I felt a small mass in my neck, a bit painful. How to know if this lymph node is benign or malignant, are there any different characteristics to differentiate? (Hoai An, Binh Dinh)
The lymph node system is part of the immune system, acting as a filter to remove germs and foreign substances entering the body. There are about 800 lymph nodes scattered throughout the body, more than a third in the head and neck area.
You cannot recognize lymph nodes when the body is in a normal state. In cases of infection, trauma, or cancer, a lymph node area becomes swollen, especially the neck, armpit, or groin. Sometimes, multiple areas of lymph nodes swell, called generalized lymphadenopathy. Swollen lymph nodes near the surface of the skin can be seen or felt to the touch. Lymph nodes located deeper in the body when swollen cannot be felt.
Nodes can be benign or malignant. Benign lymph nodes, besides signs of swollen lymph nodes (lymph nodes), the patient also has symptoms of cough, sore throat, body aches, nausea… The patient may also be infected with a virus or other disease. . Swollen lymph nodes near infected body parts such as mouth, throat, ears, skin… The swelling gradually decreases when the above symptoms go away.
Lymph nodes are potentially malignant. In addition to signs of swollen lymph nodes, the patient does not have a cough, cold or infection. But the patient has a fever and sweats at night.
In case the lymph nodes do not stop swelling after the fever, cough, sore throat… is also a sign of suspected malignant lymph nodes. Malignant lymph nodes tend to get larger, harder and immobile. The area around the malignant lymph node is often red, feels warm to the touch, or oozes fluid.
The Doctor examines the patient’s neck lymph nodes. Illustration: Hospital provided
You haven’t described the lymph nodes in your neck in detail so the doctor can’t confirm. You should go see a doctor for a check-up. Your doctor may order blood tests to determine if there are infections and underlying diseases. The patient may have an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound to get a clearer picture of the lymph nodes. To confirm whether it is benign or malignant, doctors often prescribe a biopsy.
In case the biopsy results are benign and the lymph nodes are swollen due to infection or flu, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and antivirals. When the infection or flu is gone, the swollen lymph nodes improve. If the lymph nodes are painful and cause discomfort, the patient can apply warm compresses several times a day and drink plenty of water; Avoid squeezing or poking swollen lymph nodes.
With malignant lymph nodes, the doctor determines whether the patient has lymphoma or another type of cancer that leads to lymph node metastasis. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy…