Swollen Lymph Nodes Symptoms: Types, Causes & Diagnosis

Swollen Lymph Nodes Overview: Types, Causes, and Treatment

What are Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs that filter the substance that travel through the lymphatic fluid. These are the small bean-shaped structure that contains lymphocytes. These lymphocytes help fight the foreign particles that invade the body.

The body contains lymph nodes that circulate throughout the body and are connected to one another. There are clusters of lymph nodes found in the underarm (axilla), neck, chest, groin and abdomen.

The lymph nodes are commonly found between the lungs and stomach. The brain and spine do not contain any lymph nodes.

How Do Lymph Nodes Work?

The lymph node forms clusters throughout the body, and the main function is to filter out the harmful substances that enters the body.

The lymph or the lymphatic fluid carries the waste material. The lymph will then pass through the lymphatic system and then lymph nodes, where the harmful substances are filtered out.

Lymph contains lymphocytes that destroy the pathogens that invade the human body. When the lymph nodes detect a damaged cell or a pathogen, they destroy the cells and convert them to waste products. The waste product will be eliminated through urine or faeces.

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Lymph Nodes Functions

The function of lymph includes the following: 

• It protects the body from viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and cancerous cells.
• Lymph deliver some nutrients, such as proteins and dietary fatty acids, from the intestines to the bloodstream.
• It gathers harmful substances found in the human body's cells and tissues.
• It gathers extra fluid from the body's tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. Thus, it maintains fluid levels.
• Lymphs absorb fats and other molecules that are too large to travel through capillaries.
• Lymph helps maintain tissue fluid composition.
• It helps maintain the volume of blood. 
• It keeps body cells moist.
• Lymph transports antibodies and lymphocytes to the blood.

Facts About Lymph Nodes

• We have seen: What is lymph nodes in body? Let's discuss the levels of lymph nodes of neck. 7 levels of lymph nodes in neck are Level Ia (submental group), Level Ib (submandibular group), Level II (upper jugular group), Level III (middle jugular group), Level IVa (lower jugular group), Level IVb (medial supraclavicular group), and Levels Va & Vb (posterior triangle group). 
• Lymph nodes cancer symptoms include fever, night sweats, fatigue, itchy skin, etc. 
• Lymph node swelling can occur due to many reasons, like infection, autoimmune disease, cancer, etc. 
• Occipital lymph nodes refer to the small, bean-shaped lymph nodes seen at the back of the head, near the occipital bone.
• Lymph nodes cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes is treatable through methods like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other methods. But treatment cannot assure that cancer will go off completely or never come back.

Lymph nodes are part of the body's lymphatic system; they are an essential network for filtering out harmful toxins and substances from the body, thus helping the body perform immune functions. Therefore, swollen lymph nodes can pose a serious health issue and cause complications. 

Swelling on one side of the neck under the jaw or in another region may indicate a basic infection or serious disease, even cancer. 

Research conducted on patients suffering from swollen lymph nodes found the risk of cancer was 11.5% within the first year of observation, and the possibility of lymphoma was also six to ten times more than the expected prevalence.

Continue reading to learn more details regarding swollen lymph nodes treatment, causes, and diagnosis. 

What are Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes typically signal that the body is fighting an infection, but sometimes, they signal much more severe conditions, including cancers or autoimmune disorders. These nodes are, in fact, enlarged lymph glands.

In these cases, the immune system in the body responds to an infection, inflammation, or some other health-related condition. Those lymph nodes filter lymph fluid from different parts of the body and trap harmful things like bacteria and viruses. 

Common places where these nodes occur are the neck, under the jaw, in the armpits, and groin. They can also be tender to the touch or firm, depending on the cause. Although normally a sign of infection, swollen lymph nodes can occasionally be a sign of cancer.

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Diagnosis of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Your doctor will ask for the following to be able to identify the causes of your swollen lymph nodes: 

• Your Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, the manner in which your swollen lymph nodes appeared, and any other signs or symptoms that you may be experiencing.
• Physical Examination: The doctor also examines the lymph nodes accessible on your skin, including their size, tenderness, warmth, and texture.
• Blood Tests: To know more specific details, healthcare providers get different blood tests done, such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and antibody tests to help diagnose infections or autoimmune diseases. An elevated white blood cell count or other abnormalities may indicate infections. 
• Imaging Studies: A chest X-ray or a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected region may be used to identify possible sources of infection or to detect tumours.
• Lymph Node Biopsy: If there is suspicion of cancer, a biopsy is performed. This is done by removing a small tissue sample from the swollen lymph node and subjected to laboratory tests for the presence of malignancy or other conditions, like lymphoma or leukaemia.

Before moving to the swollen lymph nodes treatment methods, let's check out the major types of lymph nodes. 

Types of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can occur in various parts of the body and often indicate an underlying infection. Most areas wherein swollen lymph nodes are located narrow down potential causes and guide the diagnosis. Some of them include:

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes Neck One Side

When the lymph nodes swell on one side of the neck, it is often an indication of an infection in that particular area, such as a sore throat, ear infection, or dental issue. It can also be associated with viral infections like the common cold or mononucleosis. Swelling often resolves once the infection is treated. If it persists, it may be an indication of more serious conditions such as lymphoma or cancer.

2. Swollen Lymph Nodes Neck

Often, swollen lymph nodes appear in the neck as a result of upper respiratory infections or colds, flu, or sinus infections. This disorder can also be due to throat infections, streptococcal infections, strep throat, or infections of the teeth and other parts of the mouth or gums. The tenderness, along with the size of this swelling, is a determinant of whether it is due to an infection or not since, in rare cases, it may indicate cancer.

3. Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Jaw

Infections of the mouth, throat, or teeth can cause swelling in the lymph nodes below the jaw. Some causes include tooth abscesses, gum disease, and tonsillitis. Localized swelling on one side could indicate an infection on that side, such as a dental infection. These types of swellings are generally temporary, but persistent swelling requires medical evaluation.

4. Swollen Lymph Node Under the Jaw on One Side

When there are swollen lymph nodes under the jawon one side, it is often a signal of an infection or inflammation in the mouth, throat, or nearby structures. An infected tooth, tonsillitis, or a sore throat can cause swelling locally. Swelling on one side may be more marked if the infection is more localized. Swelling that persists requires further investigation to rule out other causes.

5. Swollen Lymph Node Armpit

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits are often related to infections of the arms, chest, or breasts. They can also result from infections of the skin and, for example, cellulitis, which can be a consequence of vaccines, such as receiving an influenza vaccine. Lumps may sometimes be signs of serious diseases, such as breast cancer or lymphoma. If the swelling does not resolve, medical intervention becomes essential.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

The most common causes of swollen lymph nodes include the common cold, measles, wounds and ear infections. Other causes of swollen lymph nodes are discussed below.

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis is an enlargement of the lymph nodes due to an infection caused by bacteria, fungi and the virus. This can lead to pain when as multiple clusters of nodes occurs.

Lymphadenitis affects a few nerves, and this type of swelling is usually localised and can occur anywhere in the body. Common symptoms include

• Soft or matted nodes
• Sore and swollen nodes
• Abscess around the nodes
• Skin streaking around the nodes
• Fluid seeping from the skin

Lymphadenitis Can be Treated With the Help of

• Pain relief medication
• Antibiotics
• Anti-Inflammatories
• Surgery

Viral or Bacterial Throat Infections

Viral or bacterial throat infections can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. For example, strep throat can cause swollen lymph in the neck region.

The common cold is caused due to a viral infection. The symptoms include a runny nose and pink eyes. In most cases, the infection resolves on its own. However, over-the-counter medication can also help with swelling and relieve pain.

Strep throat is common and is caused due to a group of bacteria called streptococcus. People get infected when they come in contact with droplets that contain strep bacteria. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics.

Impetigo is an infection that occurs due to a bacteria called streptococcus. This causes inflammation in the groin and armpits.
A person can get infected with impetigo when the bacteria enter through a break in the skin. The infection can get transferred when people share a razor, towel, and yoga mat.

Some of the common symptoms of impetigo include

• Blisters
• Painful sores
• Itchy sores
• Sores around the nose or mouth
• Change in skin
• Swollen nodes

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Treatment for Impetigo Includes Antibiotics

Ringworm

Ringworm infection is also called a jock itch. It is a fungal infection that occurs in the body and usually develops around the groin. When a person is affected with ringworm infection, it leads to swelling in the lymph nodes.

The infection usually starts as a fungal lesion and transmits when an infected person shares towels and razors. The infection thrives in moist areas like the groin. So, it is important to keep the areas of the body that are warm. Wash with soap and wipe with a clean towel to avoid such infections.

Symptoms of Ringworm Infection Include

• Stinging
• Flaky skin
• Itchiness
• Patchy rash with a ring-like appearance

The ringworm can be treated with antifungal ointment. Ringworm can be prevented by avoiding sharing clothes, towels and razors. After bathing make sure you wipe completely with a dry towel.

Lymph Node Cancer

Lymph node cancer affects the lymphatic system. The two common types of lymphoma include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma spreads from one cluster of lymph nodes to the other, whereas non-Hodgkin lymphoma spreads throughout the lymphatic system.

The Symptoms of Lymph Node Cancer Include

• Fever
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

These symptoms can resemble the symptoms of viral infection, which make the diagnosis of lymphoma hard. If a person is affected with lymph node cancer, the symptoms tend to persist for a longer period

Swollen Lymph Nodes Treatment

If the swelling is due to a more serious issue, the treatment options might involve:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are typically used to treat swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection. For instance, if the swelling is caused by an HIV infection, you will receive specific treatment for that condition.
• Medications: Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), may help alleviate pain and swelling in the lymph nodes. However, all the medicines should be taken after consulting with a doctor.
• Surgery, Radiation, or Chemotherapy: If cancer causes swollen lymph nodes, it is the cancer that will be treated. Depending on the type, this could take the form of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Swollen lymph nodes can indicate that the body is fighting an infection. In most cases, viral or bacterial infections will resolve on their own. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week, consult your doctor.

• Swelling that last for more than two weeks.
• Symptoms like high fever, pain and difficulty breathing.
• Night sweats and persistent fever.
• Change in size of the lymph node

Swelling of the lymph node in more than one area.

Swollen lymph nodes are common and can result from various causes, ranging from innocuous infections to severe diseases like cancer. Accurate diagnosis involves a proper medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes, a biopsy to find the true cause. 

Sometimes, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, arm, abdomen, etc., resolve with time and treatment, but if your condition does not improve or worsens, you must seek medical attention. Always consider availing of comprehensive health insurance from reliable sources like Star Health Insurance to ensure quality care for you and your family.