Swollen Lymph Nodes-'Tis the Season

We've all had them!  Those swollen nodes which are often called "swollen glands" in common areas such as our neck, armpit, or groin.  Since the lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system, swollen nodes often indicate your body's immune system is in combat mode.

Causes of swollen nodes

INFECTION (most common):

¨      Viral Infections: Colds, flu, mononucleosis, post vaccination reactions, cat scratch fever, measles, infectious hepatitis, and AIDS are all examples.

¨      Bacterial Infections: Such as streptococcal (strep throat), salmonella. Staphylococcal (staph), syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy, etc.  Shaving may also provoke the appearance of palpable nodes in the groin area.

¨      Protozoal Infections: Malaria, giardia, and toxoplasmosis are common examples.

¨      Fungal Infections.

INFLAMATION:

Especially from auto immune diseases such as arthritis and lupus etc.

NEOPLASTIC DISEASES (Cancer):

Such as lymphoma, leukemia, and metastasis.

OTHER:

Such as hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, some medications, and diseases caused by reactions to non-infectious agents (e.g. beryllium, poisoning, serum sickness).

When to Seek Medical Care
Inflamed nodes themselves are generally not a major concern however, contact you physician if:

¨      You have symptoms of another condition along with enlarged lymph nodes (fever, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, etc).

¨      If the swelling of the nodes lasts for more than two weeks

¨      If the nodes are hard, fixed to the skin, or are growing rapidly

¨      If you feel swelling close to your collarbone or the lower part of neck

¨      If the overlying skin is red / inflamed and you suspect an infection

¨      Severe Pain

Often inflammatory non-cancerous nodes are PAINFUL, presenting signs of inflammation: swollen, hot and tender; this also applies to the rare inflammatory cancer (IBC).  By contrast, cancerous nodes are usually firm but not tender.

However, cancer can manifest in an inflammatory form in rare cases.  Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), for example, is an uncommon (3-6%) but usually fast-growing form of breast cancer.  The inflamed breast can present with skin which is red, swollen and hot, sometimes accompanies by a’ peau d’orang’ dimple, itching or pain.

Resources:

Chikly, B. Silent Waves The Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy. Scottsdale, AZ.  I.H.H. Publishing.  Pg. 48.

Cunha D.O, J. 2009, September 20. Swollen Lymph Node Causes. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands/page4_em.htm

Clinic Staff. 2009, Sept 22.  Swollen Lymph Nodes. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swollen-lymph-nodes/DS00880