He May Not Be Innocent

Lymph gland growth

Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) in children can often cause concern for parents. If the enlarged lymph nodes do not return to their normal size within 1-2 weeks, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Lymph nodes, which are widely distributed throughout our body, are glands that play important roles in the immune system and protect our body against the external world. As a crucial part of the immune system, the primary function of lymph nodes is to fight off infections that enter the body. In light of this, parents' anxious reactions regarding the growth of these glands that protect our children's health are not entirely unfounded. However, it should be remembered that in healthy children, even newborns, small lymph nodes can grow large enough to be palpated. These lymph nodes, which can enlarge for various reasons, respond more rapidly and effectively to various stimuli such as infection, trauma, or cat scratches in children compared to adults. This causes the nodes to become easily visible. So at what point should parents consult a doctor? You will read the answer in this article by Prof. Dr. Betül Tavil, Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Medistate Kavacık Hospital, who provides detailed information about lymph node enlargement in children...

Why Does the Lymph Gland Grow?

Enlargement of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) is a common finding during physical examination. In determining the causes of lymphadenopathy in children, all factors such as the size, number, location, relationship with surrounding tissues, consistency of the lymph nodes, the patient's age, and accompanying clinical symptoms should be evaluated together. Most of the lymphadenopathies are benign (benign) and may appear primarily as the first finding in the course of infections. Less frequently, enlargement of lymph nodes may also be seen as an early symptom in some types of cancer, such as lymphoma (lymph cancer) or leukemia (blood cancer).

The Growth of Lymph Nodes is Important, Because…

Lymph nodes are part of the immune system called the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout almost every part of the body. Generally, swollen lymph nodes occur as a result of a local infection. The reason for this is the increase in the number of fighter cells (lymphocytes/antibodies) within the lymph nodes. Generally, lymph nodes up to 1 cm in diameter can be considered normal, but larger ones should be monitored closely. If there is an event anywhere in the head or neck that has the potential to cause harm to the body (such as an infection, trauma, etc.) these lymph nodes enlarge. The majority of cancers attempt to spread through the lymphatic system and remain trapped in the lymph nodes for a long time. In fact, this situation is also valid for other parts of the body. When cancer develops in a patient, the lymph nodes belonging to the region surrounding the cancer initially enlarge; this is called local metastasis. If cancer remains undetected, it continues to spread and distant metastasis occurs. This is called distant metastasis. Since delay in diagnosis in these patients can lead to significant medical problems, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the lymph nodes and determine in which cases further investigations are necessary.

Kaynakça:

• American Academy of Pediatrics. Evaluation and Management of Lymphadenopathy in Children.

• World Health Organization. Cancer Fact Sheets – Childhood Cancers.

• National Cancer Institute. Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma Overview.

• Turkish Pediatric Hematology Association. Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma Guide.

• Ferrer R. Lymphadenopathy: Differential diagnosis and evaluation. American Family Physician.