Lymph nodes are a component of the lymphatic system that perform specific functions. They are involved in the formation of immunity, produce antibodies that are necessary to protect the body. In addition, the lymph nodes are a barrier to foreign microorganisms and are considered a natural “filter”. They also maintain fluid balance between tissues and ensure metabolism and normal digestion.
It is worth noting that the number of such components in a person is individual and can vary from 400 to 1000. They are located in vital places and are not palpable or barely noticeable during normal functioning of the body.
Enlargement of lymph nodes is possible with certain health disorders. If a person has pain and swelling of the lymph nodes, this indicates pathological abnormalities.
Lymph nodes can increase with viral infections, connective tissue lesions, and oncological diseases. Viral infections include measles, herpes, rubella and other diseases whose viruses are tropic to lymphoid tissue. Connective tissue lesions – arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism. In addition, an increase in lymph nodes is also possible with individual sensitivity, therefore it may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
The location of hypertrophied nodes may directly depend on the disease. For example, enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area can indicate boils, inflammation of the urogenital tract, and inflammatory processes in the lower extremities.
Early diagnosis allows you to determine the cause, diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. This requires an ultrasound examination using specially designed equipment.
Indications for an ultrasound
It should be noted that timely examination and treatment can not only reduce the time of treatment, but in some cases, save a person’s life.
During the procedure, the doctor determines the size, shape and structure of the lymph nodes, assesses the condition of the tissues and blood supply.
The study takes into account the location of the lymph nodes. Examination of the lymph nodes in the neck is carried out with suspicion of tuberculosis, cancer, sarcoma, lymphoma, syphilis. This also includes formations on the salivary glands and lesions of the thyroid gland.
In addition to noticeable visual changes in the lymph nodes, the following symptoms should alert a person:
- noticeable fatigue;
- chills;
- lack of appetite and sleep;
- frequent headache, body aches;
- pain in the area of the lymph nodes.
If a person, in addition to swelling, has at least one of the above symptoms, this should alert him. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor who, if indicated, will prescribe an ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes.
In general, it is worth noting that the choice of site for ultrasound examination depends on the nature of the disease. In case of deformation of bone tissues in the dental system, ultrasound of the submandibular lymph nodes is performed. If the patient underwent surgery, then after surgery, it is necessary to do an examination of the axillary lymph nodes.
Preparation and procedure
No special preparation is required for ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes. An exception is the study of retroperitoneal lymph nodes. In this case, approximately 2-4 days before the ultrasound, you should follow a diet that does not contain products that cause fermentation in the body: carbonated drinks, yeast bread, kvass, cabbage, etc. On the eve of the procedure, a light dinner is recommended, and a cleansing enema should be done the day before the study.
An ultrasound is prescribed by a doctor, and is carried out using a special high-precision sensor. The procedure is absolutely painless and safe for the body.
The procedure is quite simple:
- the doctor applies the gel on a high-precision sensor.
- the sensor is pressed tightly against the skin and the image is displayed on the monitor.
It is important to take responsibility for your own health and regularly undergo various examinations. If suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a specialist.