Reasons for swollen lymph nodes

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Lymph nodes play an important role in the body's fight against infections. Swollen lymph nodes are usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Common areas where swollen lymph nodes may be noticed include the neck, under the chin, armpits, and groin.

1. Reasons for swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are clusters of small, round or bean-shaped cells. Inside the lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter lymphatic fluid as it passes through the body and defend the body by destroying invaders.
Lymph nodes are in groups and each group drains a specific area of ​​the body. You may easily notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, armpits, and groin. The location of swollen lymph nodes can help determine the underlying cause.
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, especially a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

1.1. Common infections

Pharyngitis Measles Ear infections Infections (abscesses) Mononucleosis Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - the virus that causes AIDS

1.2. Uncommon infections

Tuberculosis Certain sexually transmitted diseases , such as syphilis Toxoplasmosis a parasitic infection caused by contact with infected cat feces or eating undercooked meat Cat scratch fever - bacterial infection from cats scratch or bite

1.3. Immune system disorder

Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease that targets the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs Rheumatoid arthritis, this is a chronic inflammatory disease that targets the tissues along the joints (synovium)

1.4. Cancer

Lymphoma is cancer that originates in the body's lymphatic system Leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system Other cancers that have spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin) and the malaria preventative.

2. Common areas of swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes in different parts of the body can become swollen for different reasons. People can often see swollen lymph nodes: the neck, behind the ears, the base of the skull (occipital region), under the jaw, above the collarbone, under the arms, and around the groin.
Swollen lymph nodes on the side of the neck or under the jaw: This is the most common form. They may represent an infection around that area, such as a tooth infection or abscess, a throat infection, viral illness, or an upper respiratory infection. Most causes of swollen lymph nodes in this area are benign (noncancerous) but sometimes swelling of these lymph nodes can also suggest a cancer in the head and neck area. Swollen lymph nodes behind the ear and in the occipital (base of the skull): Swollen lymph nodes in this area may correspond to an infection around the scalp or possibly an eye (conjunctiva) infection. The most common cause of swollen scalp lymph nodes is a skin condition affecting the scalp, such as dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis); or abscess, or soft tissue infection. Axillary lymph nodes are anatomically important in breast cancer. They are often examined physically in patients being investigated for breast cancer. They also play an important role in staging (determining extent) and predicting the outcome of breast cancer during the removal of cancerous tissue from the breast. Many cancers including lymphoma and leukemia can cause spread of lymph nodes. (Lymphoma is cancer that originates in the lymph nodes.) These lymph nodes can also become reactive and enlarged due to injury or infection of the arm on the same side.

Extensive lymph nodes above the collarbone (adrenal lymphadenopathy) are always considered abnormal. They often suggest cancer or an infection in the nearby area. Examples include lung infection, lung cancer, lymphoma in the chest cavity, or breast cancer. Sometimes more distant cancer can seed these lymph nodes, such as genital or colon cancer. Some causes of inflammation of swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone (clavicle) may include tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin can be normal in young people, but they can also be caused by some sexually transmitted diseases, local infections, lower extremities (including feet and toes) infections. or genital cancer.

3. Swollen lymph nodes symptoms

The body's lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes located throughout the body. Many lymph nodes are located in the head and neck area. Lymph nodes frequently swell in this area, as well as in the armpits and groin area of ​​the body.
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that the body is having problems. When the lymph nodes first swell, you may notice:
Pain and tenderness in the lymph nodes Swelling can be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodes Depending on Depending on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, other possible signs and symptoms include:
Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other signs of an upper respiratory tract infection General swelling of the lymph nodes throughout the body. When this occurs, it can indicate an infection, such as HIV or mononucleosis, or an immune system disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. , fixed, fast-growing, indicating the possibility of cancer or lymphoma

Fever Night sweats Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal, such as minor infections, which get better. However, if any of the following abnormal signs appear, you should see a doctor for timely examination and treatment:
Swollen lymph nodes appear for no obvious reason Lymphedema continues to enlarge or persist for a period of two to four weeks Feeling stiff or soft, or not moving when pushing them Comes with a persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss

4. Complications of swollen lymph nodes

If an infection is the cause of the swollen lymph nodes and is left untreated, an abscess can form. An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other predisposing factors. Abscesses may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.
In other cases, lymph nodes can become very large and compress other nearby structures in the body. This can be a serious and debilitating problem that requires immediate medical attention or surgery. For example, lymph nodes in the armpit can compress the blood vessels and nerves that supply the arm. Or enlarged lymph nodes inside the abdomen can compress the intestines and cause bowel obstruction.
Monitoring the status of abnormally swollen lymph nodes is important when making a diagnosis. Hot or swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of problems ranging from as mild as a sore throat to as dangerous as cancer. For people with cancer, the extent and location of swollen lymph nodes can be used to determine the stage of the disease.

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References: mayoclinic.org, medicinenet.com