What are lymph nodes and why are they important. How can you effectively check your lymph nodes at home. What should you do if you notice changes in your lymph nodes. Where are the main lymph node locations in the body. How often should you perform lymph node self-examinations.

The Lymphatic System: An Overview of Its Structure and Function

The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, tissues, and organs that plays a crucial role in our body’s immune defense and fluid balance. At the heart of this system are lymph nodes – small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and trap harmful substances.

Lymph, a clear, colorless fluid, circulates through the body, collecting waste materials and proteins from around cells. This fluid then drains into progressively larger vessels, eventually emptying into the bloodstream via ducts in the neck. Along this journey, lymph passes through numerous lymph nodes, which act as filtration stations, removing potentially harmful organisms and cells.

Key Components of the Lymphatic System

• Lymphatic vessels
• Lymph nodes
• Lymphatic tissue
• Lymph fluid

Understanding the lymphatic system’s structure and function is essential for appreciating the importance of lymph node health and self-examination.

The Importance of Lymph Node Examination in Cancer Monitoring

For individuals diagnosed with certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancer, regular lymph node examinations become a crucial part of ongoing monitoring. Why is this so important?

Cancer cells can sometimes spread from their original site to nearby lymph nodes. By detecting any enlargement or changes in lymph nodes early, healthcare professionals can investigate and intervene promptly if necessary. This is why your doctor or specialist nurse will carefully examine specific lymph nodes during follow-up appointments, focusing on the areas most relevant to your particular case.

Which Lymph Nodes Are Examined?

The location of the examined lymph nodes depends on the site of the original cancer. For example:

• For skin cancer on the leg: Inguinal (groin) lymph nodes
• For skin cancer on the face: Head and neck lymph nodes

By understanding which nodes are most relevant to your condition, you can better participate in your own health monitoring between appointments.

Self-Examination of Lymph Nodes: A Step-by-Step Guide

While regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are essential, many patients express interest in performing self-examinations between appointments. This proactive approach can help detect changes early, but it’s important to do it correctly and not too frequently.

How Often Should You Check Your Lymph Nodes?

Monthly self-examinations are generally sufficient. Checking more frequently may make it difficult to notice subtle changes over time. Consider aligning your lymph node check with your regular skin examination for changing moles.

General Tips for Lymph Node Self-Examination

• Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips
• Compare both sides of your body for symmetry
• Familiarize yourself with your normal lymph node feel
• Don’t panic if you feel a node – it could be due to a minor infection
• If a node remains enlarged for more than a week, contact your healthcare provider

Remember, the goal is to become familiar with your body’s normal state so you can identify any persistent changes.

Examining Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck Region

The head and neck area contains numerous lymph nodes that can be palpated during a self-examination. Follow this systematic approach to ensure you cover all the key areas:

1. Start with the nodes in front of the ear
2. Move along the jawline
3. Check under the chin
4. Feel along the sides of the neck
5. Examine the back of the neck
6. Finish just above the collarbone

Technique for Neck Lymph Node Examination

When checking the nodes in your neck:

• Tilt your head towards the side you’re examining to relax the muscle
• Press your fingers gently under the relaxed muscle
• For nodes above the collarbone, hunch your shoulders and bring your elbows forward to relax the skin

By following this systematic approach, you ensure a thorough examination of all accessible lymph nodes in the head and neck region.

Armpit (Axillary) Lymph Node Examination Techniques

The armpit, or axillary region, contains important lymph nodes that should be included in your self-examination routine. Here’s how to check them effectively:

1. Remove clothing to the waist for easy access
2. Sit comfortably
3. Lift your arm slightly
4. Place the fingers of your opposite hand high into the armpit
5. Lower your arm to trap your fingers
6. Feel the central area of the armpit
7. Move your fingers firmly against the chest wall, checking:
   • The front border of the armpit
   • The back border of the armpit
   • Along the inner border of the arm
8. Repeat on the other side

This comprehensive approach ensures you thoroughly examine all the lymph nodes in the axillary region.

Groin (Inguinal) Lymph Node Self-Examination Guide

The groin, or inguinal area, contains two main groups of lymph nodes that should be checked during self-examination. Here’s how to perform a thorough check:

Horizontal Chain

Locate and gently palpate the horizontal chain of nodes just below the ligament in the groin area. These nodes run parallel to the crease where your leg meets your torso.

Vertical Chain

Next, feel for the vertical chain of nodes along the upper thigh. These run perpendicular to the horizontal chain, extending down the inner thigh.

Remember to check both sides of your groin for comparison. Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips, and be mindful of any unusual swelling or tenderness.

Interpreting Your Lymph Node Self-Examination Findings

After performing a self-examination, it’s natural to wonder how to interpret what you’ve found. Here are some guidelines to help you understand your findings:

Normal Lymph Nodes

Typically, healthy lymph nodes are not noticeable or palpable. If you can feel them, they should be:

• Small (often described as pea-sized or smaller)
• Smooth
• Mobile (they should move slightly when you apply gentle pressure)
• Not painful or tender

Potentially Concerning Findings

While it’s important not to panic, certain findings warrant further investigation. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• A node that feels significantly larger than others (e.g., larger than a pea)
• Nodes that feel hard or fixed in place
• Persistent tenderness or pain in a lymph node
• Redness or warmth of the skin over a lymph node
• A lymph node that remains enlarged for more than 1-2 weeks

Remember, enlarged lymph nodes are often due to minor infections or inflammation and may resolve on their own. However, persistent changes should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Beyond Self-Examination: When to Seek Professional Evaluation

While regular self-examinations are valuable, they do not replace professional medical care. It’s crucial to maintain your scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare team. Additionally, there are specific circumstances when you should seek prompt medical attention:

When to Contact Your Doctor or Specialist Nurse

• You find a persistently enlarged lymph node (lasting more than 1-2 weeks)
• You notice rapid growth of a lymph node
• You experience unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss along with lymph node changes
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing (if enlarged nodes are in the neck area)
• You develop skin changes or discoloration over an enlarged lymph node

Your healthcare provider has the expertise and tools to thoroughly evaluate any concerning findings and determine if further investigation is necessary.

What to Expect During a Professional Lymph Node Examination

When you visit your healthcare provider for a lymph node evaluation, you can expect:

1. A detailed medical history review
2. A thorough physical examination, including palpation of relevant lymph node groups
3. Possibly additional tests, such as:
   • Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation
   • Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) to visualize the lymph nodes
   • In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to examine the lymph node tissue

Remember, early detection and prompt evaluation of any changes are key to maintaining your health and peace of mind.

Lymphatic Health: Beyond Cancer Monitoring

While our discussion has focused primarily on lymph node examination in the context of cancer monitoring, it’s important to recognize that lymphatic health plays a crucial role in overall wellness. The lymphatic system is integral to immune function, fluid balance, and even fat metabolism.

Promoting Lymphatic Health

There are several ways to support your lymphatic system’s function:

• Stay hydrated: Adequate fluid intake helps maintain lymph flow
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity promotes lymph circulation
• Maintain a healthy diet: Proper nutrition supports immune function
• Practice stress reduction: Chronic stress can impact immune and lymphatic health
• Consider lymphatic massage: This specialized technique may help promote lymph flow

By incorporating these habits into your lifestyle, you can support not only your lymphatic health but your overall well-being.

The Broader Impact of Lymphatic Health

A healthy lymphatic system contributes to:

• Efficient removal of waste products from tissues
• Balanced fluid levels throughout the body
• Optimal immune system function
• Improved recovery from physical activity
• Enhanced detoxification processes

Understanding and caring for your lymphatic system is an important aspect of holistic health management.

How to check your Lymph Nodes

Introduction

You have been diagnosed with a skin cancer that on occasions can spread into the lymphatic system. That is why, as part of your examination, your nodes are examined by your doctor or specialist nurse at your follow-up appointments. The lymph nodes examined depend on the location of your skin cancer, eg: if your skin cancer was on your leg then the lymph nodes in your inguinal area (groin) will be felt or if on your face then the nodes in your head and neck would be examined. The aim is to detect any enlargement of the lymph nodes and undertake investigations at an early stage. Some people express a wish to check their own lymph nodes between clinic appointments. This is why you have been given this information. Your doctor or nurse will show you how and which lymph nodes to check. 

The Lymphatic System

This system consists of lymphatic vessels and tissue. Lymph is a fluid that contains proteins and waste materials, which is collected from around the cells in the body, eventually draining into larger vessels.   

Lymphatic vessels

One way of describing this is to imagine a river that starts as a small stream, which then weaves its way between the cells and small blood vessels of the body’s connective tissue.  On its journey more tissue and waste material is collected. The fluid (lymph) that accumulates firstly drains into larger lymph vessels, then into ducts in the neck, before emptying into the blood stream. 

Lymphatic tissue

Lymph nodes are small oval clumps of lymphatic tissue found at intervals along the vessels. They are grouped like “beads on a string” both deep in the body and near the surface (see previous diagram). These lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and cells from the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the blood stream. Lymph nodes can only be felt in the areas listed: 

• head and neck 
• arms 
• axilla (armpits) 
• inguinal area (groin)
• back of knees 

Usually lymph nodes are not enlarged and thus not able to be felt, but if you have previously had an infection (such as tonsillitis) you may have noticed and felt lymph nodes becoming enlarged, painful and tender.  Lymph nodes can also become enlarged due to cancer cells lodging in them. Checking your lymph nodes once a month is sufficient and this can be done at the same time as you check your skin for any changing moles. Checking them more often may result indifficulty noticing any change. 

Do not panic if you feel a lymph node as it may well be due to an infection, but if it has not gone away in a week contact your doctor or specialist nurse. 

How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck

• With your fingertips, in a gentle circular motion feel the lymph nodes shown. 
• Start with the nodes in front of the ear (1) then follow in order finishing just above the collar bone (10)
• Always check your nodes in this order. 
• Check both sides for comparison. If you have an enlarged lymph node it may feel like a swelling the size of a pea, sometimes they can be larger. 

When feeling the nodes in your neck (marked 8): 

• Tilt your head towards the side you are examining, this helps to relax the muscle.  
• Now press your fingers under the muscle. 

When checking the lymph nodes above the collar bone: 

• Hunch your shoulders and bring your elbows forward to relax the skin. 
• Now feel above the collar bone (marked 10).

How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Armpit

Diagram how to check the lymph nodes in your armpitRemove all clothing down to the waist to get easy access to the armpits. 

• Sit in a comfortable position.
• Check each armpit in turn.

To check the left side, lift your arm slightly then place the fingers of your right hand high into the armpit and then lower your arm.

• Feel in the central area of the armpit.

Now move your fingers firmly against the chest wall as follows: 

• Along the front border of the armpit. 
• Along the back border of the armpit. 
• Feel along the inner border of the arm. 
• Now check the other armpit.

How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Groin

Diagram of the lymph nodes in the groinThere are two areas to look for inguinal (groin) nodes:

• Feel the horizontal chain of nodes in the right groin just below the ligament (see above diagram).
• Feel the vertical chain along the upper thigh (see above diagram).
• Check the lymph nodes in the other groin.

Conclusion 

The purpose of this information is to help you understand why you have your nodes checked at your follow-up appointments. It explains which lymph nodes you need to check and how to undertake this procedure yourself. The aim is to ensure that if in the unlikely case there is spread of your skin cancer to the lymph nodes, it is detected and reported to your doctor or nurse straight away rather than waiting until your next clinic appointment.

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Lymphatic System Anatomy–Lymphosurgery Center

The lymphatic system is an important part of the human cardiovascular system and complements it.

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump and is open. The lymph circulating in it moves slowly and under little pressure. Lymph is a fluid that is constantly formed by drainage of interstitial fluid into the lymphatic capillaries.

The structure of the lymphatic system includes:

• lymphatic capillaries
• lymphatic vessels
• lymph nodes
• lymphatic trunks and ducts

subclavian trunks; on the right into the right lymphatic duct, right jugular and right subclavian trunks. The ducts and trunks flow into the large veins of the neck, and then into the superior vena cava. In this way, lymph is transferred from the interstitial spaces back into the blood.

Lymphatic vessels pass through the lymph nodes. They are combined into several groups and are located along the vessels. Many afferent vessels carry lymph to the node, and it flows out from there only through one or two efferent vessels. Lymph nodes are small formations of a round, oval, bean-shaped, less often ribbon-shaped form up to 2 cm long. Here, lymph is filtered, foreign matter is separated and destroyed, and lymphocytes are produced here to fight infection. Lymph nodes that perform a barrier and immune role.

Main functions of the lymphatic system:

• Transport function – carrying lymph, metabolic products from tissues to the venous bed.

• Drainage function – the return of proteins, water, salts, toxins and metabolites from tissues to the blood. Removal of fluid, pus, effusion from the wound, cavities. Stability of the “capillary lymphatic pump”

• Lymphocytopoiesis, hematopoietic function – formation, maturation, differentiation of lymphocytes involved in immune reactions.

• Immune, protective functions – formation of the body’s immune defense, neutralization of foreign particles, bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa that enter the body. filtration from impurities, tumor particles and cells.

Any failure or blockage of the lymphatic vessels or nodes entails swelling or swelling of the tissues, lymphadenitis, erysipelas, lymphostasis occur. Experts, not without reason, believe that the lymph could tell about what the blood is “silent about”, because many of the waste products of the cells first enter the lymph, and then into the blood.

If most doctors can help us in the fight against many diseases, then only individual doctors – lymphologists – can diagnose and treat disorders in the lymphatic system.

According to the statistics of doctors themselves, in the CIS there are only a few lymphologists – specialists in the lymphatic system.

Lymphologists say: Your health is the purity of your lymphatic system!

Be healthy and happy!

where they are located, what functions they perform, in which diseases 9 increase0001

Inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes usually causes discomfort and pain. As a rule, this indicates that an inflammatory process is underway in the body.

What are lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are the most important organs that perform a barrier-filtration function ¹ . Their main function is the biological filter of lymph – a colorless liquid that washes all the tissues and cells of the body. It consists of plasma and formed elements. Interestingly, lymph plasma has an almost similar chemical structure to blood plasma, but contains fewer proteins ² .

Useful information about lymph nodes

Where are the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are found almost everywhere. They are arranged in such a way as to become an obstacle in the way of various “garbage”: toxins, viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, cancer cells.

Most lymph nodes are located deep under the skin and even near internal organs where they cannot be felt. But some lymph nodes – under the jaw, in the armpits, in the groin – can be palpated even in a healthy, non-inflamed state.

Photo: Shutterstock

Functions of the lymph nodes

As mentioned earlier, the main function of the lymph nodes is barrier-protective function. In these organs of the lymphatic system, protective cells of the body are formed, such as lymphocytes, antibodies, phagocytes. Lymph nodes protect against the penetration of infections, and also prevent the reproduction of malignant tumor cells and play a role in the immune response to substances foreign to the body.

The lymph nodes also perform the following functions:

• hematopoietic – after the lymph nodes, lymph enriched with lymphocytes gets into the blood;
• drainage – promote the outflow of excess fluid;
• depository (reserve) – lymph node is a temporary storage of lymphocytes and lymph. The latter lingers in the lymph node in order to ensure the unloading of the bloodstream in “emergency” situations, for example, during venous congestion;
• metabolic – lymph nodes are involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and other substances.

Causes of swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes have their own diseases, and most often their inflammation is a reaction to some other disease or condition. Completely different reasons can lead to an increase in lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Consider the most common of them.

Local infections

Infection is one of the most common causes of swollen lymph nodes.

— For example, it can be acute respiratory diseases, leading to an increase in regional lymph nodes associated with the area in which inflammation occurs, says general practitioner Oksana Khamitseva.

As a rule, the focus of the disease is located near enlarged lymph nodes. So, with infections of the upper respiratory tract, the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed, with a sexual infection – in the groin.

Generalized viral and bacterial infections

If only one category of lymph nodes is affected, then they speak of local inflammation. If the nodes that are not adjacent to each other increase, then we are talking about a generalized inflammation of the lymph nodes.

This widespread inflammation can be caused by infections – bacterial, viral, fungal, which affect the entire body. It can be tuberculosis, some infectious skin diseases, rubella, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, mononucleosis, HIV and others.

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can also lead to swollen lymph nodes. In such diseases, the body begins to attack its own cells. Due to the increasing load on the lymph nodes, their inflammation occurs.

Tumor processes

Swollen lymph nodes can also signal tumor processes in the body. As we wrote above, lymph nodes prevent the reproduction of cancer cells, but in some cases, tumor cells can get stuck in them and multiply. Tumor processes can lead to the development of leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma.

Hypersensitivity of the body

Allergic reactions can also provoke inflammation of the lymph nodes. In addition, their increase may be associated with hypersensitivity to certain drugs.

How lymph nodes are treated

The treatment of lymphadenopathy is varied and always depends on its cause. An increase in lymph nodes is a signal of inflammation, so you need to look for its source.

Most often, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs as a secondary process, that is, a reaction to another disease:

• if this is associated with acute respiratory infections, then it is necessary to treat the respiratory tract infection itself, be it a bacterium or a virus;
• if it is associated with a generalized infection (mononucleosis, HIV), then long-term specific therapy is selected here;
• cat-scratch disease (felinosis) is treated with special antibiotics;
• Sepsis is controlled only in the hospital by intravenous administration of various drugs, including antibiotics, and ionic solutions.
• autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, Kawasaki disease, etc.) are treated by a rheumatologist, prescribing hormones or cytostatics for long courses under constant supervision.

Lymphadenopathy can also be caused by cancer. Conventionally, they can be divided into 3 sections:

1. leukemia, when the primary malignant focus is in the bone marrow;
2. lymphomas, when the foci are located directly in the lymph nodes;
3. metastases, when the focus is located in the internal organ, and cancer cells affect the lymph nodes in the path of lymph outflow.

— In the case of leukemia, a bone marrow transplant is possible. With lymphoma, it is useless to do this, you can only use various options for radiation, chemotherapy, genetic engineering methods. And if lymphadenopathy is caused by metastases, then, as a rule, the tumor of the corresponding organ is removed, entering healthy tissues and capturing the “package” of affected lymph nodes, says our expert Oksana Khamitseva.

How to maintain the health of the lymphatic system at home

According to physician Oksana Khamitseva, the health of the lymphatic system primarily depends on two components: good lymphatic drainage and normal functioning of the immune system. This is not difficult to achieve:

• regular physical activity;
• avoid tight, constricting clothing;
• smoking and alcohol cessation;
• courses of multivitamins 2 times a year;
• food high in protein and fiber in the diet;
• adequate fluid intake.

Popular questions and answers

General practitioner Oksana Khamitseva answers popular questions about lymph nodes.

Which lymph node is responsible for what?

– Each internal organ is supplied with lymph nodes, arteries and veins. If we talk about those lymph nodes that we can feel:

• Submandibular: increase with rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the teeth and gums.
• Cervical: inflamed with acute respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, otitis media.
• Parotid: react to otitis media, acute respiratory infections.
• Occipital: increased with head and neck infections, acute tonsillitis, infectious mononucleosis.
• Axillary: may also be associated with mononucleosis, mastitis, breast cancer, HIV, cat scratch disease.
• Elbows: felinosis, HIV.
• Inguinal: mumps, generalized infections, inflammation of the urogenital organs.

What to do if the lymph nodes are inflamed?

— If you have lymphadenitis, you need to see a doctor, because you don’t know what it can be connected with. If you notice an increase in lymph nodes in the head and neck, there are signs of acute respiratory infections (runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever), then you can independently start taking vitamins, antiviral drugs, NSAIDs, symptomatic treatments for colds.

If you notice an increase in lymph nodes, which is objectively not related to the infectious process, then doing something without a doctor’s recommendation can be dangerous. Even taking vitamins, if the process is autoimmune, will spur the immune system to even more aggressive inflammation.

Why is inflammation of the lymph nodes dangerous?

— Complications of lymphadenitis include:

• transfer of infection to nearby tissues: bones, subcutaneous fat, skin;
• blockage by blood clots of veins adjacent to inflamed lymph nodes;
• violation of lymphatic drainage, edema, “elephantiasis” of the limbs.

What can not be done with enlarged lymph nodes?

– If you notice an increase in lymph nodes, then it is strongly not recommended to ignore it, heat or apply ice, make lotions without the permission of a doctor. Also, do not smear with anti-inflammatory ointments (you will reduce one lymph node and decide that you are cured, and if it is an oncology?), squeeze and massage the lymph node.

The patient does not know in which direction the lymph flows from this or that lymph node, and if you make the wrong movements, stagnation can be provoked.

Which doctor treats lymph nodes?

— All roads lead to a therapist. After examination and examination, a specialist can identify what lymphadenitis is associated with, treat acute respiratory infections or refer to an ENT doctor, an infectious disease specialist if an infectious process is detected. If an autoimmune disease is detected, your doctor is a rheumatologist, and in case of suspicion of leukemia or lymphoma, an oncologist.

Sources:

1. Semioshko N.V. Lymph nodes adjacent to the celiac trunk // BBC 28.706 Ya431 V 38. – 2014. – P. 111. http://sno.grsmu.by/conference/mk47.pdf#page=111
2. Pogrelchuk O.E., Danko E.S. Blood and lymph. Hematopoiesis // In the world of scientific discoveries. – 2018. – S. 219-221. https://www.elibrary.ru/download/elibrary_36443065_39723184.pdf
3. Dvoretsky L.I. Differential diagnosis in lymphadenopathy // Handbook of a polyclinic doctor. – 2005. – no. 2.