Swollen lymph node
Swollen Lymph Node: A complete picture Lymphadenopathy or the swollen lymph nodes sometimes show up in the regions like the underarm, the armpit, behind ear and at the back of neck - while in children the problem mostly denotes an infection, in adults, it can be a cause more serious by nature; the cause of swollen lymph nodes may include allergic reactions, hyperthyroidism or something as severe as a cancer symptom.
A total of 500 to 600 lymph nodes remain distributed throughout the body, the most well known lymph node locations being the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. These nodes form the lymphatic system collectively, the lymphatic system being an interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body. The components of this system are small clusters of cells that remain surrounded by a capsule and have ducts going both in and out of them. These are known as the lymph nodes or glands. Gland is however an incorrect terminology, in the sense that the nodes do not fulfill the glandular criteria i.e. they do not secrete anything but act as filters, an internal honeycomb structure of lymphocyte-filled connective tissue being responsible for its action. The aforementioned structures collect and destroy bacteria and viruses that flow freely within the blood; this is when the lymphocytes multiply rapidly and causes the lymph nodes to swell.
Swollen Lymph Node in neck and groin: Among the several groups of lymph glands in the human body, the ones that become enlarged or swollen are most frequently are the lymph nodes in groin region apart from the neck or the armpit. An enlarged lymph node in groin signifies that the node is responding to a stimulation caused by a foreign substance that ranges from simple viral infections to something as severe as HIV and metastases and uncontrolled, malignant production of lymphocytes that lead to lymphoma or leukemia. In this case, lymph nodes that are less than 1/2 inch across may double or triple in size.
Swollen Lymph Node Cause: Swollen lymph node is caused by numerous medical conditions; while in children the problem mostly denotes an infection, in adults, it can be a cause more serious by nature; the cause of swollen lymph nodes may include allergic reactions, hyperthyroidism or something as severe as a cancer symptom. However, swelling doesn’t always denote cancer; the simple causes include common cold, viral infections, mononucleosis and tonsillitis, while life-threatening issues comprise an attack of cancer in the form of Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and Leukemia; Tuberculosis, Sarcoidosis and Secondary syphilis also are regarded as the reasons behind. But if not an infection, then the swelling of the lymph nodes occur due to Lymphatic obstruction or bad dental health or a sore throat, which, though not life threatening, may obstruct the lymph gland to come back to the normal shape and size for a long time.
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