Epitrochlear lymph node Enlargement Causes, Assessment, Location
Epitrochlear lymph nodes are the member of the lymphatic system of upper limbs. Mostly these lymph nodes occur in pair or single but sometimes it may also three or four in number. These lymph nodes are also called supraepitrochlear lymph nodes (because of association with superficial lymphatic system) and cubital lymph nodes. These lymph nodes become enlarge in acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions. It is most commonly seen in the patients with lymphadenopathy. It is not enlarged in normal and mild conditions. It is considered the symptom of glandular fever.
Lymph proliferative diseases are the reason behind enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes except Hodgkin’s disease. These patients should be assessed daily. These lymph nodes can be treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. The acute condition occurs with a cat scratch, leprosy, leishmaniosis, tuberculosis and filariasis. The lymph nodes get enlarged and swelling occurs along with severe pain in the upper limb area near elbow and shoulder. This condition is associated with skin diseases because the superficial lymphatic system is involved. The edema in enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes is also seen along with pain in the arm especially in elbow region.
The epitrochlear lymph nodes become enlarged or palpable (non-tender) due to many reasons. Some of the reasons are as follows.
The assessment of the lymph nodes should be done on regular basis, because the onset of this condition is symptomatic. The patient feels swelling and a knot like appearance and cannot understand it. The physician diagnose this condition on the basis of appearance and symptoms faced by patients. The regular assessment of the ill patients is necessary because if it is left undiagnosed, it will lead from the mild conditions like streptococcal pharyngitis infection to the severe and life threatening diseases like cancer or malignancies. The epitrochlear lymph nodes require systemic diagnostic method to assess its condition.
The epitrochlear lymph nodes are normally in pair or single but sometimes may appear 3 or 4 in number. Most commonly present in the elbow region of arm, within the connective tissues of subcutaneous layer on medial side of elbow. It is found above the humeral epitrochlea at the distance of about 4 to 5 cm. the epitrochlear lymph nodes are involved in draining of lymph from the ulnar forearm and last three fingers of hand. These lymph nodes are associated with the superficial lymphatic system that is why it is also called supraepitrochlear lymph nodes.
Lymph proliferative diseases are the reason behind enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes except Hodgkin’s disease. These patients should be assessed daily. These lymph nodes can be treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. The acute condition occurs with a cat scratch, leprosy, leishmaniosis, tuberculosis and filariasis. The lymph nodes get enlarged and swelling occurs along with severe pain in the upper limb area near elbow and shoulder. This condition is associated with skin diseases because the superficial lymphatic system is involved. The edema in enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes is also seen along with pain in the arm especially in elbow region.
Epitrochlear lymph node Enlargement Causes
The epitrochlear lymph nodes become enlarged or palpable (non-tender) due to many reasons. Some of the reasons are as follows.
- This condition mostly occurs in persons having pets. Even a little scratch by the cat can cause this condition.
- Leprosy is also reported cause behind enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes.
- Leishmaniosis and tuberculosis are also the diseases leading to enlargement of epitrochlear lymph nodes.
- Filariasis (lymphatic disease caused by the parasitic infection)
- Any kind of injury also lead to epitrochlear lymphadenopathy.
- All these causes are rare and benign causes behind enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes.
Epitrochlear lymph node Enlargement Assessment
The assessment of the lymph nodes should be done on regular basis, because the onset of this condition is symptomatic. The patient feels swelling and a knot like appearance and cannot understand it. The physician diagnose this condition on the basis of appearance and symptoms faced by patients. The regular assessment of the ill patients is necessary because if it is left undiagnosed, it will lead from the mild conditions like streptococcal pharyngitis infection to the severe and life threatening diseases like cancer or malignancies. The epitrochlear lymph nodes require systemic diagnostic method to assess its condition.
Epitrochlear lymph node Enlargemen Location
The epitrochlear lymph nodes are normally in pair or single but sometimes may appear 3 or 4 in number. Most commonly present in the elbow region of arm, within the connective tissues of subcutaneous layer on medial side of elbow. It is found above the humeral epitrochlea at the distance of about 4 to 5 cm. the epitrochlear lymph nodes are involved in draining of lymph from the ulnar forearm and last three fingers of hand. These lymph nodes are associated with the superficial lymphatic system that is why it is also called supraepitrochlear lymph nodes.
Epitrochlear lymph node Enlargement Causes, Assessment, Location
Reviewed by Simon Albert
on
May 08, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Simon Albert
on
May 08, 2017
Rating:
