![]() Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit and groin, but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. Any persistently swollen lymph gland requires careful diagnostic study. Infectious mononucleosis (behind the ears or neck), rubella also known as German measles (behind the ears), tuberculosis (above the collar bone), mumps (salivary glands), ear infections or sore throat (neck glands, sometimes), infection in the scalp (behind the ears or in back of the head), impacted tooth (swollen gums), HIV disease or AIDS, cat-scratch fever, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, serum sickness, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, canker sores, drugs (such as phenytoin), typhoid vaccination, and salivary duct stones. This is a potentially serious infection which can rapidly spread to the bloodstream and be fatal.Ĭommon causes of enlarged lymph nodes include: Acute lymphangitis is a bacterial infection in the lymphatic vessels which is characterized by painful, red streaks below the skin surface. It sometimes strikes individuals who have had coronary artery bypasses using a saphenous vein from the leg: The removal of this vein is accompanied by removal of related structures of the lymphatic system, lowering immunity to infection. Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, this condition affects the nodes in the neck, groin, and armpit. Lymphadenitis usually results from an infection that begins near a lymph node. Lymphadenitis is an infection and inflammation of one or more of the lymph nodes. Enlargement that comes on gradually and painlessly may result from malignancy or tumor. As a rule, when swelling appears suddenly and is painful, it is usually caused by injury or an infection. By far, the most common cause of lymph node enlargement is infection. Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Swelling might occur even if the infection is trivial or not apparent. Lymph nodes play an important part in the body’s defense against infection. Common areas where enlarged lymph nodes can be felt (palpable nodes) include the groin area ( inguinal region), armpit (axilla), the 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, and over the occiput (prominence on the back of the head). You may then develop swollen lymph glands in various parts of the body such as the neck, armpit and groins.The lymph system is present throughout the body. Viral infections such as flu (influenza), chickenpox or glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) affect the whole body.Infections of the leg or genitals, or nappy rash, may cause lymph glands in the groin to swell.Skin infections of the arm may cause lymph glands in the armpit to swell.Scalp skin conditions or even head lice may cause the lymph glands at the back of the head to swell.Throat infections, tonsillitis, the common cold and tooth-related infections may cause lymph glands in the neck to swell.Examples of infections include the following: It can take a week or so for them gradually to go back to normal after the infection. ![]() The lymph glands usually go back to their normal pea size when the infection is over. The lymph glands near to an infection swell quickly and become tender as the immune system 'fights off' infecting germs (bacteria, viruses, etc). ![]()
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