Lymph node swelling in the lower jaw
definition
Lymph nodes act as a kind of filter station for the lymph. They can be found in different parts of the body, where they absorb the lymph from their afferent area. A particularly large number of lymph nodes can be found in the neck region and on the lower jaw, but also on the groin and in the chest.
They are part of the human defense system and are around 5 to 10 mm in size. Normally, lymph nodes cannot be felt in healthy people. Occasionally, inguinal lymph nodes can be felt in very thin people. Lymph node swelling can have various causes.
introduction
In general, one speaks of a lymph node swelling as soon as lymph nodes become enlarged and palpable through the skin. The medical term is Lymphadenopathy or Lymphadenitis, the latter rather describing an inflammatory cause.
A distinction is made between benign and malignant lymph node swellings. There are criteria that can be used to describe a lymph node swelling in more detail and to narrow down the potential causes.
In addition to the physical examination, in which the examiner palpates the lymph nodes, there are other diagnostic tools that can be used to examine lymph node swelling in more detail. This includes imaging procedures such as ultrasound, CT or MRI. You can also take tissue from a lymph node and examine it more closely under the microscope.
Lymph node swelling can be triggered by various causes, which are based on different mechanisms. The consistency and size as well as the pain, also known as tenderness, vary.
Causes of lymph node swelling in the lower jaw
Many different diseases and conditions can cause lymph nodes in the region of the lower jaw to swell.
Since there are many lymphatic tracts running in this region of the body and on the rest of the neck in particular, and many lymph nodes are located there, swelling of the lymph nodes occurs in the context of some diseases, especially here.
A distinction is made between benign and malignant swellings. Furthermore, one can differentiate according to the cause.
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Infectious swelling of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw
First of all, the various clinical pictures that can lead to benign swelling of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw region should be discussed. This includes banal viral infections, which lead to the immune system being activated. As part of this immune response, the lymph nodes, which are an essential part of the immune system, swell.
The lymph nodes themselves can also be inflamed as part of a viral attack. This is known as Lymphadenitis. This type of lymph node swelling can be painful.
Lymph node swellings on the lower jaw and in the neck region are particularly common with viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, i.e. with a viral cold or the like.
The following topic may also be of interest to you: Chronic swelling of the lymph nodes
Another very common cause of bilateral lymph node swelling in the lower jaw is inflammation of the tonsils (Tonsillitis). Pathogens such as the Epstein-Barr virus, measles, mumps, rubella and the cytomegaly virus also very often lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in this area.
In addition to the pathogens already mentioned, other pathogens are also able to trigger lymph node swelling. This includes, for example, herpes labialis or a parasite infection with leishmania or toxoplasma.
In most cases, the lymph node swelling is not limited to the lower jaw, but extends over several regions. This is known as generalized lymphadenopathy.
But an abscess in the lower jaw can also cause lymph node swelling. This cannot always be seen from the outside, so that a lymph node swelling in the lower jaw can be the first symptom.
Are you interested in this topic? Read more about this at: Swelling on the neck under the jaw
Malignant swelling of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw
Cancer can be the cause of swelling of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw. However, it is important to keep in mind that in the vast majority of cases a banal infection is behind such a swelling.
In particular blood cancer (leukemia) and lymphomas cause swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymphomas are malignant diseases of the lymphatic system, which are divided into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Tumors of the oral cavity and floor of the mouth, as well as tumors of the salivary gland, can also lead to swollen lymph nodes in the lower jaw.
More rarely, other cancers such as lung cancer or tumors of the digestive tract are responsible for the lymph node swelling.
Read more on this topic at: Lymph nodes are swollen - how dangerous is it?
Other causes of lymph node swelling in the lower jaw
Lymph node swelling of the lower jaw can occur as part of other diseases. Overall, however, these causes can be classified as rare.
Overactive thyroid gland, sarcoidosis or amyloidosis can rarely be the cause of swelling of the lymph nodes. Another cause can be lupus erythematosus. Rare inflammatory diseases such as vasculitis (Vascular inflammation) are also potential causes of lymph node swelling.
Other causes are rheumatic diseases. However, all of these causes are rare.
After localization of the lymph node swelling
Bilateral lymph node swelling
Bilateral lymphadenopathy in the lower jaw region is very often caused by tonsillitis (Tonsillitis) triggered. Most often both tonsils are inflamed. The drainage area of the lymph from the tonsils is located exactly in the lower jaw and lower jaw angle, so that swelling can quickly occur here, which is pronounced on both sides. Possible pathogens are viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus, but also bacteria such as streptococci.
Other infectious diseases that can be considered are, for example, cat scratch disease or an infection with toxoplasma. Both pathogens are transmitted by cats and can lead to more or less painful swelling of the lymph nodes as part of the disease.
In principle, many other causes are also possible. Other viral diseases that can cause bilateral swelling of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw include measles, mumps and rubella.
Cancers such as lymphomas, leukemia and metastases from other tumors are also possible causes of bilateral lymph node swelling in the lower jaw. Furthermore, tumors of the face and neck region, for example tumors of the head salivary glands, the floor of the mouth or the tongue, can cause bilateral lymph node swellings in the lower jaw.
Unilateral swelling of the lymph nodes
Unilateral lymph node swelling can have various causes. Often it is a local infection that can promote swelling of the lymph nodes on one side. If the lymph nodes are in the lymphatic drainage area of the infection, this is where the immune system becomes particularly active, which can lead to swelling. Often this is also painful and accompanied by a local skin reaction such as reddening.
Causes can be, for example, respiratory tract infections or a local inflammation of the skin on the affected side of the jaw. Unilateral inflammation of the salivary glands, e.g. the parotid gland or other small oral salivary glands, can also cause such unilateral lymph node swelling.
Other infectious diseases such as rubella or mumps can also lead to lymph node swelling, localized on one side. In the course of the infection, the lymph node swelling then spreads over other regions, so that one speaks of generalized lymph node swelling.
Other causes of unilateral lymph node swelling in the neck and lower jaw area can be diseases such as tuberculosis or sarcoid. Here, too, the swelling can spread to other lymph node regions.
In the context of systemic lupus erythematosus, which is an autoimmune disease, local lymph node swelling can occur. Usually such swellings are not painful and are caused by the body's general autoimmune response.
Unilateral swelling of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw or neck area can continue to occur in malignant cancer. These can be lymph node metastases from other primary tumors, i.e. tumors from another region of the body, or separate tumors of the lymph nodes, so-called lymphomas.
Tumors of the oral cavity or salivary glands can initially be accompanied by unilateral swelling of the lymph nodes. Such malignant swellings are often painless and can hardly be moved, if at all.
Concomitant symptoms may include fever, night sweats and weight loss. However, these symptoms do not always occur, so that any lymph node swelling that has persisted for more than 3 weeks without any signs of infection or that grows very quickly and has suddenly occurred should be clarified by a doctor.
Painful swelling of the lymph nodes
Lymphadenopathy can be painful in many cases. Usually it is pain from pressure that can be triggered by touching the lymph node swelling. With painful, swollen lower jaw lymph nodes, chewing or speaking can also be painful, as the swelling presses on the muscles required for this.
Painfulness is generally a more benign symptom of lymph node swelling and mostly speaks in favor of an inflammatory or infectious cause rather than a malignant cause such as cancer. However, this must not be generalized as there can always be exceptions.
The ability to move, the speed of growth and the accompanying symptoms are also very important for assessment. In the case of pronounced signs of infection such as cough, fever, runny nose and painful cervical lymph nodes, however, in most cases it is a benign swelling of the lymph nodes, for example caused by an infection.
Painless lymph node swelling
Lymph node swellings that are not painful can, depending on their location, condition and growth rate, be rather suspicious to suspicious of malignancy. Lack of pain is seen as a potential sign of malignancy and can indicate a malignant disease such as lymphoma, metastasis or leukemia.
Other diseases such as rheumatic complaints, systemic lupus erythematosus or sarcoid can also result in painless lymphadenopathies in the lower jaw area. Concomitant symptoms that can substantiate the suspicion of such a cause are fever, night sweats and unwanted weight loss. An unspecific exhaustion and tiredness is also possible.
In addition, there are symptoms that are specific to the underlying disease. An example of this would be joint problems in a rheumatic disease.
Therapy of swollen lymph nodes
The therapy for lymph node swelling in the lower jaw depends on the underlying disease. There is no general therapy aimed at treating lymph node swelling, as this is an expression or a type of symptom in the context of other diseases.
Viral swellings in simple respiratory infections do not require any special therapy. Only pain reliever and antipyretic drugs such as ibuprofen are used to relieve general symptoms. Sport and physical exertion should be avoided in the event of an infection.
Even with an infection with the Eppstein-Barr virus (Infectious mononucleosis) is only treated symptomatically. Attention is paid to adequate fluid intake and physical rest. Antipyretic drugs are also used.
Cancer diseases, on the other hand, which can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes, require a completely different therapy. This depends on the type of cancer. In addition to chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and tumor irradiation are also possible.
Bacterial infections or localized skin infections can be treated with antibiotics or antibiotic ointments, for example.
The range of therapy options is very wide and depends individually on the cause of the lymph node swelling. However, since most lymphadenopathies are of viral origin, specialized therapy is not necessary.
Home remedies for swollen lymph nodes
A doctor should be consulted at an early stage in order to rule out a serious underlying disease, especially in the case of lymph node swelling that has persisted for more than four weeks or in the event of severe symptoms. However, if it is a simple lymph node swelling as part of an infection, some home remedies can also help to alleviate the symptoms.
Home remedies and methods that can help with lymph node swelling:
- Massaging the lymph nodes can help improve lymphatic drainage. To do this, use one hand or two fingers to gently massage the swollen lymph nodes with circular movements. You can repeat this as often as you like.
- A warm compress can help relieve the discomfort and soothe the swelling.
Duration of the lymph node swelling
Lymphadenopathies usually disappear again when the offending infection is over. This can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, but sometimes longer.
However, lymph node swellings can persist for more than four weeks, e.g. as an expression of systemic diseases such as rheumatism or lupus erythematosus.
In general, however, any swelling of the lymph nodes that persists for more than four weeks should be examined by a doctor, as it could also be a malignant disease, i.e. cancer.
Symptoms of lymph node swelling
Lymph node swellings show different symptoms depending on the cause and condition. Inflammatory and infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis, can cause redness and painful swelling of the lymph nodes. Depending on the position on the lower jaw, this can also hurt when chewing. Furthermore, the lymph node can be overheated with such a cause.
Concomitant symptoms of an infection can include fever and fatigue. Depending on the underlying disease, there may be other signs of infection such as coughing or runny nose.
In malignant diseases such as cancer, but also in rheumatic diseases, the lymph node swelling can be painless, but very hard and immovable. It is then usually not reddened and not overheated. In addition, there can be accompanying symptoms such as night sweats, fever, fatigue and weight loss. Other side symptoms depend on the underlying disease.
Abscess in the lower jaw
An abscess is a localized inflammation that has become encapsulated and is located in the area of the lower jaw.
In most cases, the abscess is due to localized inflammation of the teeth, salivary glands, or other structures in the mouth. As a result, the inflammatory cells and the inflamed tissue in the abscess have encapsulated themselves and from there they can repeatedly lead to infection symptoms and complaints.
As long as the abscess persists on the lower jaw, the surrounding lymph nodes can be swollen and painful in response to the harmful pathogens. Abscesses are often difficult to treat with medication due to their capsule, so the abscess must be removed with a puncture or surgically.
For more detailed information on this topic, see: Abscess in the lower jaw
Tonsillitis
The tonsillitis is a very typical and common disease in school age. The underlying cause is often harmless viral or bacterial inflammation which, in addition to a throat and respiratory tract infection, leads to painful swelling and involvement of the tonsils.
Due to their nature and irregular surface, the pathogens can stick to the tonsils particularly easily and lead to inflammation here.
As with many pathogen-related inflammations of the oral cavity, lymph nodes in neighboring areas such as the lower jaw, neck or above the collarbone can swell in response to the bacteria or viruses and trigger the body's immune response.
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