Enlarged lymph node

Enlarged Lymph Node: The complete Picture Lymphadenopathy or the enlarged lymph nodes sometimes show up in the regions like the underarm, the armpit, behind ear and at the back of neck - while in children the problem mostly denotes an infection, in adults, it can be a cause more serious by nature; the cause of swollen lymph nodes may include allergic reactions, hyperthyroidism or something as severe as a cancer symptom.

A total of 500 to 600 lymph nodes remain distributed throughout the body, the most well known lymph node locations being the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. These nodes form the lymphatic system collectively, the lymphatic system being an interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body. The components of this system are small clusters of cells that remain surrounded by a capsule and have ducts going both in and out of them. These are known as the lymph nodes or glands. Gland is however an incorrect terminology, in the sense that the nodes do not fulfill the glandular criteria i.e. they do not secrete anything but act as filters, an internal honeycomb structure of lymphocyte-filled connective tissue being responsible for its action. The aforementioned structures collect and destroy bacteria and viruses that flow freely within the blood; this is when the lymphocytes multiply rapidly and causes the lymph nodes to swell.

Enlarged lymph node behind the neck: Among the several groups of lymph glands in the human body, the ones that become enlarged or swollen most frequently are the lymph nodes in groin region apart from the neck or the armpit. An enlarged lymph node behind the neck signifies that the node is responding to a stimulation caused by a foreign substance that ranges from simple viral infections to something as severe as HIV and metastases and uncontrolled, malignant production of lymphocytes that lead to lymphoma or leukemia. In this case, lymph nodes that are less than 1/2 inch across may double or triple in size. An enlarged lymph node behind the neck may also suggest an injury or infection around the scalp, though a cold or a throat infection or a disease like chickenpox can be a cause as well.

Enlarged Axillary Lymph Node: Axillary Lymphadenopathy or an enlarged axillary lymph node is located at the underarm region; enlarged axillary lymph nodes are caused due to an over-production of additional white blood cells to fight benign as well as malignant infections. However, determining the root cause is impossible without performing a biopsy; therefore, any enlarged lymph node more than a month old should be checked for cancerous cells. A needle biopsy often misses out on the cancerous cells, so a surgical removal of the entire node is recommended. Post-biopsy period can make a person run a higher risk of lymph node infection and inflammation, thus nothing should be done which may exert pressure on the region. Otherwise, an increased chance of lymphedema or chronic swelling of the arm can follow.