What do swolen lymph nodes mean?
Swollen lymph nodes could mean that you have an infection. That's the most common cause. It could also be dehydration. It's kind of hard to say. Hopefully you're not sexually active. If you are, it could be Mono. Or it could be still swollen from a past infection in which it would be called a "residual node". Also some lymph nodes are bigger than others. There are a multitude of problems. Just don't worry about it. Leave them alone and they should reduce or if your doctor isn't worried about it or if your blood work comes back normal, then you should be fine. Don't panic over it.
What do lymph nodes filter?
Lymph nodes are any of numerous oval bodies, distributed throughout the lymphatic system, that produce and house lymphocytes (white blood cells formed in lymphatic tissue) and filter microorganisms and other particles from lymph. They are a defense mechanism of the body against infection and disease.
How do the lymph nodes filter lymph?
Lymph vessels route lymph fluid through nodes throughout the body. Lymph nodes are small structures that work as filters for harmful substances. They contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried in through the lymph fluid.
What r lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are components of the lymphatic system. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. Lymph nodes act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of connective tissue filled with lymphocytes that collect and destroy bacteria and viruses. When the body is fighting an infection, these lymphocytes multiply rapidly and produce a characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes. The spleen and tonsils are large lymphoid organs that serve similar functions, though the spleen does not filter lymph but blood.
Swollen lymph node in groin (please help!)?
1. Alright, so I'm 19, not sexually active, etc. I have a swollen lymph node (a little bigger than a pea) on my groin, which is fairly painful to the touch. (I've heard this type is typically non-cancerous.) 2. Also, I somehow tore a blister or something about 3 inches away from where the node is and I've heard that can cause nodes to swell. 3. But I'm really worried. I got tested for lymphoma in March (apparently fairly unnecessarily) for a node in my neck. But it turned out to be a light cause of mono, and when I was tested again a month later it was gone. I've heard mono and lymphoma are connected. What do you think??? I really don't want to see a doc if I don't have too, and I'm starting to feel like the hypochondriac who cried wolf!!
What are your lymph nodes and what do they do?
Lymph nodes are little balls of tissue all throughout your body that filter lymph. Lymph consists of all the fluid that leaks out of your blood vessels (your blood pressure lets some of the plasma - not actual blood cells - leak through your capillaries), plus all the white cells that were sent out fighting infecions and inflammation in your tissues. Your lymph nodes are basically lymphocyte (one of the white blood cells types) manufacturing centers. They also analyze all the white blood cells that collect in the lymph, and when they see signs of infection or inflammation, they rev up their manufacturing process and produce a whole bunch of lymphocytes that will go target that particular infection. This increased production causes them to swell and become tender. When you get a cold and your doctor (or you) feels your neck under your jaw and says that you have swollen, painful "glands," these are actually your submandibular lymph nodes that you and the doctor are feeling. You've heard of bubonic plague? The name comes from the formation of "buboes" in the early stage of the disease. A bubo is an enormously swollen and bruised lymph node. Lymph nodes are also commonly checked for signs of metastatic cancer. When cancer starts spreading through the bloodstream, it generally will end up in the nearest "downstream" lymph node first because of the lymph node's tendency to filter large cells. When cancer ends up in your lymph nodes, it generally means you will need some sort of chemotherapy because the cancer is no longer confined to one specific area in your body. Depending on the type of cancer, it may not necessarily be a "death sentence" to have it spread to your lymph nodes - some types do quite well with chemo - but it's never a good sign. Lymphoma, since it is a cancer of the lymphocytes, often starts in a lymph node.
What causes the lymph nodes to swell?
The lymph nodes are the last filters before the lymph is returned to the blood stream. Since blood visits all the organs, its pretty important it isn’t carrying any “NASTIES”.LYMPH IS CELL SWEAT… you get uncomfortable when you sweat … the lymph glands purify the ocean of cell sweat and make it clean enough for the blood stream. SWELLING MEANS THEY ARE DRAINING THE SWAMP CREATURES and are bulked up to handle the stress.Sometimes they swell because they get a “bee in their bonnet” over your choice of deodorant. A change of deodorants sometimes helps to calm them and I have been able to return to the old deodorant after they have calmed down.Anytime you feel your swollen lymph glands in multiple places (Groin, neck, armpits) YOU HAVE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM that needs the attention of a doctor.One last comment … we are creatures of the sea [or tidal pool]. Solid structures [organs] aren’t solid but exist in a sea of blood and lymph. You are still 70% salt water, carrying the ocean wherever you go.
What's the difference btw lymph nodes and lymph nodules?
Where did you hear of lymph nodule?Medical terminology only uses the term Lymph node, never lymph nodule.
Why do lymph glands swell and become tender?
Basically, the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system are used hand-in-hand to be able to repair damaged cells. Whether it be an intruder invasion (ie. stepping on a nail, a small bacterial infection, or a sprained ankle) the injury causes the cardiovascular system to rush to it in order to repair it and bring cells to restore the damage. The lymphatic system has vessels very similar to the cardiovascular system, except all with the valves that veins have (since they do not have the pressure that the arteries have). So, when all of this fluid is rushed to where the invasion or disease occurs, the lymphatic system sucks up the unused plasma, now known as lymph. The lymph is carried through lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes (and if there is a lot of it, then to the kidneys) to filter through so it can rejoin the blood in the heart. However, if there is a lot of fluids that are filtering through the lymph nodes, then they swell up. In addition, this can be the place where the B and T cells try to attack the invader in an immune response. Hopefull this was helpful.