LYMPH NODES: ENLARGED

Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are small, oval structures found clustered in the neck, armpits, groin, and elsewhere throughout the body. They are an important part of the immune system. The lymph system responds to infections and foreign substances. The lymph system consists of the spleen, lymph nodes, and small vessels that link all the nodes.

Infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymph nodes trap, attack, and destroy foreign bacteria and particles. Localized infections are confined to lymph glands that swell in a limited area, such as the neck during a throat infection. The glands enlarge when they fight germs or as a reaction to other foreign material.

The range of symptoms includes:

one or more swollen lumps
possible tenderness when touched and
glands that are hard and not moveable

Enlarged, tender lymph glands are usually the result of local infections, such as boils or wounds, or more generalized infections from colds, flu, sore throat, strep throat, ear infections or mononucleosis. They can also be enlarged with diseases such as Hodgkin's disease and other cancer.

At times, swollen lymph glands are caused by a reaction to a new medication. The lymph nodes and the small vessels that link them, can also become blocked causing a collection of fluid. This blockage can be a result of radiation treatment, surgery or a growth.

See your provider if swollen lymph glands last longer than 14 days, become more painful or swollen, or cause problems with breathing or swallowing. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SYMP3220.rf2 VRS# 6438 Data Version 7.0