Tuberculosis or TB does not only occur in the lungs, but also in other parts of the body, one of which is the lymph nodes. In order to avoid lymph node tuberculosis, consider the following explanation:.
Most cases of TB do occur in the lungs. But infections caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) can also attack other body parts. A condition called TB extrapulmonary or TB outside the lungs can affect the lining of the brain, bones, kidneys, abdominal cavity, lymph nodes, urinary tract, or other body parts including the skin and pleura.
Statistically, TB outside the lungs is experienced by about 50 percent of people with HIV who also have TB. Among these various types of extrapulmonary TB, tuberculous lymphadenitis or glandular tuberculosis has the largest percentage of other types of extrapulmonary TB. This glandular tuberculosis can occur in various areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, and groin.
Beware of Lumps on the Neck
Among all cases of glandular tuberculosis, the most cases occur in the neck called scrofula. Scrofula itself is an infection of the lymph nodes in the neck due to TB which is generally transmitted when a person breathes air contaminated with MTB. From the lungs, TB germs can move to nearby lymph nodes, including lymph nodes in the neck
Epidemiologically, cases of glandular TB are still found in many developing countries with high rates of TB sufferers. This condition can affect adults, the elderly, and children, especially those who have a weak immune system.
One of the typical signs of this glandular TB is the appearance of a lump in the neck (either on the right or left neck) or head. Usually this lump will continue to grow over time and is painless. In addition, scrofula is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss for no apparent reason, body discomfort, fever, and night sweats. These lumps need to be treated with lymph node drugs in the form of anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Sometimes, the characteristics of infected lymph nodes, including lymph node tuberculosis, and lymph node cancer can be similar to each other.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Glandular Tuberculosis
The diagnosis of this disease is generally made through a physical examination and a medical history tracing by a doctor. After being suspected of suffering from glandular tuberculosis, the doctor will suggest a follow-up examination in the form of a biopsy (tissue sampling) of the lump. One of the procedures is through an aspiration biopsy with a fine needle.
To assist in the diagnosis, the doctor will also perform a series of examinations which include a chest X-ray, CT scan neck, blood tests, and examination of TB germ cultures. Tests to detect HIV may also be needed.
Treatment of scrofula can be done by giving antituberculosis given for 6 months or even more. Antituberculosis drugs (OAT) given are usually a combination of rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. In some cases, the doctor can add or subtract the type of drug, and increase the length of therapy up to several months. Surgery may be done if antibiotics can't relieve glandular tuberculosis.
With proper treatment, glandular tuberculosis sufferers can recover completely. However, there are times when complications occur, such as the appearance of scar tissue and dry wounds on the neck. This complication can be caused by the formation of fistula and pus. To reduce the risk of glandular tuberculosis becoming more severe, immediately consult a doctor, if there is swelling in the neck.