enlarged lymph glands Archives - Healthhype

Swollen Lymph Nodes, Glands – Lymphedema, Lymphadenopathy

Dr. Chris — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:03:43 +0000

Tiny roundish lumps exist throughout the body. These lumps are known as lymph nodes and most of the time it cannot be felt. The lymph nodes play an important role in immunity and when there is an infection it is these lymph nodes that become active to form part of the body’s defenses. However, problems can arise with the lymph nodes as it can with any part of the body. Sometimes this causes the nodes to become enlarged or swollen. Lymph Nodes Fight Infections Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, a ‘backup’ system for the blood vessels and also a part of the immune system. The lymphatic system is a network of channels (lymph vessels) and ‘filters’ (lymph nodes) that exists throughout the body. Any fluid that exists outside of the blood vessels needs to be drained back into the bloodstream and it is the lymphatic system that does this quite effectively. Invading microbes in the tissue, like bacteria, usually cannot enter the blood vessels. These invaders are then drained away by the lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes contain a range of of white blood cells but the main cells are those that attack and destroy invading pathogens (lymphocytes) [...]

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Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes – Causes of Enlarged Axillary Glands

Dr. Chris — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:24:15 +0000

Lymph nodes of the armpit are known as the axillary lymph nodes. These nose are usually not palpable (felt by touch) but may sometimes become swollen, hard and/or painful. This can arise from a host of possible causes ranging from minor injuries to infections and even cancer. Apart from the armpit itself, disorders or diseases of surrounding organs may also cause axillary lymph node swelling. Axillary Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes are small, round or oval glands that are found all over the body and form part of the lymphatic system,. They are an integral part of the immune system. It helps the body to fight against infections while removing interstitial (tissue) fluid and returning it to the blood stream. The lymph nodes act as filters to trap and destroy bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances that enter the body. Normally the lymph nodes are not palpable but may enlarge as a result of some disorder or disease. The lymph nodes of the axilla (armpit), inguinal region (groin), and neck tend to enlarge more frequently than other areas. Localized lymphadenopathy, where the lymph nodes of a single area are affected, may also be accompanied by lymph node swelling elsewhere. If this [...]

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Causes of Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes

Dr. Chris — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:49:43 +0000

The neck contains a large number of lymph nodes, known as the cervical lymph nodes and many are superficial and easily palpable (can be felt by touch). A swollen neck lymph node is not uncommon and frequently occurs in children, even when there is no disease or obvious cause present. With age, the incidence of enlarged neck lymph nodes declines except when it is due to some pathology. The most common cause for swollen neck (cervical) lymph nodes is an infection. While most incidents of cervical lymph node enlargement is self-limiting and resolves quickly, some may persist for a longer time and may need more active management. Among this group, the supraclavicular lymph nodes are of special significance. Their enlargement may be an ominous sign since it is most often associated with malignancy and careful assessment and investigation is indicated. Anatomy of Neck Lymph Nodes Swollen lymph nodes of the neck may be localized, where only groups of lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged. In some cases, it may be generalized where lymph nodes in other parts of the body are also involved. There are mainly six different groups of lymph nodes situated in the neck and according to [...]

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