Last Updated on February 23, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Lump refers to a localized swollen area on the body. These enlargements stand out against the firm, soft, or hard-textured normal tissue that surrounds them. These lumps could have a variety of traits, like being mobile or fixed. It is significant to note that extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly in the neck region, can result in swollen, inflamed lymph nodes. These tubercular lumps are referred to as scrofula. The condition is also known as lymph node tuberculosis or cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis. This article provides a list of the clinical signs, diagnoses, and treatments for lymph node tuberculosis.
What are the clinical findings of lymph node tuberculosis?
Lymph node pain or swelling is one of the typical symptoms of lymph node tuberculosis. It may start as painless, small, rounded nodules on the neck, which could grow in size over the course of several weeks or months. After a few weeks, these nodules may ooze pus or fluid. Fever, malaise, sudden weight loss, night time sweating, extreme tiredness, and coughing are some additional symptoms.
It should be emphasized that the condition is widespread in developing nations and that contact with contaminated objects or other non-bacterial sources can cause children to contract it. People who have a weakened immune system are more susceptible to contracting scrofula. In addition, underlying medical conditions like HIV impair the body’s ability to fight off infections and put people at risk of contracting this disease.
How is lymph node TB identified by a physician?
It can be difficult to diagnose scrofula. Breathing issues, pain, and bloody coughing are all symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis that are difficult to ignore. However, because the symptoms of scrofula are similar to those of other illnesses, doctors might not immediately consider testing for the tuberculosis bacteria.
The doctor will perform a clinical examination and take a complete medical history. They might perform tests to rule out other conditions like cancer or a thyroid disorder that also enlarge the lymph nodes. They might perform imaging tests like X-rays or blood tests.
One frequently performed tuberculosis test is a purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test. Another diagnostic procedure is to examine the fluid from the enlarged lymph nodes under a microscope.
How should scrofula be treated medically?
Lymph node TB is a serious condition that requires a lengthy course of treatment. Doctors issue prescriptions for antibiotics like isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol. Additionally, oral steroids are employed to lessen inflammation. Surgery is also advised in severe cases to get rid of the big nodules on the neck.
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