What is a lymph node?
Lymph nodes are glands that function in the immune system, are distributed all over the body, and are surrounded by a yellow capsule. There are many cells that make up the lymph gland; However, the highest number of these cells is the cell called lymphocyte. The main function of the lymph nodes in the body is to defend the body against microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses coming from outside and to act as a filter. The lymphatic system is an organ system consisting of organs, vessels and lymph nodes spread throughout the body.
Where Are Lymph Nodes Found?
Lymph nodes, also called lymph nodes and lymph nodes, are located throughout the body. Lymph nodes are lymphatic structures loosely connected to each other, approximately the size of a pea. Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid, nutrients, waste materials, body tissues and blood circulation. Lymph vessels converge at certain points of the body known as lymph nodes, where they take part in filtering blood and performing immune functions. Some lymph tissues are located deep in the body, and some are located under the skin. Some lymph node groups are located in the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen and groin. Apart from these, lymph nodes are also found in organs such as the stomach, small intestine and spleen.
Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell?
Lymph nodes may swell for various reasons; However, the main cause of swelling is regional inflammation of the lymph nodes. Apart from this, the proliferation and tumorization of the lymph cells that make up the lymph node may also cause lymph node swelling. For example, in lymph cancer, also called lymphoma, lymphatic tissues proliferate uncontrollably, causing lymph node enlargement. The lymph node may also swell when cancer cells come from another organ and settle in the lymph nodes. In breast cancer, cancer cells in a woman’s breast settling in the lymph nodes under the armpit can be given as an example of this situation. Lymph node swelling can also be seen as a result of a microbial disease, and this is the most common cause of lymph node swelling seen in patients. Any harmful microorganism can attach to the lymph tissue and form an abscess there, resulting in swollen lymph nodes. The lymph node to which the microorganism attaches may become swollen, red and painful. The reasons that cause the lymph nodes to swell are different, resulting in different symptoms and different treatment methods. Some of the diseases that cause lymph node swelling are discussed in more detail below.
Infectious Diseases
The most common cause of lymph node swelling is some infectious diseases. Some of these infectious diseases; tonsillitis, ear infection, tooth abscess, measles, skin or wound infections. Lymph node inflammation that develops due to such diseases usually disappears after a while with antibiotic treatments and does not leave any medical damage. Another infectious disease is mononucleosis (kissing) disease. Mononucleosis, usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is a contagious infectious disease. Among the most common symptoms: swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin. Other symptoms of mononucleosis are fever, head and throat pain and skin rash.
Some Types of Cancer
Lymphoma (lymph cancer), leukemia (blood cancer), breast cancer, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), or some other types of cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes can cause lymph node swelling. In the presence of cancer-related lymph node enlargement, patients usually consult a doctor with a complaint of palpable swelling in the relevant areas. After a definitive diagnosis is made and the stage of cancer is determined, routine cancer treatment is applied to patients.
Scalp Diseases
Ringworm, head lice, scalp psoriasis and scalp impetigo, which are scalp diseases, can cause lymph node swelling. These diseases, which affect the occipital (the area from the scalp to the nape of the neck) lymph nodes, are mostly contagious and need to be treated quickly. If left untreated, it can progress and cause more serious health problems.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases refer to the body’s immune system cells attacking themselves. Some autoimmune diseases can cause swollen lymph nodes. Some of these diseases; systemic lupus erythematosus (butterfly disease), amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis.
