Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck: The truth you need to know about this sign

Health is maintained by the protection of the immune system; including the lymphatic system. They play a role in preventing the activity of bacteria and viruses that are harmful to the body. The lymph nodes are distributed in many places in the body; including the back of the neck (occipital lymph nodes). There are many pathogens that cause swollen lymph nodes; commonly referred to as a “nodule”. The phenomenon of swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck indicates that there is an abnormality in the body. To better understand, let's go to SignsSymptomsList to learn the following article.

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• Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck are what disease?
• Causes of swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck and related symptoms
• Are lymph nodes on the back of the neck dangerous?
• When to see a doctor?

Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck are what disease?

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system; plays an important role in the immune system. This is a barrier that prevents the entry of bacteria and viruses. There are more than 700 lymph nodes in our body; distributed mainly in the armpit, neck, groin. In which, the occipital region (on the back of the neck) has 3-5 nodes.

Usually the lymph nodes are about the size of a small pea. If the body is healthy, we hardly notice them. During an infection or illness, the lymph nodes can become swollen with fluid, commonly known as a nodule on the nape of the neck. Sometimes the lymph nodes at the back of the neck are painful and uncomfortable. Now we can see and touch.

The occipital lymph nodes are drained from the cephalothorax. When abnormalities occur in these areas, the lymph nodes swell; They can even become large lumps (small lymph nodes behind the ears , neck, back of the neck, ...). Therefore, if you find lymph nodes on the back of your neck, it means that there is an abnormality in the head area or nearby organs.

Swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck are a symptom that indicates an infection or invasion of a foreign agent in the head and neck area

Causes of swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck and related symptoms

Some of the conditions listed below can be the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the back of the neck. Depending on the cause, in addition to the swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck , there will be a few other accompanying symptoms that we need to pay attention to.

Scalp infections can cause swollen lymph nodes at the nape of the neck in adults

This is one of the most common causes of swollen lymph nodes in the back of the neck . Any infection in the head area is likely to cause swollen lymph nodes in the occipital region. Scalp infections can be caused by bacteria or fungi. With a scalp infection, some accompanying symptoms may include:

• Itching and pain in the scalp
• Dry, scaly skin
• Sores, blisters or scaly patches of skin on the face or head
• Hair loss

Common scalp infections include:

Scalp fungal infection

Fungal infections of the scalp or folk commonly known as " tuberculosis "; is a contagious disease. People with fungal infections often develop round, scaly bald areas on the scalp. Although this disease is not dangerous, it needs thorough treatment; prevent prolonged inflammation, which can cause serious complications.

Fungal infections of the scalp in addition to skin symptoms may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck

Infection with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes:

Open wounds in the scalp area can become infected with bacteria. The nodes at the back of the neck may swell when these wounds become infected. Besides, it may be accompanied by signs such as: red, painful swelling around the wound; yellow discharge or crusting; vesicular ulcers; fever.

Lice

To identify lice, we need to look for eggs or lice on the hair and scalp. They usually appear behind the ears and the nape of the neck. The most common symptom is itching. Occasionally, lymphadenopathy is present in both children and adults. Treating head lice needs to be quick and thorough.

Impetigo

Bacterial causes of impetigo; causes red, oozing, and crusting sores. Using antibiotics will help reduce the risk of infection and its spread.

Psoriasis

This is an autoimmune disease. In it the skin cells are renewed rapidly. The accumulation of discarded cells can produce red, silvery patches; accompanied by itching, pain. In addition to the scalp, the disease can also affect the face, feet, and skin folds. Psoriasis accompanied by swollen lymph nodes at the nape of the neck may indicate a fungal infection of the scalp.

Antifungal medications will help you get rid of a fungal infection in just a few days. However, psoriasis cannot be completely cured. We can only use the best treatments to control symptoms.

Rubella may be the cause of the swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck

Rubella (German measles) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms of the disease are similar to measles but milder, less contagious. The disease can cause swelling of the head and neck lymph nodes, including the occipital (back of the neck) lymph nodes. In addition to swollen lymph nodes, rubella can cause the following symptoms:

• A pink rash that spreads from the face to the trunk, arms and legs.
• Mild fever (usually no more than 39 degrees Celsius)
• Headache, throat, nose.
• Stuffy nose
• Inflammation, red eyes
• Athritis

Rubella can cause a skin rash all over the body with lymphadenopathy

Most people with rubella have mild symptoms. Patients only need to rest to recover and use accompanying pain relievers. However, it can cause serious health complications for the developing fetus. So you need to get the rubella vaccine before you get pregnant. At the same time, quickly see a doctor when you discover that you are at risk for Rubella.

Infectious mononucleosis

This is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The disease presents with symptoms that last for several weeks and is contagious. One of the most common manifestations is lymphadenopathy. Especially in areas like the neck, under the arms or in the groin. The disease can also cause the patient to have swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck . Other symptoms that may be experienced include:

• Fever
• Headache , muscle pain
• Sore throat, swollen tonsils
• Rash
• Tired
• Anorexia

The disease is not serious, but it can cause liver and spleen complications. The disease is spread through saliva; Therefore, it is necessary to limit the sharing of food and drinks; Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Treatment is mainly rest and plenty of fluids as the disease may resolve on its own.

Cancer

Rarely, lymph nodes at the back of the neck are a symptom of cancer. However, we cannot rule out this cause. Lymphoma can cause swollen lymph nodes in different areas and is usually painless. The cause of this condition is still unknown. In lymphoma, the white blood cells proliferate and grow abnormally; accumulate in the lymph nodes causing swollen lymph nodes. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever, chills
• Cough and difficulty breathing
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

Lymphoma can develop at any age. Treatment depends on the type of lymphoma and how advanced the disease is.

Some cancers can spread to the head and neck area and cause swollen lymph nodes at the back of the neck. Although uncommon, cancers that have spread to the occipital (back of the neck) lymph nodes can be caused by: melanoma, scalp cancer, lung cancer, or thyroid cancer.

Are lymph nodes on the back of the neck dangerous?

Most cases of dorsal lymphadenopathy in children and adults go away when the underlying cause is successfully treated. However, swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck can also be a dangerous symptom if accompanied by the following symptoms:

• No clinical symptoms other than lymphadenopathy
• Unexplained swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen lymph nodes last for 2-4 weeks or more and gradually increase in size
• The lymph nodes are hard, firm, tough, not mobile
• Accompanied by symptoms: high fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss

When to see a doctor?

Whenever you detect symptoms of lymphadenopathy, consult your doctor immediately. Whether the cause is simple or serious, we also need to clearly define it to have the right treatment; avoid dangerous complications.

Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck in adults and children are a manifestation of the immune system's defense against pathogens: it can be due to infection or malignancy. Swollen lymph nodes may be accompanied by typical symptoms of the disease. In cases where symptoms are unclear and persistent, malignancy may be suspected. We need to pay attention to the symptoms of the disease and go to the doctor right away to eliminate the cause early.