Facts About Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are one of the bodies red flags which could mean either an infection or lymph node cancer (lymphoma). The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which is the root of our immune system. These nodes are very tiny and bean shaped. They are composed of tissue and filter out infections. The liquid which the lymphatic system produces is called lymph and contains white blood cells. A buildup of these white blood cells causes the nodes to swell and become painful. There can be many causes for swollen lymph nodes.

Infection can cause the nodes swell as it increases the number of the white cells present. The white cells multiply in defense against the presence of a foreign agent. A virus can also cause this swelling as well due to any generalized infection ranging from colds to HIV. If a given node is attacked by inflammatory cells, this will cause swelling in the node. The lymph liquid flowing can also bring to the node cancerous cells which will also cause swelling. Leukemia, cancer of the blood, can also cause the node to swell as it causes lymphocytes to multiply with cancer cells.

There are many different symptoms of the nodes being swollen. These depend on the location of the node and include colds with runny nose, fever and chills, tenderness under the skin surrounding the ears, under the chin or around the neck, skin infection with redness. Those swollen lymph nodes that go deeper than just under the skin can manifest as the swelling of limbs. If the swollen lymph node is in the lungs, it can cause a persistent cough and trouble breathing. Some infections can cause lymph nodes to swell also. Sometimes a disease such as lupus can cause swelling in the nodes as well.

If the swelling in the nodes is caused by a simple infection, then antibiotics are usually prescribed and the swelling will go down. If there is a more serious cause suspected, then a doctor will do a biopsy to see if there is a malignancy, such as cancer ,is present. Other cancers, such as colon cancer, can “seed” lymph nodes and cause them to swell. If the swelling does not respond to antibiotic treatment, pus can build up in the lymph node which will require surgery for drainage. Tonsils are also lymph nodes which are usually removed in early childhood or adolescence. Certain medications can also cause lymph nodes to swell.

Never take these symptoms lightly though. Always consult your physician in regards to any swelling that you find suspicious in the areas where the lymph nodes are as this could possibly be a symptom of something more serious. Lymph nodes which are swollen are described by doctors in different ways depending on where they are located. Medical descriptions of the nodes are: large or small, tender or non-tender, fixed or mobile, hard or soft, and firm or rubbery. Remember, not all swollen lymph nodes are cancerous but should be checked out.