Dividing the mediastinum helps to narrow down the lengthy differential diagnoses, which can present in the thorax (including, but not limited to: infections like tuberculosis, the nodal spread of lung cancer, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, silicosis, and asbestosis). Lymph nodes (LNs) are present in all three functional compartments of the mediastinum, though most lymphatic tissue is found in the anterior and middle compartments, and the etiology of lymphatic pathology varies by subdivision.

These subdivisions are used to describe the locations of lesions, thereby helping to facilitate differential diagnoses and communication between providers. The mediastinum is classically subdivided into three functional divisions: anterior (pre-vascular), middle (visceral), and posterior (paravertebral) mediastinum. Her lymph node is in her neck, smaller then that, smooth, and tender when I check to see if it there.The mediastinal compartment contains multiple critical organs and vessels and serves as the central hub for lymphatic drainage. Otherwise, don't worry about lymph nodes.you will drive yourself batty. Kids also have nodes that are prominent.not swollen, they kids just don't have enough body fat yet, and they stand out. They don't mean anything other than they're doing their job. :D Edited Jby DianeW88Īnother point I can't stress enough.do not go looking for swollen lymph nodes in young children.

It will most likely be nothing, but those are the ones he/she will want to check out. Now.in the rare case that a child has a lymph node that has been swollen for more than a month, is larger than a 1/2 inch, is fixed and immovable, has an irregular shape (not smooth like a marble) and is not painful or ntact your doctor. Kids also have nodes that are prominent.not swollen, the kids just don't have enough body fat yet, and they stand out. If your doctor has examined them and determined they're not a problem.don't worry about it.Īnother point I can't stress enough.do not go looking for swollen lymph nodes in young children. Leave them alone, they'll go down on their own.or they won't. That can prevent their shrinkage completely, and in fact cause further irritation. Steroids will always shrink them.but obviously aren't recommended as treatment.you will just notice that as a side effect if you take steroids for something else.Īlso, lymph nodes can take weeks to shrink after an infection. Sometimes when a lymph node swells, it doesn't return to it's original size after the illness.

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Shotty or shoddy lymph nodes