Ganglionic tuberculosis is caused by infection with bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosispopularly known as bacillus Koch. This bacteria can reach the lymph nodes located in the neck, chest, armpits or groin, causing symptoms of lymph node tuberculosis, such as swollen tongues, low fever, excessive tiredness and night sweats.
This type of tuberculosis is more common in patients with HIV and in women aged between 20 and 40 years, unlike the pulmonary form which is more common in older men.
Along with pleural tuberculosis, this is the most common type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and can be cured when treatment is carried out using antibiotics prescribed by a pulmonologist.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of lymph node tuberculosis are:
- Weight loss without apparent cause;
- Swollen tongues on the neck, back of the head, armpits or groin, usually measuring 3 cm but can reach 8-10 cm in diameter;
- Absence of pain in the tongue;
- Hard and difficult to move tongues;
- Decreased appetite;
- There may be exaggerated night sweats;
- Low fever, up to 38º C, especially at the end of the day;
- Excessive tiredness.
In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to seek guidance from a pulmonologist or general practitioner so that a diagnosis can be made and antibiotic treatment can be started.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosing tuberculosis can be difficult, as the disease causes symptoms that could be caused by a simple flu or any other type of infection.
Therefore, after evaluating the symptoms, the doctor may order an X-ray, which shows that the lungs are not affected, and a microbiological examination to check the presence of bacteria. the material sent to the laboratory.
In addition, other tests may be requested to aid the diagnosis, such as blood count and CRP measurement. The average time from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis varies from 1 to 2 months, but can be as long as 9 months.
How do you get ganglionic tuberculosis?
In cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, as with ganglionic tuberculosis, Koch’s bacillus normally enters the body through the respiratory tract, but it does not lodge in the lungs, but in other parts of the body, characterizing different types of tuberculosis.
The bacteria can remain inactive in the body for a long time until some situation, such as stress, for example, which leads to a decrease in the immune system, favors its proliferation and, consequently, the manifestation of the disease.
Is lymph node tuberculosis contagious?
Yes, lymph node tuberculosis is contagious and, therefore, it is important to avoid contact with people diagnosed with this disease, especially in the first 15 days of symptoms and treatment has not been started.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for lymph node tuberculosis is carried out in accordance with the guidance of a pulmonologist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner and the use of antibiotics is normally indicated for at least 6 months, and in some cases surgery to remove the inflamed lymph node may be recommended.
The antibiotics normally indicated are Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol and the treatment must be carried out according to the doctor’s specific instructions and should not be interrupted, as it can cause bacterial resistance, which can complicate the condition, since the antibiotics that They used to work and no longer have any effect on the bacteria, making it difficult to fight the infection.
Bibliography
- NENO, Miguel et al.. Ganglionic tuberculosis: diagnostic challenge. Archives of Medicine. Vol.28. 1.ed; 2014
- MATOS, Ana Sofia da Costa. Ganglionic Tuberculosis: Review Article. Master’s Thesis, 2013. Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra.
