In this Article

• What are lymph nodes?
• Where are the lymph nodes located in the body?
• What are the causes of swollen lymph nodes?
• What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes?
• How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?
• How are swollen lymph nodes treated?
• When should I see the doctor for swollen lymph nodes?
• What are the common lymph nodes that may get swollen?
• What are the complications of swollen lymph nodes?
• Swollen Lymph Nodes At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Swollen Lymph Nodes - Describe Your Diagnosis
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Glossary
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Index

What are the complications of swollen lymph nodes?

There may be some complications associated with enlarged lymph nodes. If the lymph node swelling is related to an infection that is not treated, then an abscess (a pus-containing cavity) may ensue, which may require incisional drainage and antibiotics. The skin underlying the enlarged lymph node may also become infected.

In other cases, the lymph node may become very large and compress other nearby structures in the body. This could be a serious and debilitating problem that may require immediate medical or surgical attention. For example, the lymph node in the underarm (axilla) can compress the blood vessels and nerves supplying the arm. An enlarged lymph node inside the abdomen may compress the intestines and cause an obstruction of the intestines.

Swollen lymph nodes At A Glance

• Lymph nodes are important part of the immune system.
  
  
• Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but visible and palpable only when they are enlarged or swollen.
  
  
• Lymph nodes are regional, and each group of them corresponds to a particular region of the body and reflects abnormalities in that region.
  
  
• In general, infections are the most common causes of lymph node enlargement. Other common causes include inflammation and cancers.
  
  
• Not all swollen lymph nodes are abnormal.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th edition, 1998.

Swollen Lymph Nodes - Describe Your Diagnosis

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