Lymph nodes behind the ears in infants

The appearance of lymph nodes behind the right ear is an obvious lymphadenopathy, which is often related to some infections and is a hyperplasia phenomenon caused by inflammatory stimulation. There are many reasons for lymphadenopathy in children. The most common one is infection. Of course, it may also be related to lymphadenopathy and even some malignant lymphomas. If the growth of this lymph node is more obvious, you must go to the hospital for examination in time.

Lymph nodes behind the ears in infants

Local lymph node enlargement is often related to some infections and is a type of inflammatory reactive hyperplasia. Most of the time, the size of the lymph nodes can be gradually reduced after the infection is controlled. In the current situation, there is no special lesion, so just pay attention to observation. Some people may recover more slowly.

Causes of swollen lymph nodes in children

1. Reactive lymph node hyperplasia: When lymph nodes are subjected to various injuries and antigenic stimulations, such as repeated tonsil infections, Epstein-Barr virus infection, adenoids hypertrophy, etc., it can cause partial or complete cell proliferation, structural changes and lymph node enlargement in the lymph nodes, which is called lymph node hyperplasia.

2. Cervical lymphadenitis: It is often secondary to odontogenic or glandular infection. The primary lesion should be found by combining clinical symptoms and comprehensive oral and maxillofacial examination. Cervical lymphadenitis is often accompanied by fever. The lymph nodes are painful to touch, have a soft texture, and have no adhesion to surrounding tissues. The skin temperature may be slightly elevated. Routine blood tests for these children usually show elevated infection indicators.

3. Cervical lymph node tuberculosis: It is a common and frequently occurring disease among extrapulmonary tuberculosis, characterized mainly by enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Most cases are not accompanied by systemic symptoms. Typical tuberculosis nodules can be seen in biopsy. It may be caused by simple local Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection or a local manifestation of systemic tuberculosis. Therefore, it is necessary to further search for tuberculosis lesions in the infection sites, such as the lungs, mouth, throat, etc.

4. Malignant lymphoma: Oral and maxillofacial masses or swollen lymph nodes are common first symptoms of malignant lymphoma, often accompanied by fever, night sweats, weight loss, skin itching and other symptoms. The cervical lymph nodes vary in size and are painless with a smooth surface and ample mobility. They feel firm, full, and uniform to the touch. In the early stages, they are active and isolated or scattered in the neck, armpits, groin, etc. In the late stages, they fuse with each other, adhere to the skin, become immobile, or form ulcers.

5. Lymph node metastasis: Cervical lymph nodes are a common site of metastasis of malignant tumors. Since the head, neck, chest and abdominal cavity can all metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes, the metastatic tumor is in the neck while the primary lesion can be spread throughout the body. The site of metastasis appears according to the rules of lymphatic drainage, but enlargement of the left cervical lymph nodes is more common.

The above content is a summary of the main causes of swollen lymph nodes in children. Generally, inflammatory infections are more common, and very rarely tumors. After the swelling occurs, you need to seek medical attention in time and receive diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Some dental infections can also cause swollen lymph nodes, some are caused by lymph node tuberculosis metastasis, and some are hyperplasia.