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Swollen Lymph Nodes

Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Swollen Lymph Node Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes vary widely. A person could be completely free of symptoms (asymptomatic) and only found when they are noted by a doctor during a general physical examination.

Sometimes, swollen lymph nodes can be extremely tender, painful, and disfiguring.

More importantly, other symptoms related to an underlying disease that accompany the lymph node swelling may be more significant and clinically relevant than the lymph node swelling alone. For instance, symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or evidence of local infections (toothache, sore throat) may provide valuable clues in determining the cause of lymph node swelling.

Read more about the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes »

SOURCE: MedicineNet.com. Swollen Lymph Nodes.

Swollen Lymph Nodes Overview

Lymph nodes (erroneously called lymph glands) are a part of the lymphatic system, a component of the body's immune system. Swollen lymph nodes may signal an infection.

There are several groups of lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped, soft nodules of tissue. The ones most frequently enlarged or swollen are found in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin. There is also a large group of lymph nodes in the chest, which are sometimes found to be enlarged on X-rays or CT scans.

  • The lymphatic system consists of nodes and ducts spread throughout the body. They bring the lymph [the tissue fluid surrounding the cells, which contains white blood cells (lymphocytes), fluid from the intestines (chyle), and some red blood cells] back into the circulation through the veins. Lymph contains a concentration of infectious and other foreign substances (antigens).
  • Lymph nodes are small clusters of cells, surrounded by a capsule. Ducts go into and out of them. The cells in lymph nodes are lymphocytes, which produce antibodies (protein particles that bind foreign substances including infectious particles) and macrophages which digest the debris. They act as the "cleaner" cells of the body.
  • The lymph nodes are a major site where foreign substances and infectious agents interact with the cells of the immune system. A major cluster of the lymph nodes is the spleen, which, apart from other functions, also helps fight infections and responds to foreign substances in the body.

Picture of Superficial Lymph Nodes in the Body

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Swollen Lymph Nodes - Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your swollen lymph nodes?

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Swollen Lymph Nodes - Describe Your Diagnosis

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Please describe your diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes.

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Skin Rashes in Children »

Skin Rashes in Children Introduction

A rash is a reaction of the skin. It can be caused by many things, such as a drug reaction, an infection, or an allergic reaction. Many different agents can cause similar rashes because the skin has a limited number of possible responses. Very often the associated symptoms, in addition to the rash, help establish the diagnosis, such as a history of tick bites, exposure to other ill children or adults, recent antibiotic use, environmental exposures, or prior immunizations.

Most rashes caused by viruses do not harm your child and go away over time without any treatment. However, some childhood rashes have serious or even life-threatening causes. As a parent, you should be familiar with these rashes. Many rashes can look the same, making it difficult to know the exact diagnosis. Whenever you have a concern, see your doctor immediately.

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