Lymph Nodes & Cancer | What are Lymph Nodes?

• What is the lymph system?
• Cancer in the lymph nodes
• Effects of removing lymph nodes

What is the lymph system?

The lymph (or lymphatic) system is a part of your body’s immune system. It includes a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Lymph vessels are a lot like the veins that collect and carry blood through the body. But instead of carrying blood, these vessels carry the clear watery fluid called lymph. Lymph fluid also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections.

Lymph fluid would build up and cause swelling if it were not drained in some way. Lymph vessels draw up the lymph fluid from around the cells to send it towards the chest. There, lymph fluid collects into a large vessel that drains into a blood vessel near the heart.

Lymph nodes and what they do

Lymph vessels send lymph fluid through nodes throughout the body. Lymph nodes are small structures that work as filters for foreign substances, such as cancer cells and infections. They contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried in through the lymph fluid. Lymph nodes are located in many parts of the body, including the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen (belly), and groin. They contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried in through the lymph fluid.

There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body. Each lymph node filters the fluid and substances picked up by the vessels that lead to it. Lymph fluid from the fingers, for instance, works its way toward the chest, joining fluid from the arm. This fluid may filter through lymph nodes at the elbow, or those under the arm. Fluid from the head, scalp, and face flows down through lymph nodes in the neck. Some lymph nodes are deep inside the body, such as between the lungs or around the bowel, to filter fluid in those areas.

Swollen lymph nodes

When there’s a problem, such as infection, injury, or cancer, lymph nodes in that area may swell or enlarge as they work to filter out the “bad” cells. Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) tell you that something is not right, but other symptoms help pinpoint the problem. For instance, ear pain, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes near your ear are clues that you may have an ear infection or cold.

Some areas where lymph nodes commonly swell are in the neck, groin, and underarms. In most cases, only one area of nodes swells at a time. When more than one area of lymph nodes is swollen it’s called generalized lymphadenopathy. Some infections (such as strep throat and chicken pox), certain medicines, immune system diseases, and cancers like lymphoma and leukemia can cause this kind of swelling. Your health care provider will look for more information to figure out the cause of the swelling. Lymph node swelling is often caused by something other than cancer.

Cancer in the lymph nodes

Cancer can appear in the lymph nodes in 2 ways: it can either start there or it can spread there from somewhere else.

Cancer that starts in the lymph nodes is called lymphoma. You can read more about lymphoma in Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

More often, cancer starts somewhere else and then spreads to lymph nodes. That is the focus of this section.

How does cancer spread to lymph nodes?

Cancer can spread from where it started (the primary site) to other parts of the body.

When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel to other areas through either the bloodstream or the lymph system. If they travel through the lymph system, the cancer cells may end up in lymph nodes. Most of the escaped cancer cells die or are killed before they can start growing somewhere else. But one or two might settle in a new area, begin to grow, and form new tumors. This spread of cancer to a new part of the body is called metastasis.

In order for cancer cells to spread to new parts of the body, they have to go through several changes. They must become able to break away from the original tumor and attach to the outside wall of a lymph or blood vessel. Then they must move through the vessel wall to flow with the blood or lymph to a new organ or lymph node.

When cancer does spread to lymph nodes, it usually spreads to nodes near the tumor itself. These are the nodes that have been doing most of the work to filter out or kill the cancer cells.

How is cancer in lymph nodes found?

Normal lymph nodes are tiny and can be hard to find, but when there’s infection, inflammation, or cancer, the nodes can get larger. Those near the body’s surface often get big enough to feel with your fingers, and some can even be seen. But if there are only a few cancer cells in a lymph node, it may look and feel normal. Lymph nodes deep in the body cannot be felt or seen. So doctors may use scans or other imaging tests to look for enlarged nodes that are deep in the body. Often, enlarged lymph nodes near a cancer are assumed to contain cancer.

The only way to know whether there is cancer in a lymph node is to do a biopsy. Doctors may remove lymph nodes or take samples of one or more nodes using needles. The tissue that’s removed is looked at under the microscope by a pathologist (a doctor who diagnoses illness using tissue samples) to find out if there are cancer cells in it. The pathologist prepares a report, which details what was found. If a node has cancer in it, the report describes what it looks like and how much was seen.

When a surgeon operates to remove a primary cancer, they may remove one or more of the nearby (regional) lymph nodes as well. Removal of one lymph node is considered a biopsy, but when many lymph nodes are removed, it’s called lymph node dissection. When cancer has spread to lymph nodes, there’s a higher risk that the cancer might come back after surgery. This information helps the doctor decide whether more treatment, like chemo, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation, might be needed after surgery.

What does it mean if there’s cancer in my lymph node?

If cancer is found in one or more lymph nodes, it could mean that more tests are needed to know how far the cancer has spread. This information is used to determine the stage of your cancer and the best treatment options.

For more information on staging, see Cancer Staging, or find your cancer type for more detailed information.

Effects of removing lymph nodes

When lymph nodes are removed, it can leave the affected area without a way to drain off the lymph fluid. Many of the lymph vessels now run into a dead end where the node used to be, and fluid can back up. This is called lymphedema, which can become a life-long problem. The more lymph nodes that are removed, the more likely it is to occur. To learn more about what to look for, ways reduce your risk, and how to manage this side effect, see Lymphedema.

Removing lymph nodes during cancer surgery is highly unlikely to weaken a person’s immune system, since the immune system is large and complex and is located throughout the body.

The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

American Joint Committee on Cancer. AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed. New York: Springer 2017: 715-725.

Liao S, von der Weid PY. Lymphatic system: an active pathway for immune protection. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015;38:83–89.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Overview of the Immune System. Updated December 30, 2013. Accessed at https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview on February 23, 2021. 

Last Revised: March 2, 2021

American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.

Purpose, location, and disease warning signs

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in the immune system. They filter lymphatic fluid, which helps rid the body of germs and remove waste products. During an infection, a person may notice swollen lymph nodes, for instance, around the neck.

The body contains hundreds of lymph nodes. They form clusters around the body and are particularly prominent in areas such as the neck, armpit and groin and behind the ears.

The body’s cells and tissues dispose of waste products in lymphatic fluid, which lymph nodes then filter. During this process, they catch bacteria and viruses that could harm the rest of the body.

Lymph nodes are an essential part of the body’s immune system. Due to their function, they come into contact with toxins, which can cause them to swell. Although swollen lymph nodes are common, they may occasionally indicate lymph node cancer, or lymphoma.

Keep on reading to learn more about lymph nodes and their function within the immune system.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which is a complex network of nodes and vessels.

In certain areas of the body, such as the neck, armpit, and groin, lymph nodes sit close to the skin. This means a person may feel them swell when an infection develops.

Lymph nodes are also present in the stomach and between the lungs. However, there are no lymph nodes in the brain or spinal cord.

The name of a lymph node depends on its location in the body.

Lymph nodes form clusters throughout the body. Their main function is to filter out potentially harmful substances.

All tissues and cells in the body excrete lymphatic fluid, or lymph, in order to eliminate waste products. The lymph then travels through vessels in the lymphatic system and passes through lymph nodes for filtering.

Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes. These are a type of white blood cells that help destroy pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When lymph nodes detect a pathogen in the lymph, they produce more lymphocytes, which causes them to swell.

Upon encountering bacteria or damaged cells, lymph nodes destroy them and turn them into a waste product.

When the lymph reenters the bloodstream, waste products travel to the kidneys and liver. The body then excretes waste products in the urine and feces.

Learn more about how the lymphatic system works here.

Swollen lymph nodes do not always indicate cancer. Below, we list some of many conditions that can cause lymph node swelling.

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lymph infect lymph nodes. When this happens, lymph nodes swell and are painful to the touch.

If multiple clusters of nodes become infected, a person may feel pain and swelling in both their neck and groin.

The most common type of lymphadenitis is localized lymphadenitis. This means the condition only affects a few nodes. If the infection occurs in several node clusters, a doctor will likely diagnose generalized lymphadenitis.

The condition usually results from an infection elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphadenitis include:

• sore, swollen nodes
• soft or matted nodes
• skin streaking around the nodes
• abscesses around the nodes
• fluid seeping from the skin

Treatment

Lymphadenitis treatments include:

• antibiotics
• pain relief medication
• anti-inflammatories
• surgery

The type of treatment necessary will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the disease and a person’s underlying conditions and allergies. A doctor will help a person choose the most suitable treatment based on these factors.

Learn more about swollen lymph nodes in the neck here.

Viral or bacterial throat infections

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may be due to a viral or bacterial throat infection, such as strep throat.

Viral infections

Viral throat infections, such as colds, can present with swollen lymph nodes, a runny nose, and pinkeye.

These infections usually resolve on their own. However, a person can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain they may experience when swallowing.

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that develops in the throat and tonsils due to group A streptococcus. People may contract strep throat if they come into contact with droplets containing the strep bacteria.

A person with strep throat may experience swollen lymph nodes on the neck, a sore throat, a fever, and red spots on the roof of the mouth.

Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics.

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infection that develops due to group A streptococcus and may cause lymph nodes in the armpits and groin to swell.

A person can contract impetigo when the bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin. This can happen through sharing a towel, razor, or yoga mat.

Symptoms

Symptoms of impetigo include:

• itchy spots or sores around the nose or mouth that occur with change in skin color
• swollen lymph nodes
• painful sores
• blisters

Treatment

If a person has impetigo, they should seek medical attention to address their symptoms and prevent the condition from spreading to others.

Treatment will usually involve antibiotics.

Ringworm

Ringworm, or jock itch, is a fungal infection that can affect many areas of the body. If the fungus develops in the groin, a person may experience lymph node swelling in that area.

Typically, ringworm starts as a fungal lesion. The fungus often transmits when people share towels or razors.

Ringworm thrives in moist environments, and therefore a person should take care to dry thoroughly after a wash and try not to stay in damp clothes.

Symptoms

Common ringworm symptoms include:

• a patchy rash with a ring-like appearance and clear borders
• itchiness
• stinging
• flaky skin

Treatment

A doctor will prescribe an antifungal treatment to address ringworm.

The best way to prevent ringworm is to wear breathable fabrics, avoid sharing towels and razors, and dry thoroughly after bathing.

Learn more about swollen lymph nodes in the groin here.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when cancer cells spread from one cluster of lymph nodes to another. By contrast, in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, there is no order in how cancer cells spread throughout the lymphatic system.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of lymphoma include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• fever
• night sweats
• fatigue
• unexplained weight loss

These are also common symptoms of viral infections, which can make lymphoma hard to diagnose. However, in people with lymphoma, symptoms tend to persist for longer periods of time.

It is of note that these symptoms do not clearly indicate cancer. If a person experiences any of these, they should contact a doctor to identify the cause of their symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment options for lymphoma include:

• CAR T cell therapy: This is a type of immunotherapy that uses a person’s own immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This therapy uses medication to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high energy beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Stem cell transplant: A person receives stem cells from a donor. After they undergo high doses of chemotherapy, which destroys cancer cells and unhealthy blood cells, doctors implant stem cells, which start to produce new, healthy blood cells.

A person should contact a healthcare professional if they are experiencing persistent swelling of lymph nodes.

Swelling usually indicates an infection, and therefore a person should not immediately worry about lymphoma.

After reaching a diagnosis, a doctor will recommend the appropriate course of treatment.

Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system. They filter lymph, which contains pathogens and damaged cells, and send the dead cells to the kidneys and liver.

Lymph node swelling usually results from an infection. In rare cases, however, it may be due to lymphoma.

If a person is concerned about swelling and other symptoms they have, they should contact a doctor.

Swollen lymph nodes – the causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Measles

Rubella

Diphtheria

Chicken pox

Syphilis

Thyrotoxicosis

HIV

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14 August

Enlargement of lymph nodes – the causes of the appearance, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Lymph nodes are small biological filters related to the lymphatic system. Their main function is to protect the body. Lymph nodes allow the flow of lymph through themselves and in their structures trap pathogens that are destroyed by protective cells – lymphocytes.

Under the sight of the lymph nodes are bacteria, tumor cells and toxic substances.

What are lymph nodes? These are small accumulations of lymphoid tissue located on the connective tissue frame.

Lymphoid tissue is a pool of cells that are involved in the destruction of damaged and tumor cells and microorganisms.

Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of both a mild infectious disease and a serious pathology that can lead to a severe outcome. Therefore, in all cases of enlarged lymph nodes, you should consult a doctor to diagnose and find out the cause.

Classification

Depending on the localization, the following groups of lymph nodes are distinguished:

• occipital;
• cervical;
• submandibular;
• chin;
• supraclavicular and subclavian;
• axillary;
• elbow;
• inguinal;
• popliteal.

During the examination, the doctor palpates (feels) the lymph nodes and determines their size, structure, soreness, skin changes over the lymph node.

Causes of swollen lymph nodes

An increase in lymph nodes indicates a pathological process. An isolated enlargement of the lymph node, or generalized lymphadenopathy, directly depends on the underlying cause of the disease.

Most cases of enlarged lymph nodes are temporary.

The reasons for the enlargement of the lymph nodes are:

• infectious processes;
• autoimmune diseases;
• tumor pathologies;
• storage diseases (a group of diseases accompanied by metabolic disorders).

Lymph nodes are involved in the formation of immunity, and with any infectious process, cell division is activated in them, protecting the body.

So, with brucellosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, diphtheria, bacteria can settle in the lymph nodes, causing inflammation. In this case, the lymph nodes increase in size due to the increased flow of lymph and blood.

Most often, lymph nodes enlarge with acute infections of the upper respiratory tract. Among them, the lymph nodes acquire the largest size with tonsillitis (tonsillitis).

Painful swollen lymph nodes can be a sign cat scratch disease (from the name it is clear that the disease occurs in persons scratched by a cat). The cause of the inflammatory process is the bacterium Bartonella henselae.

One of the clearest examples of a viral disease accompanied by a significant increase in lymph nodes is infectious mononucleosis . The disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.

Infectious mononucleosis is more common in children and young adults. In addition to an increase in lymph nodes, it is characterized by an increase in body temperature, weakness and sore throat.

In children, generalized lymphadenopathy occurs with childhood infectious diseases , such as measles, rubella, parotitis, chickenpox.

Among other viral diseases accompanied by lymphadenopathy, it is worth noting HIV infection .

Lymphadenopathy in HIV infection is accompanied by a number of symptoms: weight loss, unexplained fever, night sweats, fatigue, and later infectious diseases (herpes, cytomegalovirus infection, candidiasis).

Systemic (autoimmune) connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus may be accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. Under these conditions, there is a violation of the recognition of “foreign” and “own” proteins, as a result of which the body begins to attack its own cells. If the process is active, then the lymph nodes increase in size due to the increasing load.

Often, autoimmune diseases are accompanied by an enlarged spleen and additional symptoms.

With systemic lupus erythematosus, the skin, kidneys and serous membranes of internal organs are affected (lupus pleurisy, serositis occur). In rheumatoid arthritis, articular cartilage is predominantly affected.

Swollen lymph nodes may be a symptom of the progression of the tumor process in the body. Atypical (tumor) cells migrate to the lymph nodes, get stuck in them, multiply and stretch the node with their mass.

Separately, it is worth highlighting a group of malignant neoplasms that directly affect the lymphatic system.

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma , or lymphogranulomatosis occurs with the formation of conglomerates of affected immature lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and spleen.
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas – a group of lymphoproliferative diseases.

Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom accumulation diseases : some substance accumulates in organs and tissues, including lymph nodes, as a result of metabolic disorders. Among these diseases: hemochromatosis (iron accumulation), Wilson-Konovalov disease (copper accumulation) and other hereditary metabolic disorders.

Allergic reactions sometimes lead to enlarged lymph nodes. Hypersensitivity to certain drugs leads to generalized lymphadenopathy.

Among endocrinological diseases , hyperthyroidism may be characterized by lymphadenopathy, enlargement of the spleen and an increase in the content of lymphocytes in the blood. With treatment, all indicators return to normal.

It is worth remembering that all the lymph flowing from the organs passes through the lymph nodes, and if a person is engaged in heavy physical labor, then the elbow and popliteal lymph nodes can be enlarged due to a heavy load .

Also, lymph nodes in rare cases increase after vaccination with on the respective side.

Which doctors should I contact for swollen lymph nodes?

The adult should contact

general practitioner

, and examines the child and adolescent

pediatrician

. Depending on associated symptoms, the following specialists may need to be consulted:

• oncologist;
• surgeon;
• phthisiatrician;
• infectious diseases doctor;
• endocrinologist;
• rheumatologist.

Diagnosis and examination of swollen lymph nodes

• CBC;

Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes

In most cases, lymphadenopathy resolves on its own and does not require specific treatment.

If the lymph nodes increase rapidly, are painful to the touch, the process is accompanied by other symptoms, including fever and weakness, you should consult a specialist.

The doctor will conduct the necessary examination and determine a set of therapeutic measures.

In case of bacterial inflammation, antibiotic therapy and the necessary symptomatic treatment (antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs) will be prescribed. With infectious mononucleosis, usually no specific therapy is required, mainly symptomatic treatment is carried out. If HIV infection is suspected, a thorough laboratory and instrumental examination is carried out and antiretroviral therapy is prescribed, as well as treatment of concomitant infections.

Various immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat autoimmune diseases. Depending on the indications, pulse therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy can be used.

In case of tumor processes, the issue of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical treatment, as well as bone marrow transplantation is being decided.

What to do if the lymph nodes are enlarged?

First of all, the treatment of enlarged lymph nodes is aimed at treating the underlying disease that led to the development of this symptom. It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, organize the daily routine and balance the diet. Any treatment is prescribed by a doctor.

It is unacceptable to rub and warm the enlarged lymph node, lubricate it with ointments, try to crush it and treat it with any folk methods without consulting a specialist.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis (Acute tonsillopharyngitis)”. Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, Alliance of Clinical Chemotherapists and Microbiologists, Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Euro-Asian Society for Infectious Diseases. – 2021.
2. Clinical guidelines “HIV infection in adults”. Developed by: National Association of HIV Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment Specialists, National Virological Association. – 2020.
3. Clinical guidelines “Hodgkin’s lymphoma”. Developed by: National Society of Pediatric Hematologists, Oncologists, Association of Oncologists of Russia, Russian Professional Society of Oncohematologists, National Hematological Society. – 2020.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

What are lymph nodes and what to do if they are enlarged?

Lymph nodes allow lymph to pass through, retaining and destroying bacteria, viruses and malignant cells. Sometimes they increase, which raises many questions.

Let’s figure out what lymph nodes are, how they are arranged and why it is impossible to follow the advice from the Internet when they increase.

What are lymph nodes and why are they needed?

Lymph node is a peripheral organ of the immune system, located on the path of lymphatic vessels from organs and tissues.

Lymph is the liquid part of the blood that is filtered into the intercellular space through the walls of the capillaries. It is rich in proteins, electrolytes and water. It is impossible to lose these valuable substances, and it is impossible to return them back to the blood vessels through the wall. The “filtrate” of the blood enters the lymphatic system, from where it enters the superior vena cava through a network of vessels, that is, it returns to the bloodstream.

Along the course of the lymphatic vessels there are lymph nodes – rounded formations the size of a pea. At its core, a lymph node is an accumulation of protective cells – lymphocytes and macrophages – on a “frame” of connective tissue. Lymph nodes allow the flow of lymph through them, and the protective cells that make up them delay and destroy foreign agents (bacteria, parasites, viruses, tumor cells) that have entered the human body.

That is why the lymph nodes are called biological filters, and they themselves resemble knight’s castles, located in the most important directions of medieval states and protecting them from enemy attacks.

Classification of lymph nodes

There are approximately 500 lymph nodes in the human body. They are located mainly in groups. Each group receives lymph from a specific area of ​​the body or part of an organ. There are many classifications of lymph nodes, the simplest of them is a classification based on localization. There are no lymph nodes in the brain and spinal cord, bones, and the area of ​​the hands and feet.

Swollen lymph nodes: symptom or disease?

Swollen lymph nodes, or lymphadenopathy, is a symptom of a large number of diseases. This is not an independent disease, but only one of its signs, such as headache or fever.

Doctors have many classifications of lymphadenopathy. In this article, we will give only a couple of the main ones that will help in understanding the stated problem.

Depending on the extent of the process, the enlargement of lymph nodes can be local and generalized ¹ . In the first case, the lymph nodes of 1-2 adjacent anatomical regions increase. For example, submandibular and cervical. In the second case, there is an increase in lymph nodes in two or more non-adjacent, located far from each other, zones. For example, in the inguinal and axillary regions.

The duration of lymph node enlargement can be short (less than 2 months) and protracted (more than 2 months) ¹ .

Why do lymph nodes enlarge?

Swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of both a relatively harmless disease and a very serious disease. Therefore, you need not to self-medicate, but to look for the cause. And this is the prerogative of the doctor.

Here are just some of the possible causes of swollen lymph nodes:

• infectious diseases . The entry of an infectious agent (virus, bacteria) into the lymph node leads to increased blood flow, active division of lymphocytes and enlargement of the lymph node. That is, this process is of a reciprocal protective nature. An increase in lymph nodes is observed with infections of the upper respiratory tract (adenoviral, tonsillitis), infectious mononucleosis, childhood infections (measles, rubella, mumps, chickenpox), cytomegalovirus infection, etc. In acute infectious diseases, an increase in lymph nodes is temporary and is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, general weakness, malaise, cough, runny nose). Also, swollen lymph nodes can be one of the symptoms of HIV infection;
• autoimmune connective tissue diseases . With these diseases, the human immune system does not work quite adequately, which is why the body begins to attack its own cells. An increase in lymph nodes can be observed with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus;
• pyoinflammatory processes skin, underlying structures and internal organs. Even panaritium or a bad tooth can cause an increase in lymph nodes;
• vaccination . The introduction of a killed pathogen or its parts into the body leads to the development of an immune response. An increase in lymph nodes is not at all uncommon;
• allergic reactions . Taking many medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and lowering blood pressure) may be accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes;
• neoplastic diseases . Enlarged lymph nodes are a common and sometimes the only sign of cancer. In oncological diseases, it can be primary and secondary.

Primary enlargement of lymph nodes

It is observed in tumors that directly affect the lymphatic system – lymphomas. Usually in these cases, the lymph nodes are more than 2 cm in diameter, painless, and their increase occurs against the background of apparent health, which is why the person does not immediately turn to the doctor.

Secondary enlargement of lymph nodes

It is observed in a malignant neoplasm of any localization. For example, with breast cancer, the only sign may be an increase in the lymph nodes in the armpit.

The fact is that as soon as malignant cells find themselves in the intercellular space, they quickly enter the lymphatic capillaries, and from there to the nearest lymph node. There, some of them are destroyed, and some settle and begin to divide, forming a secondary tumor focus.

The division of tumor cells and the increase in the number of protective cells over time leads to an increase in the size of the lymph node. This is a kind of “price” for curbing the growth of a tumor and the spread of tumor cells throughout the body, because if there were no lymph nodes, tumor cells would very quickly enter the bloodstream and give distant metastases.

With local lymphadenopathy, the tumor is detected in about half of the cases, and with generalized lymphadenopathy – in almost 90% of cases ¹ ! Therefore, it is so important to exclude the tumor origin of lymphadenopathy and understand its causes. You should not waste precious time on self-treatment, and if enlarged lymph nodes appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

What should I do if my lymph nodes are enlarged and which doctor should I visit?

The adult needs to see a general practitioner and the child/teenager needs to be taken to see a pediatrician. Usually, a clinical examination and simple studies (general and biochemical blood tests, if necessary, X-ray examination or ultrasound of a certain area of ​​the body) are enough for a specialist to make a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe treatment or refer the patient to a narrower specialist (oncologist, surgeon, rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist) for further examination.

What not to do when the lymph nodes are “swollen”: breaking the stereotypes

Having discovered enlarged lymph nodes, very many, instead of going to the doctor and understanding the causes of what is happening, begin to self-medicate: heat the area of ​​the enlarged lymph node, drink antibiotics, use compresses, etc. You can find a great many similar tips on the Internet.

Should I do it? No way.

Warming up the lymph node area

Many people use salt or a freshly boiled egg to warm up the swollen lymph node area. This is usually done to reduce pain. But for most patients, this is absolutely impossible. In the presence of an inflammatory process, thermal exposure will lead to vasodilation and increased inflammation, and in the case of a tumor process, it can accelerate cell division. Both will make the situation worse.

Taking antibiotics

There are many people who uncontrollably “treat” any “suspicious” symptoms with antibiotics. Of course, this is wrong. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed only by a doctor and strictly according to indications. In most cases, with an increase in lymph nodes, taking antibiotics is simply not advisable and will not give a positive effect.

Use of compresses, ointments/gels

The result here is the same as when warming up – the situation only gets worse.