Lymph Nodes

Definition of Lymph Nodes:

Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points in the body that filter lymph fluid and try to destroy microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there.  The most common locations are the neck (sides and front), armpit (axillary), groin (inguinal), under the jaw and behind the ears.  Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and move around a little when pushed sideways.  Most lymph nodes cannot be felt until they become swollen, and will only be tender when pressed.  A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling.  Swollen or painful lymph nodes invariably result from localized or systemic infection, or malignancy.  Also known (incorrectly) as lymph glands.

Also: Axillary Nodes, Inguinal Nodes, Lymph Gland, Lymph Glands, Lymph Node, Lymphatic

Topics Related to Lymph Nodes

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

...the condition
“...It can then spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles (in males)...”

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

...the condition
“...It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles in males...”
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More topics Related to Lymph Nodes

Adenitis

...related topic
“An inflammation of one or several lymph nodes, or related lymphoid tissues.”

Adenopathy

...related topic
“Swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy.”

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever

...recommendation Acupuncture
“Treatment with acupuncture can help promote both immune system function and drainage of lymphatic fluid.”
...recommendation Massage
“Therapeutic massage can assist drainage of lymphatic fluid.”

Bile Duct Cancer

...the condition
“...Bile duct cancer tends to spread into the liver, along the bile duct surface and through the lymph system to lymph nodes in the region of the liver...”

Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles

...the condition
“...There may be swelling around the boil as well as swelling of any lymph nodes near the boil...”
...recommendation Homeopathic Remedies
“...The person may have moist or greasy-looking skin, with swollen lymph nodes and offensive breath, and be very sensitive to changes in temperature...”

Breast Cancer

...the condition
“...Things to look for include ... If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the armpit or above the collarbone, they may feel enlarged and hard...”
...our question about Swollen lymph nodes under the armpits
“A breast self-examination should always include the armpit because breast cancer can enlarge the armpit lymph nodes even when the breast itself seems perfectly normal.”
...recommendation Change In Clothing Habits
“...There is strong evidence that this is as a result of impaired lymphatic flow.  Wearing a bra, especially a constricting one with underwires and/or tight straps, and especially to bed, prevents normal lymphatic flow and would likely lead to anoxia (lower than...”

Carcinoid Cancer

...the condition
“...In cases where somewhat larger tumors have spread to local tissues and local lymph nodes but are, along with these locally invaded tissues, still totally surgically removable, the average survival has been 8 years ranging up to 23 years...”

Castor Oil

...as a treatment
“...Conditions which have been responsive to castor oil applications include ... swollen lymph nodes...”

Chagas Disease

...the condition
“...These symptoms may include fatigue, fever, enlarged liver or spleen, and swollen lymph glands.  Sometimes a rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting occur...”

Change In Clothing Habits

...as a treatment
“...Tight clothing may cause health problems by restricting the natural flow of blood and lymphatic fluid.  Research by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer demonstrated that women who wear bras more than twelve hours per day, but not to bed, are 21 times more likely to get breast cancer...”

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“The lymph nodes involved in CFS are small, moveable, not tender and most commonly involve the neck, axillary region or inguinal region...”

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

...the condition
“...In time, it can also invade other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen...”

Cigarette Smoke Damage

...relationship to Lung Cancer
“...Large cell cancer spreads to lymph nodes of the chest and it enters the blood stream where it gets carried to other organs such as the liver, bone, brain, and spinal cord...”

Cleavers

...as a treatment
“...This herb is also useful in treating swollen lymph glands, or congested glands and congestion in the breasts...”

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection

...the condition
“...Fever usually resolves in around 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen return to normal in 4 weeks...”

Encephalitis

...the condition
“...These infections usually cause only chills, fever, and swelling of lymph nodes, though seizures and headaches can occur...”

Enlarged Lymph Nodes

...the condition
“Alternative names: Enlarged lymph glands, Lymphadenopathy, Adenopathy, Lymphadenitis, The lumps that you feel in your neck or under your jaw when you have a cold or a sore throat are called lymph nodes.  Inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes can be a sign of a wide variety of disease conditions, ranging from a simple cold all the way to cancer...”

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“As another one of its nicknames – glandular fever – implies, perhaps the most distinguishing mono symptom is enlarged glands or lymph nodes, especially in the neck, but also in the armpit(s) and groin.”

Esophageal Cancer

...the condition
“...If the cancer spreads outside the esophagus, it often goes to the lymph nodes first.  Esophageal cancer can also spread to almost any other part of the body, including the liver, lungs, brain, and bones.”

Exudates

...related topic
“...Unlike a transudate, which is merely edema from lymphatic congestion, exudates contain dead cells, erythrocytes, white blood cells and often pus.”

Fanconi Anemia

...the condition
“...FA patients have developed solid tumors, which usually develop in the mouth, tongue, throat, or esophagus but can also occur as tumors of the vulva/vagina, brain, skin, cervix, breast, kidney, lung, lymph nodes, stomach, and colon...”

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

...the condition
“...Their theory is that bras can bind and constrict the lymphatic circulation...”

Gallbladder Cancer

...the condition
“...Weakened appetite; Unexplained weight loss; Abdominal swelling; Fever; Itchy skin; Dark yellow urine; Light-colored stools; Greasy stools; Enlarged lymph nodes above the collarbone and/or other locations, if cancer has spread to lymph nodes; Unfortunately, 80% of gallbladder cancers are not found until at an advanced stage, spreading and causing...”

Herpes Simplex Type II

...the condition
“...It is common among men and women to experience low-grade fever, headache, generalized muscle aching, and tender, swollen lymph nodes in the groin...”

Histiocytosis X

...the condition
“...The histiocytes damage not only the lungs but also the skin, lymph glands, bone, liver, and spleen...”

Histoplasmosis

...the condition
“...When histoplasmosis spreads, it can affect bone marrow, the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, mouth, intestines, brain, and the adrenal glands...”

HIV/AIDS

...the condition
“...This illness may include fever, headache, tiredness or enlarged lymph nodes.  These symptoms are often mistaken for those of another viral infection...”
...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“Swollen, firm and possibly tender lymph nodes lasting longer than three months are a symptom of AIDS.”

Hodgkin's Disease

...related topic
“Cancer of the lymphatic system and lymph nodes.”

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

...the condition
“...Because lymphatic tissue is present in many parts of the body, Hodgkin's disease can start almost anywhere...”
...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“Hodgkin's lymphoma may present initially as painless lymph node enlargement, especially of the neck and above the collar bone.”

Infectious Mononucleosis - Mono

...the condition
“...Fever usually abates in about 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen heal in 4 weeks...”

Intussusception

...the condition
“...Suspected triggers include viral infections, anatomical factors, altered motility, lymph nodes, polyps, and tumors...”

Kaposi's Sarcoma

...the condition
“...a type of malignant tumor of the blood vessels that develops most commonly on the skin and mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose and anus, but may also affect internal organs – particularly the lymph nodes), lungs and organs of the digestive system such as the liver, stomach and intestine...”

Kidney Cancer

...recommendation Surgery
“...The most common form of surgery for RCC, radical nephrectomy involves removal of the entire kidney, often along with the attached adrenal gland, surrounding fatty tissues and nearby lymph nodes (regional lymphadenectomy), depending upon how far the cancer has spread...”

Leukemia

...related topic
“Cancer of the lymph glands and bone marrow resulting in overproduction of white blood cells (related to Hodgkin's disease).”
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More topics Related to Lymph Nodes

Liver Cancer

...the condition
“...When liver cancer metastasizes outside the liver, the cancer cells tend to spread to nearby lymph nodes and to the bones and lungs...”

Lymphadenitis

...related topic
“Inflammation or swelling of one or more lymph nodes.  It may be an acute response or chronic, but signals the drainage into those nodes of microbes, their waste products, or the immuno-complexes produced upstream, whether from infection or...”

Lymphadenopathy

...related topic
“A lymph gland enlargement in response to any foreign substance or disease.”

Lymphatic Congestion

...the condition
“...The lymph moves through the lymph nodes, which act as active purification centers...”
...recommendation Castor Oil
“One of the most significant benefits of castor oil is being a stimulant to the lymph system, improving lymphatic flow and increasing the activity of the cleansing of tissues.”

Lymphatic Stimulation

...as a treatment
“...Lymphatic congestion or stagnation is a serious problem for many cancer patients...”

Lymphatic System

...related topic
“...Lymphatic fluid (also called lymph) is rich in white blood cells that fight infection and an important part of the body's immune system.”

Lymphoma

...related topic
“Any tumor of the lymphatic tissues.”

Mastocytosis

...the condition
“...Mast cells are found in the in skin, lymph nodes, internal organs such as the liver and spleen, and the linings of the lung, stomach, and intestine...”

Melanoma

...the condition
“...Unlike other cancers, melanoma may remain inactive for years, may even regress temporarily, and then suddenly metastasize to lymph nodes or vital organs...”

Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)

...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“Swollen lymph nodes in the neck have been associated with known mercury toxicity...”

Middle Ear Infection

...recommendation Mercurius solubilis
“...The person is often sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures, has swollen lymph nodes, offensive breath, a puffy tongue, and experience sweating and drooling during sleeping.”

Mononucleosis

...related topic
“Infectious Mononucleosis: An acute, infectious disease caused by the herpes virus or Epstein-Barr virus, with fever and inflamed swelling of the lymph nodes around the neck, under the arms, and in the groin...”

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

...the condition
“...Because lymphatic tissue is present in many parts of the body, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can start almost anywhere in the body...”
...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.”

Oregon Grape Root

...as a treatment
“...Traditional uses of Oregon grape include: acne, arthritis, bronchial congestion, chronic fatigue, eczema, hepatitis, herpes, hypoglycemia, indigestion, lymphatic congestion, menstrual problems, psoriasis, scrofula, syphilis, and vaginitis...”

Oropharyngeal Cancer

...the condition
“...Signs and symptoms are not always present but, when they are, can include ... swollen lymph nodes in the neck...”

Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis

...the condition
“...Abscesses can destroy both gum and tooth tissue, cause nearby teeth to become loose and painful, and may cause fever and swollen lymph nodes.  Visit your dentist regularly (once every 6 months is recommended) so that if you do develop gum disease, it can be treated early on.”

Peyer's Patches

...related topic
“Lymphoid follicles similar to lymph nodes or the tonsils, located especially in the lower small intestine...”

Poor Small Intestine Health

...the condition
“...Capillaries in the villi absorb amino acids, glucose, fructose, and galactose while lacteals absorb fatty acid and glycerol to travel through the lymphatic vessels.  As chyme enters the small intestine, its acidity causes secretion of the hormone secretin, which signals the pancreas to secrete alkaline juices to neutralize the chyme...”

Prostate Cancer

...the condition
“...These scans usually look for the spread of cancer to lymph nodes in the pelvis...”
...recommendation Surgery
“...The most common technique is a "radical prostatectomy", which involves removing the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and nearby lymph nodes.  It is a major operation, so it is most suitable for otherwise healthy men (usually, those under 70) whose cancer appears not to have spread...”

Rashes

...the condition
“...See your family doctor or dermatologist if skin rashes enter your life, especially if you have other symptoms, like fever, swollen lymph nodes, infection, headache, shortness of breath, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, or achy joints...”

Rectal Cancer

...the condition
“...Stage III A Cancer has metastasized to nearby organs (bladder, reproductive) or lymph nodes.  Stage III B Cancer has metastasized to organs and lymph nodes in the abdomen, groin, or rectum...”

Sarcoidosis

...the condition
“...It is a granulomatous disease in which inflammation may occur in lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, joints, kidneys, liver and spleen, and other tissues...”
...our question about Cervical lymph node swelling
“Enlarged and tender lymph glands in the neck, armpits and groin are a possible sign of sarcoidosis.”

Sciatic

...related topic
“...problem, far and away the most common causes are a lower back subluxation (responding to adjustment) or pelvic congestion and edema (responding to laxatives, exercise, and decreasing portal vein and lymphatic congestion).”

Sideroblastic Anemia

...the condition
“...Sideroblastic anemia is also associated with ... Lymphoma ( cancer of the lymph glands)...”

Small Intestine Cancer

...the condition
“...All of these tumors have the potential to invade the bowel wall, spread into adjoining lymph nodes, and metastasize...”

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

...the condition
“...Damaged lymph nodes: Lymph (a clear fluid containing immune system cells) is transported throughout the body by lymph vessels and filtered by lymph nodes...”

Staging

...related topic
“...Staging factors that influence a patient's prognosis are ... Spread to nearby lymph nodes...”

Stasis

...related topic
“Static, atonic, unable to resolve or initiate change, resulting in lymphatic and venous stasis, congestion or stagnation...”

STD Syphilis

...the condition
“...Enlargement of lymph nodes located in the groin, arm pits and neck occurs within one week of appearance of the chancre...”

Stillingia

...as a treatment
“...In small doses, stillingia is thought to exert a stimulatory action on the lymphatic and secretory systems...”

Stomach Cancer

...the condition
“...This includes the following ... Scans – discovering if or how far the cancer has spread (staging) may involve scans, including ultrasound, CT or MRI to look at the stomach, liver and lymph nodes...”

Testicular Cancer

...the condition
“...According to the American Cancer Society, some 60-70% of patients with nonseminomas have cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.  Most testicular tumors are discovered by patients themselves – either by accident, or while performing a self-examination on each testicle...”

TMJ Problems

...the condition
“...The TMJ Association lists these symptoms because TMJ implant patients frequently report them ... swollen lymph nodes/glands (e.g., neck, behind ears, under arms, groin)...”

Tonsil Stones

...the condition
“...The tonsils (specifically, the 'palatine tonsils') are lymph nodes located on both sides of the back of the throat, on either side of the uvula...”

Toxoplasmosis

...the condition
“...Affecting the brain, lung, heart, eyes, or liver, symptoms include ... Enlarged lymph nodes (head, neck, armpits)...”

Vaginal Depletion Pack

...as a treatment
“...Vaginal depletion packs inhibit local bacterial growth, stimulate the body to slough off abnormal cervical cells, and promote lymphatic drainage.  Place 2 suppositories against the cervix followed by placement of a tampon and leave in place for 24 hours...”

Villi

...related topic
“...Each villus contains a capillary network, a lymphatic vessel, and smooth muscle fibers...”
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