Lymph nodes on the head are mainly grouped along the border line with the neck line.
Among these groups, occipital formations should be noted. Vessels from the posterior outer region of the parietal, temporal part, as well as the nape of the head flow into these lymph nodes on the head.
Mastoid formations collect fluid from the same areas and from the posterior surface of the auricle, external auditory canal and eardrum.
Parotid lymph nodes on the head (deep and superficial) collect fluid from the temple, forehead, lateral region of the eyelids. In addition, lymph flows from the outer zone of the auricle, ear canal, parotid gland, temporomandibular joint, and auditory tube of this side.
In the submandibular formations, fluid collects from the lateral surface of the chin, lower and upper lips, nose, cheeks, teeth and gums. These lymph nodes on the head also collect lymph from the medial region of the eyelids, soft and hard palate, tongue, sublingual and submandibular salivary glands.
Liquid from the eyeball, mucous membrane of the cheek, gums, lips, mouth, periosteum of the nose and mouth, facial muscles flows into facial formations. The lymph from the hyoid and submandibular glands is also going here.
Fluid flows from the same areas into the submandibular nodes and from the tip of the tongue to the submental nodes.
With the help of a physical study, it is determined whether the inflammation of the lymph nodes on the head is local or generalized. In addition, the specialist evaluates the consistency, mobility and size of the formations. The absence or presence of soreness during palpation, symptoms of inflammation of nearby tissues, areas of damaged skin, as well as other likely external foci of infection are also detected. During the examination, the size of the spleen is also determined.
The increase in nodes located in the same group refers to the local or regional type. With inflammation of the formations of non-adjacent groups (three or more), the generalized form is classified.
In the latter case, an increase is more often associated with non-tumor processes. In particular, they include infectious mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, AIDS and others. It should be noted that when a generalized enlargement of nodes is detected, chronic and acute lymphoid leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis and lymphomas should be excluded.
Inflammation of the occipital formations is often noted with the development of infections of the scalp. Parotid lymph nodes can become inflamed due to conjunctivitis and felinosis.
Local inflammation of the cervical formations is quite common. As a rule, it is due to non-tumor causes. These include infections in the upper respiratory tract, diseases of the oral cavity, teeth and others. Along with this, inflammation against the background of the tumor process is likely.
The consistency of enlarged lymph nodes can be elastic, dense or soft, and their surface can be lumpy or smooth. The soreness of the formations is mainly due to the extension of the capsule. This, in turn, indicates a rapid increase in the lymph node, which is characteristic of the inflammatory process.
It should be noted that these formations are part of the body's defense system. Inflammatory processes in them always indicate the development of a disease.
What to do with inflammation of the lymph nodes?
First, you need to visit a doctor and take tests that he will prescribe.
Among folk remedies, there are very effective recipes. So, the herb Echinacea is considered effective. The easiest way is to take the finished tincture. In this case, ten drops are dissolved in a quarter glass of water. The medicine is recommended to be taken four times a day.
It is also advisable to use vitamin C. It helps to increase white blood cells and their activation in the fight against bacteria.