Submandibular Lymphadenopathy and Other Types of Lymph and Neck Masses

Submandibular lymphadenopathy basically refers to inflammation of the lymph nodes that are located under the lower jaw or mandible. The lymph nodes are usually very painful, swollen, supple masses and can often be associated with other medical problems such as fever, neck pain, and even ear discomfort. Other symptoms associated with submandibular lymph nodes include mouth pain, fatigue, weight loss.

While supple nodes or nodes that can be easily felt are commonly the result infection usually bacterial in nature, they will normally subside with proper antibiotic therapy. Hard masses that are usually fixed on one side of the other may be cancerous and a biopsy may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. A patient's history with smoking or chewing tobacco can also cause concern for possible malignant pathology.

Location of the swollen nodes is critical in being able to determine a proper diagnosis and course of treatment.

Medical conditions that can cause submandibular lymph node problems include mouth or dental infections, oral cancer, and even leukemia.

Shotty nodes are quite common and simply mean the nodes feel like buckshot or lead pellets. These nodes are not cancerous and can be easily followed up by your physician.

Abnormal nodules above the collarbone area should always be biopsied, no matter what the size and may suggest malignancy. Other hard lymph nodules that may suggest malignancy are those found in the armpit and they should be biopsied to confirm the pathology.

A malignancy in the lymphatic system must be approached aggressively. It is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you find any hard mass of any kind, prompt attention and diagnosis is crucial.

Treatment for lymphadenopathy can range from medication therapy and observation to surgical consultation, as well as possible oncology referral.

I have been in the medical field for a long time and a careful medical history and physical examination must be obtained when a patient presents with a neck mass of any kind. Other pieces of information your physician will use to make a diagnosis and course of treatment is how long the mass has been present as well as the size of the mass and if it has fluctuated in size.

Other infectious conditions that may cause neck masses include cat-scratch fever, cervical adenitis. As well as branchial abnormal conditions and thyroglossal duct neoplasms. Neoplasms can either be malignant or benign.

A CT is usually ordered, which may be followed by a needle biopsy in order to make a proper diagnosis. An ENT referral will be most likely ordered in order to have a possible endoscopy or excisional biopsy done.

Most supple lymph node masses that have not decreased in size after a full course of antibiotic therapy is reevaluated for other courses of treatment.

References for this article include: www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands/article_em.htm
emedicine.medscape.com/article/852373-overview
www.doctorslounge.com/oncology/diagnosis/lymph_node/cervical.htm
www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/408/566.html#causes