Swollen lymph nodes in the neck: when should you worry?

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or swollen lymph nodes in the neck are very common symptoms and often occur when we have diseases related to the head and neck area. Not only that, some people also have swollen lymph nodes with increasing size, even with complications such as infection and bleeding. Is this a serious problem? What should we do when the above signs appear? The following article will help everyone have more awareness of this condition and choose the appropriate treatment option.

Is swollen lymph nodes in the neck dangerous?

Swollen lymph nodes are divided into two types: benign and malignant. If the swollen lymph nodes in your neck are benign, they can be easily treated. But if the lymph nodes are malignant, it is definitely a warning that your body is in danger because of the presence of some cancer.

How to identify benign and malignant lymph nodes

Benign lymph nodes

Many experts in the medical field have pointed out that each person's body usually has up to 450 lymph nodes. They can appear in many different locations: neck, groin, armpit,... These lymph nodes inherently contain lymphocytes that play an extremely necessary role in the body's immune system.

If you feel like you are being swollen lymph nodes in neck and if it hurts to the touch, don't worry too much because this could be a sign that you have tonsillitis, pharyngitis, mouth ulcers, etc. After the pathogens are reduced and eliminated, this lymph node will also shrink and disappear. Although it is a benign area, you should still go to the hospital and clearly state your condition to the doctor for the earliest treatment.

Malignant lymph nodes

Can be said on the body appearmalignant lymph node is a great fear. Lymph nodes can sometimes be metastases of cancers of the nasopharynx, breast cancer, lung cancer, etc. This type of lymph node often appears over a long period of time. They grow singly or in many nodes at the same time. When you touch it with your hand, it will feel hard and tightly attached to the surrounding tissue, sometimes causing pain.

People aged 40 and over who discover swollen lymph nodes near the collarbone or below the neck should see a doctor immediately. Because it could be a sign of cancer.