Where are lymph nodes located in the neck. How do lymph nodes function in the immune system. What causes lymph nodes to swell. Can swollen lymph nodes indicate serious health issues. How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed and treated. Are there home remedies for swollen lymph nodes. When should you see a doctor for swollen lymph nodes.

The Lymphatic System: An Overview of Its Structure and Function

The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, valves, ducts, nodes, and organs that plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance and immune defense. This intricate system serves two primary functions:

1. Fluid balance: It drains excess fluid (lymph) from body tissues and returns it to the bloodstream after filtration.
2. Immune function: It produces and distributes immune cells to fight infections and foreign substances.

Understanding the lymphatic system is essential for comprehending the importance of lymph nodes and their role in our overall health.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body. They act as filters for the lymphatic system, trapping and eliminating harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. When the body is fighting an infection or dealing with other health issues, lymph nodes can become enlarged or swollen, a condition known as lymphadenopathy.

Lymph Node Locations: Mapping the Body’s Defense Network

Lymph nodes are strategically positioned throughout the body, forming an extensive network of immune checkpoints. While there are hundreds of lymph nodes, certain areas are more easily accessible for examination. These include:

• Neck (cervical lymph nodes)
• Armpits (axillary lymph nodes)
• Groin (inguinal lymph nodes)
• Above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes)
• Behind the ears (postauricular lymph nodes)
• Back of the head (occipital lymph nodes)
• Under the jaw and chin (submandibular and submental lymph nodes)

Among these, the neck region is particularly notable for its concentration of lymph nodes. But why are there so many lymph nodes in the neck?

The Significance of Cervical Lymph Nodes

The neck contains a high concentration of lymph nodes due to its strategic position. It serves as a gateway between the head and the rest of the body, making it a crucial checkpoint for detecting and responding to potential threats. Cervical lymph nodes are often the first to react to infections in the head, neck, and upper respiratory tract.

The Inner Workings of Lymph Nodes: A Microscopic Perspective

To truly appreciate the function of lymph nodes, it’s essential to understand their internal structure. A cross-section of a lymph node reveals its sophisticated design:

• Afferent lymph vessels: These bring unfiltered lymph into the node.
• Cortex: The outer layer containing B-lymphocytes and macrophages.
• Paracortex: The middle layer housing T-lymphocytes.
• Medulla: The inner core where filtered lymph collects.
• Efferent lymph vessels: These carry filtered lymph away from the node.

This structure allows lymph nodes to efficiently trap and eliminate foreign particles while also serving as sites for immune cell production and activation.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes: From Common Infections to Serious Conditions

Swollen lymph nodes, often referred to as “swollen glands,” can be a sign that your body is fighting an infection or dealing with another health issue. While infections are the most common cause, there are various other reasons why lymph nodes might enlarge:

Infections

• Viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu, mononucleosis)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat, tooth abscess)
• Fungal infections
• Parasitic infections

Immune disorders

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• HIV/AIDS

Cancers

• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Metastatic cancer

Other causes

• Medications
• Vaccines
• Injuries

Is the size of swollen lymph nodes indicative of the severity of the underlying condition? Not necessarily. Even a minor infection can cause noticeable swelling, while some serious conditions may not immediately lead to significant enlargement.

Diagnosing Swollen Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of swollen lymph nodes are benign and resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consider seeking medical advice if you experience:

• Lymph node swelling that persists for more than two weeks
• Nodes that are hard, fixed in place, or rapidly growing
• Swelling accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
• Redness or tenderness of the skin over the swollen node

How do healthcare professionals diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes? The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination
2. Medical history review
3. Blood tests
4. Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)
5. Biopsy (in some cases)

Treatment Approaches for Swollen Lymph Nodes: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, especially when caused by minor infections, swollen lymph nodes will resolve on their own without specific treatment. However, various approaches may be recommended:

Home remedies and self-care

• Warm compresses to reduce pain and swelling
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Rest and hydration

Medical treatments

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for certain viral infections
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Treatment for underlying conditions (e.g., cancer therapies, immune modulators)

In rare cases, surgical removal of lymph nodes may be necessary, particularly if cancer is suspected or diagnosed.

The Role of Lymph Nodes in Specific Health Conditions

Lymph nodes play a crucial role in various health conditions, serving as both indicators and battlegrounds for the immune system. Let’s explore some specific scenarios:

Mononucleosis and Lymph Nodes

Mononucleosis, commonly known as “mono” or the “kissing disease,” is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It often leads to swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck and armpit areas. Other symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache

While mono can be uncomfortable, it’s generally self-limiting. Most patients recover within 4 to 6 weeks without specific medical intervention. However, rest and supportive care are essential during this period.

Cancer and Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes play a critical role in cancer detection and staging. Cancerous cells can travel through the lymphatic system, often getting trapped in nearby lymph nodes. This is why doctors often check lymph nodes when screening for or staging cancer.

In some cancers, such as lymphoma, the lymph nodes themselves become cancerous. In others, like breast or lung cancer, the presence of cancer cells in lymph nodes can indicate that the disease has spread beyond its original site.

Maintaining Lymphatic Health: Prevention and Lifestyle Factors

While we can’t always prevent lymph node swelling, certain lifestyle choices can support overall lymphatic health:

• Regular exercise: Physical activity helps stimulate lymph flow.
• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake supports lymphatic function.
• Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports immune function.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can suppress immune function, potentially affecting lymphatic health.
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol: These substances can negatively impact immune function.

Is there a way to “detox” the lymphatic system? While many products claim to detoxify the lymphatic system, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting these claims. The lymphatic system is self-cleaning when functioning properly. The best approach is to support overall health through lifestyle choices.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Lymphatic Health

The field of lymphatic research is continually evolving, offering new insights into this crucial system. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• The role of the lymphatic system in neurological health
• Lymphatic function in obesity and metabolic disorders
• Targeted therapies for lymphatic disorders
• The potential of lymphatic system manipulation in treating various diseases

These advancements may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for conditions affecting the lymphatic system.

Understanding lymph nodes and the lymphatic system is crucial for appreciating our body’s intricate defense mechanisms. From their strategic locations throughout the body to their role in fighting infections and detecting serious health issues, lymph nodes are silent sentinels of our health. By recognizing the signs of swollen lymph nodes and understanding when to seek medical attention, we can better navigate our health journey. As research continues to uncover the complexities of the lymphatic system, we may discover new ways to support and leverage this vital network for improved health outcomes.

Swollen lymph nodes Information | Mount Sinai

Swollen glands; Glands – swollen; Lymph nodes – swollen; Lymphadenopathy

Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germs, infections, and other foreign substances.

The term “swollen glands” refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. The medical name for swollen lymph nodes is lymphadenopathy.

In a child, a node is considered enlarged if it is more than 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) wide.

The lymphatic system has two main functions. Its network of vessels, valves, ducts, nodes, and organs helps balance the body’s fluid by draining excess fluid, known as lymph, from the body’s tissue and returning it to the blood after filtering it. Some types of blood cells are also made in the lymph nodes.
The lymphatic system also plays an important role in the body’s immune system.
Infection, even a trivial infection is, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes.
Let’s look at a cut section of a lymph node to see what happens.
Afferent means towards. Afferent lymph vessels bring unfiltered fluids from the body into the lymph node where they are filtered.
Efferent vessels, meaning away from, carry the clean fluid away and back to the bloodstream where it helps form plasma.
When the body is invaded by foreign organisms, the swelling sometimes felt in the neck, armpits, groin, or tonsils comes from the microorganisms trapped inside the lymph nodes.
Eventually, these organisms are destroyed and eliminated by cells that line the node walls. Then the swelling and pain subside.

The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).

Swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue and headache are some of the symptoms of mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is generally self-limiting and most patients can recover in 4 to 6 weeks without medicines.

The lymphatic system is a complex system of fluid drainage and transport, and immune response and disease resistance. Fluid that is forced out of the bloodstream during normal circulation is filtered through lymph nodes to remove bacteria, abnormal cells and other matter. This fluid is then transported back into the bloodstream via the lymph vessels. Lymph only moves in one direction, toward the heart.

Lymph nodes produce immune cells to help fight infection. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. They can become swollen from inflammatory conditions, an abscess, cancer, and most commonly from infection. Common areas where lymph nodes can be felt include the groin, armpit, behind the ears, back of the head, sides of the neck and under the jaw and chin.

Lymph nodes play an important part in the body’s defense against infection. Swelling might occur even if the infection is trivial or not apparent. Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy.

Considerations

Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt (with the fingers) include:

• Groin
• Armpit
• Neck (there is a chain of lymph nodes on either side of the front of the neck, both sides of the neck, and down each side of the back of the neck)
• Under the jaw and chin
• Behind the ears
• On the back of the head

Causes

Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Infections that can cause them include:

• Abscessed or impacted tooth
• Ear infection
• Colds, flu, and other infections
• Swelling (inflammation) of gums (gingivitis)
• Mononucleosis
• Mouth sores
• Sexually transmitted illness (STI)
• Tonsillitis
• Tuberculosis
• Skin infections

Immune or autoimmune disorders that can cause swollen lymph nodes are:

• HIV
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Cancers that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

• Leukemia
• Hodgkin disease
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Many other cancers may also cause this problem.

Certain medicines can cause swollen lymph nodes, including:

• Seizure medicines, such as phenytoin
• Typhoid immunization

Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the cause and the body parts involved. Swollen lymph nodes that appear suddenly and are painful are usually due to injury or infection. Slow, painless swelling may be due to cancer or a tumor.

Home Care

Painful lymph nodes are generally a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The soreness usually goes away in a couple of days without treatment. The lymph node may not return to its normal size for several weeks.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if:

• Your lymph nodes do not get smaller after several weeks or they continue to get larger.
• They are red and tender.
• They feel hard, irregular, or fixed in place.
• You have fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
• Any node in a child is larger than 1 centimeter (a little less than half inch) in diameter.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Examples of questions that may be asked include:

• When the swelling began
• If the swelling came on suddenly
• Whether any nodes are painful when pressed

The following tests may be done:

• Blood tests, including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and CBC with differential
• Lymph node biopsy
• Chest x-ray
• Liver-spleen scan

Treatment depends on the cause of the swollen nodes.

Tower RL, Camitta BM. Lymphadenopathy. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 517.

Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 159.

Last reviewed on: 1/29/2022

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Swollen lymph nodes – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer.

Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections. They function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of your body. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Lymph node locations

Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Swollen lymph nodes

One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. The inset shows three swollen lymph nodes below the lower jaw.

In some cases, the passage of time and warm compresses may be all you need to treat swollen lymph nodes. If an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the cause.

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Symptoms

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Many lymph nodes are located in your head and neck region. Lymph nodes that frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When your lymph nodes first swell, you might notice:

• Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
• Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodes

Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:

• Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
• General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this occurs, it may indicate an infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or mononucleosis, or an immune system disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating a possible cancer or lymphoma
• Fever
• Night sweats

When to see a doctor

Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying condition, such as a minor infection, gets better. See your doctor if you’re concerned or if your swollen lymph nodes:

• Have appeared for no apparent reason
• Continue to enlarge or have been present for two to four weeks
• Feel hard or rubbery, or don’t move when you push on them
• Are accompanied by persistent fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss

Seek immediate medical care if you’re having difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Causes

Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped clusters of cells. Inside lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.

Lymph nodes are located in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. You may be more likely to notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin. The site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause.

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Common infections

• Strep throat
• Measles
• Ear infections
• Infected (abscessed) tooth
• Mononucleosis
• Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS

Uncommon infections

• Tuberculosis
• Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis
• Toxoplasmosis — a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
• Cat scratch fever — a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite

Immune system disorders

• Lupus — a chronic inflammatory disease that targets your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs
• Rheumatoid arthritis — a chronic inflammatory disease targeting the tissue that lines your joints (synovium)

Cancers

• Lymphoma — cancer that originates in your lymphatic system
• Leukemia — cancer of your body’s blood-forming tissue, including your 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 preventive medications for malaria.

Complications

If infection is the cause of your swollen lymph nodes and isn’t treated, an abscess may form. Abscesses are localized collections of pus caused by infections. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. An abscess may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Ito Clinic

Thyroid functions

Location and size of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, slightly
below the Adam’s apple. It covers the trachea, as if
butterfly spread its wings. Its size is about 4 cm
in height and weight up to 20 g.
The thyroid gland is a very thin and soft organ. IN
Normally, it cannot be detected
touching the neck, but even a slight swelling is good
palpable. Larger swelling is clearly visible
to the naked eye.

The body produces different types of hormones (female
hormones, male hormones, adrenal hormones, etc.).
Organs that produce hormones are called endocrine
organs, and the thyroid gland is one of them. Her
function is to produce thyroid hormones from
iodine contained in food (mainly in marine
algae).

What are thyroid hormones

Food proteins, fats and
carbohydrates are metabolized and used
as materials for tissue formation or as
energy for the body. Thyroid hormones function
stimulation or intensification of these metabolic processes
substances. In addition, they play an important role in the development of the fetus and
the growth of the child’s body.

There are two types of thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4),
containing four iodine atoms, and triiodothyronine (T3) containing
three iodine atoms.

The thyroid gland produces mainly
Thus, T4, which is transformed into T3 in the liver and other
organs and performs its function as a hormone.

Most T4 and T3 are bound to plasma proteins.
The hormones that act in the body are free T4 (Free
T4=FT4) and free T3 (Free T3=FT3), not associated with proteins
blood, which are tested in a blood test.

Functions of the pituitary gland

The body has a mechanism to maintain
almost constant level of thyroid hormones in
blood. This system is controlled by thyroid stimulating hormone.
(TSH), which is produced by part of the brain –
pituitary gland. This hormone has the function of stimulating
thyroid gland and inducing the production of thyroid
hormones (T4, T3).

If the level of thyroid hormones (T4, T3) in the blood
becomes too high, the amount allocated
pituitary TSH decreases, which reduces the production of T4 and
T3. On the other hand, with a decrease in the concentration of T4 and T3 in
the amount of TSH secreted in the blood increases, stimulating
secretion of T4 and T3. This system is called the “mechanism
feedback” and constantly regulates the level of thyroid
hormones in the blood within a certain range.

harmless to very dangerous

Difficult to swallow, scratchy in throat, swollen lymph nodes, suspicious bumps appear: any changes in the neck frighten and make you worry. Some of them are actually harmless, but there are those that just scream about serious problems in the body.

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Oncological diseases

Health problems

thyroid

The basis of the neck is the cervical vertebrae, in addition, it contains the thyroid gland, which performs the most important functions in the body, large blood vessels pass through, there are lymph nodes, it also houses the esophagus and trachea.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

In general, it is here that many important organs and parts of organs are concentrated, and therefore, one must be especially attentive to changes affecting this part of the body. Changes in the neck can be very different – these can be small or rather large bumps that can be felt from the outside, discomfort when swallowing, coughing and sore throat. We found out which symptoms are usually not associated with serious problems, and which should alert and become a reason to see a doctor.

Lump on the neck

One of the important organs located in the neck is the thyroid gland. It is not possible to see it from the outside, but it is quite possible to notice that it has increased in size.

An enlarged thyroid gland looks like a lump on the neck, which may be centrally located in the lower part of the neck or slightly to the side. Often this tumor moves when swallowing.

If a bump appears on the neck, the reasons can be very different: most often it is a benign formation, which, however, can interfere with swallowing, speaking and breathing. The appearance of a bump on the neck is definitely a reason to see a doctor.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are a common symptom that accompanies many colds. Indeed, even in childhood, mother or grandmother felt the lymph nodes in the neck when we complained of a sore throat and other unpleasant symptoms.

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But swollen lymph nodes in the neck are not always so harmless. The reason may be much more serious, for example, related to oncology. Too large lymph nodes can appear in some forms of neck cancer, as well as in oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, which can develop due to the human papillomavirus.

If earlier such forms of cancer were quite rare, then in the last decade, doctors have noted a rapid increase – the frequency of diagnosing such forms of cancer has increased by more than 200 percent. In general, if the lymph nodes are enlarged, and you do not observe any cold symptoms, go to the doctor and be examined.

Your whole neck is swollen

Does your neck seem to be swollen all over and almost doubled in size? This sometimes really happens, and it is especially disturbing to see this in the morning, when nothing caused concern in the evening.

General swelling of the neck may occur due to dental problems. An untreated tooth is a source of infection in the body, bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream, which will cause a strong increase in lymph nodes, due to which the entire neck will look swollen. A visit to the dentist, who will heal the tooth and cope with the infection, most often helps to solve the problem.

Lump in the throat

The causes of the feeling of “lump in the throat” can be different. This may be due to infectious colds, thyroid disorders, and oncological diseases.

But a lump in the throat is not always a sign of these diseases. Often this is a subjective sensation that interferes with normal swallowing, eating, breathing and speaking, despite the fact that there is no real barrier or seal in the neck.

A sensation of a lump in the throat often occurs in anxious people who are easily excitable, subject to stress and emotional upheavals. Have you noticed such a tendency? Contact a neurologist and a psychotherapist, such features can lead not only to someone in the throat, but also to other health problems – insomnia, depression, panic attacks. You definitely don’t need it and will complicate your life.

Sore throat

Sore throat is a typical cold syndrome. We sneeze, cough, itchy in the throat, everything seems to be fine, especially if this condition is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, runny nose, fever. In this case, making a diagnosis will not be a problem.

But what to do if there are no signs of colds, and itching in the throat? There can be several reasons:

• an allergic reaction to food or environmental factors, such as dust or smell;
• severe stress on the vocal cords, which can occur if you have to talk a lot and for a long time;
• problems with the digestive system: sounds strange and unusual, but it’s real. Tickle can be due to gastritis, peptic ulcers and other problems that cause an increase in acidity.
• disorders of the thyroid gland: perspiration may be associated with the formation of a node that really interferes with swallowing. In addition, such a condition will be accompanied by severe weakness, sleep disturbances and loss of appetite.