Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infectious diseases, injuries, etc. This in itself is not dangerous. But we must know when the enlargement of these nodes poses a danger to health.
Dr. Roman Yevstratov, an oncologist, points out that it is very important to know when enlarged lymph nodes indicate serious diseases, including cancer. It explains how to distinguish between dangerous and non-dangerous nodular hyperplasia.
According to him, when the lymph node becomes enlarged in order to suppress the source of infection, it disappears on its own. Also, reactive inflammation of the lymph nodes is not a concern. This occurs with systemic diseases and injuries and is associated with an increased volume of lymph flow to the affected lymph node. But there are other, more serious causes. Such as lymphoproliferative disease, when the entire lymphatic system is affected, as for example in lymphomas, or metastatic damage to a lymph node, when an existing tumor spreads. There are no specific symptoms between them. But there are certain criteria that help to find out: size, pain, consistency and appearance of the node.
He goes on to explain, if the lymph node appears quickly, within a few days or weeks - it can be large, up to two centimeters - but at the same time it is soft, it may be painful, and the skin around it may turn red - at most it is of an infectious nature or Interactive. However, if the lymph node enlarges slowly over a month and becomes firm and dense, like bone when touched, and is painless, it may have fused with surrounding tissue - in this case, it raises concern because it is most likely of a cancerous nature. Pain may appear with cancer, if necrosis or bleeding occurs in the lymph node.
The specialist advises that it is necessary to consult a doctor in case of swollen lymph nodes, perform an ultrasound examination, and not practice self-diagnosis and treatment.
A surgeon explains how smoking leads to gangrene and leg amputation
Surgeon Dr. Armen Avakian revealed the danger of high blood cholesterol levels, and the relationship between smoking and this.
The surgeon pointed out in an interview with Sputnik Radio that high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to serious heart disease, as well as to disturbed blood flow to the lower extremities, and even to gangrene.
He says: “High levels of cholesterol in the blood contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, that is, the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques in the lumen of the arteries. This is one of the factors for serious cardiovascular diseases, as well as intermittent claudication, in which in its early stages the person feels pain while walking, and after that it develops into "Progressive atherosclerosis and gangrene. When blood does not flow normally to the legs, any injury or wound becomes incurable and can ultimately lead to leg amputation."
According to him, it turns out that smoking is one of the most common causes of atherosclerosis of the arteries in the legs.
He says: “When patients who suffer from atherosclerosis come to me in the gangrene stage, that is, at the stage when it becomes necessary to amputate the leg, it is clear from the information we collect about the patients that 90 percent of them smoke. That is, smoking is one of the main factors causing high cholesterol levels in the blood. "This leads to narrowing of the arteries and problems with blood reaching the lower extremities. This indicates that smoking increases the risk of leg amputation."
The surgeon points out that high blood cholesterol levels can be linked to heredity, excess weight, excessive consumption of fatty foods, and a sedentary lifestyle. To reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, it is necessary to conduct a biochemical blood test regularly.
He says: “In my opinion, every person over the age of thirty should undergo a biochemical blood test once a year. Because this test shows, among other things, the level of cholesterol and its main molecules in the blood. Special attention should also be paid to low-density lipoproteins. If this If the index is high, you must immediately consult a doctor or surgeon to prescribe the appropriate treatment.”