There may be some conditions that can “appear” to be calcified lymph nodes in an x-ray result, but are actually something else. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Lymph Node Cancer).Cancer that Has Spread Throughout the Body.Lastly, someone with autoimmune disorders may also experience lymph node calcifications in the later stages, and this usually affects all of the lymph nodes in the body. The measles vaccination has also been known to cause lymph node swelling. Calcifications in these areas can also be caused by certain types of cancer and medications including seizure medications (carbamazepine or phenytoin), gout medications, sulfa drugs, and penicillin. If you have a calcified lymph node in the groin, neck, or armpit it may be from fighting any of the following infections: sexually transmitted diseases, mononucleosis, HIV, or some bacterial infections. Many cases are often misdiagnosed as bronchitis, side-effects of medications, post nasal drip, asthma, or acid reflux. As they grow, they can cause a mass in the windpipe which then leads to coughing. The fungus gets into the lungs and may not cause any symptoms. This is most common in some parts of the United States where histoplasmosis is present in soil and the air. In the lungs, this is usually caused by either tuberculosis or histoplasmosis (a fungal infection). In Figure 2, you can see a calcified lymph node in the armpit.įigure 2: Calcified Lymph Node, Armpit/AxillaryĬalcium builds up in the lymph nodes over time due to infections. In Figure 1, you can see an example of calcified lymph nodes in lung tissues:įigure 1: Lymph node calcification, Lungs As you begin to heal, the lymph nodes may form a mass from calcium deposits which leads to calcification of the gland. During lymph node swelling, they don’t always go back to the same size they were prior to the infection. This process causes swelling and is how your doctor knows you are suffering from an infection. When you have foreign microorganisms, the lymph nodes trap and screen out anything that will cause infections. Lymph node calcification occurs as a result of calcium deposits in the lymph node during normal swelling. When there isn’t anything going on in your body, sometimes the lymph nodes are not even visible. When they are visible on imaging, they look like clusters of grapes. The lymph nodes are actual glands that are made up of lymphatic tissue and are encapsulated. The white blood cells are exposed to microorganisms inside the node so they can build up antibodies to battle the infection or disease. They filter out foreign organisms from the fluids in the lymphatic system that are drained from the body’s organs and tissues. The lymph nodes are full of white blood cells that can detect infection and keep them from spreading all over the body. This article will help you understand more about this condition. This happens when there is a granulomatous response to an infection. While they can become enlarged during an infection, calcified lymph nodes may also occur. They are usually found in the groin, neck, and armpit areas. The lymph nodes are shaped like a bean and are in clusters all over the body. They expose our lymphocytes to invaders like bacteria, fungi, and viruses to activate the lymphocytes to fight them off. The lymph nodes are an important part of our immune system.
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