Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped lumps that are found in various parts of the body. around the neck, over the collarbones, in the armpits, in the groin and in the abdomen. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system - the lymph flowing through the lymph nodes from the body tissues is filtered for the presence of microbes. When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes produce cells related to immune processes. Thanks to this, bacteria, viruses and fungi are rendered harmless. In the course of an infection, the lymph nodes become temporarily enlarged, which is completely normal. It is worth noting that lymphadenopathy may also be a symptom of many serious diseases, and even cancer. To assess whether the observed condition is physiological or pathological, ultrasound of the lymph nodes is performed.

Enlarged lymph nodes appear as oval lumps that can be felt by palpating the subcutaneous tissue around the neck, groin or armpits. Lymphadenopathy is observed during infection. Less frequently, it may be a symptom of a systemic disease, cancer of the lymphatic system or neoplastic metastases. The image of the structure of the lymph nodes can be visualized during ultrasound examination (USG).

Painful to the touch, soft and sliding enlarged lymph nodes are most often an expression of an infection in the body. As the inflammation is calmed down, the lymph nodes, as a rule, cease to be tender to touch and gradually shrink. The most dangerous, however, are painless, hard and compact enlarged lymph nodes, because their presence may indicate an active neoplastic process (e.g. lymphoma, leukemia or neoplastic metastasis). In the event of such changes, an urgent ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes should be made.

Superficial lymph nodes are located on the sides of the neck. When the body remains healthy, the lymph nodes are usually not felt. Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck is observed, among others, in in the course of pharyngitis (angina) or tooth decay. Palpation is used to assess the consistency of an enlarged lymph node. A physiologically enlarged lymph node (in the course of an infection) is soft, easy to move, but can be painful. The abnormal pathological enlargement of the lymph node (cancer) may be indicated by a compact, hard structure fused with the substrate, and the lymph node itself is painless. Ultrasound examination (USG) and lymph node biopsy enable a more precise assessment of the lymph nodes.

 Lymphadenopathy is not a separate disease entity. Lymphadenopathy may be a symptom of infection, systemic disease, or cancer. Treatment is always directed to the cause of lymphadenopathy.