Noatalia Paragoni she was admitted to hospital for a biopsy, and on social media he told his followers about the delicate moment he is experiencing. The influencer explained that he discovered “about a month ago this lump, this ball”, which an ultrasound identified as a swollen lymph node. And so she underwent a biopsy to understand the cause: “They took the tissue from me, in ten days we’ll understand what it is.” Natalia Paragoni, who in December has announced that she was pregnant of her second child, she did not hide her fear: “I didn’t sleep at all”, and she had moments of “panic” before the operation. But what are lymph nodes? Why do they sometimes get bigger and, in some cases, is it necessary to investigate further with specific tests? Here’s everything you need to know.
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What are lymph nodes and why are they important
The lymph nodes they are small structures scattered along the lymphatic system, a network that runs through the entire body and carries out a crucial role in immune defense. They act like filter stations of the lymph, intercepting viruses, bacteria and abnormal cells. Right inside the lymph nodes, explains theItalian Association for Cancer Research on your sitethe cells of the immune system are activated recognize and combat pathogens. It is for this reason that, when the body is under attack, they can increase in volume: it is a sign that they are “working”.
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When (not) to worry: the doctor speaks
“If the enlargement is transitory,” he explains Dr. Fabio Martinellihead of the Gynecology Oncology Operating Unit of Humanitas San Pio in 10-15 days you will return to normal. However, if the dimensions increase, or it has anomalous characteristics (for example if it is mobile) it is necessary resort to more in-depth investigations». The situation, the doctor underlines, can also be monitored independently: with self-examination it is possible to notice the evolution of the swelling.
Natalia Paragoni (IPA)
Swollen lymph nodes: the most common causes (which are often not serious)
In most cases, a swollen lymph node It’s not a worrying sign. On the contrary, it indicates that the immune system is active. As highlighted by Humanitasthe most frequent causes are viral or bacterial infections or acute or chronic inflammatory processes. In these situations, the lymph nodes tend to be painful and soft. Even theAIRC underlines that in the vast majority of cases the enlargement is benign: approximately two thirds of patients who seek medical attention have simple respiratory tract infections, while less than 1% of cases are linked to a tumor. This does not mean, however, that the symptom should be ignored.
Doctor Martinelli himself clarifies that often, especially with regard to the lymph nodes in the armpits or those in the groin, the enlargement is due to inflammatory or infectious causes: for example, you can cut yourself while shaving, a small infection develops and the lymph node «works as a sort of “filter”: it stops the spread of the infection but by doing so it increases.” Once the infection is eradicated, it returns to its normal size.
The Instagram story in which Natalia Paragoni talks about the biopsy (@natyparagoni)
The biopsy, as in the case of Natalia Paragoni
However, if the lymph node does not return to normal within a few days, you should absolutely contact a doctor. «With ultrasound», explains Dr. Martinelli, «it is possible to make an initial evaluation», especially if the patient, like Natalia Paragoni, is pregnant and therefore not all tests are indicated. At that point, the doctor clarifies, «if there is a suspicion that the cause of the enlargement of the lymph node may be malignant, the doctor can ask an in-depth diagnostic study and then we proceed when performing the biopsy».
Lymph node biopsy consists of removal of a small amount of tissuewhich is then analyzed under a microscope. This test serves to clarify the nature of the swelling and distinguish between infections, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases or more serious conditions. It is not a routine testbut is indicated when the clinical picture requires it. And therefore it is performed when, even after the ultrasound, they remain suspicions about the nature of the enlargement. «Even in this case», Dr. Martinelli recalls, «it can still be a non-malignant lesion».
Lymph nodes and tumors, the link
But it can also happen that it is a more serious situation. The reason why lymph nodes are carefully monitored, in fact, is linked to their role in spread of oncological diseases. This is because cancer cells can use the lymphatic system to move to other parts of the body. Not surprisingly, according to theAIRCswollen lymph nodes can also represent the first sign of a tumor or indicate that a disease is spreading. Precisely for this reason their analysis is fundamental in the so-called staging, that is, in the evaluation of the extension of the tumor.
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A signal to listen to, without alarmism
«In the vast majority of cases, even when the lymph nodes are swollen, the cause is not oncological but infectious or inflammatoryHowever, Dr. Martinelli reiterates. But it is It is important not to ignore the signal: if it persists, changes characteristics or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to contact your doctor, exactly as Natalia Paragoni did. Because the lymph nodes, after all, are a silent sentinel of our state of health. And when they “make themselves heard”, it is worth understanding why.
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