Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are found throughout the body. Infections, injuries, or certain medical conditions can cause them to swell up.
Lymph nodes, lymphatic ducts, and lymphatic vessels constitute our body's lymphatic system. Lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid and perform the essential function of trapping the disease-causing pathogens.
The white blood cells or lymphocytes that are stored in them destroy the pathogens. Besides eliminating the pathogens, they also facilitate the absorption of the essential nutrients. Though these are present throughout our body, these can be easily felt in the neck, armpits, and the groin region.
Sometimes, the nodes might enlarge due to infections. Under such circumstances, one is likely to experience lymph node pain.
Causes and Symptoms
These bean-shaped glands could swell up in the event of an active infection. Whenever the immune system detects the presence of bacteria, viruses, etc., it springs into action. The production of white blood cells increases in order to counter the attack by disease-causing agents. As the number of white blood cells increase, these might swell up.
Pain and swelling in the nodes is basically an immune reaction to infection in the body. These symptoms may be felt when there is an increase in the number of white blood cells. One could also experience symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Common infections such as strep throat, ear infections, cold, tooth infection, mononucleosis, measles, and mumps could give rise to such symptoms.
The place of swelling plays an important role in the diagnosis of the underlying cause. Swelling and pain in the lymph nodes in the neck could be attributed to tonsillitis, strep throat, toxoplasmosis, laryngitis, and pharyngitis. Swelling and pain in the armpits could be caused due to viral and bacterial infections, injury or lymphoma.
The nodes in the armpit could become painful and enlarge due to medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, allergies, or connective tissue disease.
Swelling in the lymph glands located in the groin could be caused due to injury or infection in the groin. In rare cases, medical conditions such as melanoma, lymphoma, or testicular cancer might be responsible for the enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin in men.
Other medical conditions that could cause swelling include autoimmune disorders, lupus, syphilis, occipital lymph node cancer, and AIDS. The symptoms that might be accompanied by pain and swelling in the nodes will generally depend on the underlying cause.
Treatment
Pain and swelling in the nodes might be indicative of serious medical conditions. If the affected individual experiences symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and inflammation of the skin over the enlarged node, he/she must consult a doctor soon.
If the skin over the node is red or pink in color and there is considerable swelling, then it might be indicative of a serious infection. Since pain could be associated with several medical conditions, it is important to ascertain the underlying cause.
Doctors generally conduct blood tests and imaging procedures in order to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, the doctors might recommend a biopsy. In case of bacterial infections, the treatment involves the use of antibiotics. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers might also prove helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
Minor infections can be successfully treated with the help of drugs, but if pain is caused due to serious conditions such as cancer, tuberculosis, HIV, lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders, extensive treatment will be required.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin could sometimes be indicative of serious medical conditions. If the node feels hard, continues to enlarge, and is accompanied by persistent fever or unexplained weight loss, medical assistance must be sought for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.