What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are part of the lymph system. The lymph system
helps the body fight infection. It includes the lymph nodes,
lymph vessels, and other parts of the body's immune and
blood-forming systems, such as the spleen and bone marrow.
The lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped organs in the neck,
armpits, groin, and elsewhere throughout the body. Lymph
nodes make and store infection-fighting white blood cells
called lymphocytes and monocytes. These blood cells are
carried in the lymph fluid. The lymph nodes also filter the
lymph fluid, keeping bacteria and other organisms out of the
bloodstream. The nodes may also trap cancer cells. The
lymph vessels link all the nodes and carry the lymph fluid
to other parts of the body.
Lymph nodes are also called lymph glands even though they
are not really glands.
What causes enlarged lymph nodes?
The nodes get bigger when they fight germs or cancer. For
example, they may become enlarged because of:
- infection in the part of the body near the swollen nodes,
such as infected sores and wounds
- infections such as colds, flu, sore throat, strep throat,
ear infections, mononucleosis, and tuberculosis
- diseases such as Hodgkin's disease and other types of
cancer.
Often when the lymph nodes are fighting infection, they are
also tender if touched. Sometimes the lymph node itself
gets infected. Usually it will be tender when this happens,
but not always.
Once the lymph nodes become enlarged, they often do not
completely go back to their original size. It is not
unusual, for example, to feel enlarged lymph nodes in the
groin because of a previous injury to the legs, such as a
stubbed toe or skinned knee.
What are the symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes?
The symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes are:
- one or more swollen lumps
- tenderness when the glands are touched
- nodes that are hard and not movable.
How are they treated?
Treatment is not always necessary, but when it is, it
depends on why the nodes are enlarged.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your provider if swollen lymph nodes:
- become more painful or swollen
- cause problems with breathing or swallowing
- last longer than 14 days.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2005 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.