knölar

Knölar is the Swedish term for nodules or lumps in the body's tissues. In medical language it describes localized enlargements that can be felt or seen, and they may occur on the skin, beneath the skin, or inside organs or joints. The presence of a knöl is a sign that warrants evaluation, as it can reflect a range of conditions from benign to malignant.

Common contexts for knölar include skin nodules (such as lipomas, epidermoid cysts, and inflammatory nodules), thyroid nodules, and enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Nodules can also form in other tissues, including joints, bones, or mucous membranes. Most nodules are benign, but some may be due to infection, inflammation, autoimmune disease, or cancer, and the risk varies by location and characteristics of the lump.

Clinical presentation varies. Many knölar are painless and stable, while others are tender, rapidly changing in size, reddened, or inflamed. Associated symptoms—fever, weight loss, or fatigue—can point to infection or cancer, but many nodules do not cause systemic symptoms.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of history, physical examination, and imaging. Ultrasound is commonly used for superficial nodules; CT or MRI may be needed for deeper lesions. A tissue sample, obtained by biopsy or fine-needle aspiration, is often necessary to determine the nature of the nodule. Blood tests can assess thyroid function, infection, or tumor markers as indicated.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Benign and asymptomatic nodules may be observed, while symptomatic nodules or those with cancer risk may be removed surgically or treated for the underlying condition (antibiotics for infection, endocrine therapy for thyroid disease, oncologic treatment for malignancy). Prognosis varies with cause and location.