickly disappear. Not everyone can distinguish between benign and malignant lymph nodes, in fact the nature of lymph nodes varies depending on each case. Therefore, as soon as there are symptoms of abnormal lymphadenopathy of unknown cause, the patient should go to a reputable and professional medical facility for an accurate diagnosis.
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