he lymphatic system It is part of the body’s immune system.this Nodes and lymphatic vessels make up this network, It works like a circulatory system.
But instead of blood, lymphatic vessels collect and transport a watery fluid called lymph. lymph, It contains white blood cells that help fight infection.
As far as they are concerned, lymph nodes They are small structures that act as filters, collecting foreign matter in the body, such as infections and cancer cells.
Shaped like a bean or fava bean, it contains immune cells that help fight infection by attacking and destroying bacteria carried by lymph fluid, as described by the American Cancer Society.
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Also read: (Lymphatic Health: What It Is and What Habits, Foods, and Techniques Can Boost It?)
Where are the ganglia located?
Lymph nodes are located in many parts of the body, including the neck, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groin.
But there are hundreds of lymphatic vessels throughout the body because they need to filter the fluids and substances that the lymphatic vessels collect and transport.
Some lymph nodes are located deeper in certain parts of the body, such as those areas around the lungs or intestines, to filter lymph from these areas.
See more: (What is Lymphoma, the most common blood cancer in adults)
Why do glands become inflamed?
this swollen lymph nodes is a medical term used to refer to swollen lymph nodes, as described in the Merck Manuals.
To be considered this, they must be sensitive, red, and cause discomfort, as they usually don’t need to be inflamed to be felt.
this lymph nodes They may be inflamed in a single area of the body or in two or more areas of the body.
Depending on the cause, they may cause Sore throat, runny nose, or fever.
The most common cause is a viral or bacterial infection. Of these, the most common are:
– Dental abscess or impacted tooth
– ear infection
– Colds, flu and other infections
– Swollen gums (gingivitis)
– Mononucleosis
– Mouth ulcers
– Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
– Tonsillitis
– tuberculosis
– skin infection
Read on: (Cancer: Symptoms After Drinking Alcohol That Might Be an Alarm)
Other causes of swollen glands can be immune or autoimmune diseases, such as HIV and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cancers with this recurring symptom include leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and others, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine portal MedLine Plus.
The relationship between lymph nodes and cancer
Cancer can arise in these organs or spread there from elsewhere.
If this was its origin, it could be lymphoma, but more often, the cancer comes from another place where it originated and then spread to lymph nodes.
Since the lymphatic system is the pathway through which cancer cells move, they can reach the lymph nodes and settle there.
“When cancer spreads to lymph nodes, usually for those close to the tumor itself. These are the nodes that work the hardest at filtering and fighting cancer cells,” the American Cancer Society detailed.
However, most people suffer from lymph nodes Inflamed people do not suffer from these diseases.
For example, maybe Less than 1% of patients with swollen lymph nodes have cancer, According to the information contained in the MSD manual.
warning sign
If this happens, you should see your doctor right away, who will determine next steps to find out the cause of the inflammation and possible treatments.
In general, lymph nodes tend to gradually return to their normal size when the infection causes a reaction. Some might stay a little bigger, but that’s not cause for alarm.
In short, if you find nodules in places like your neck or armpits that are more noticeable or painful, there is nothing to worry about. Of course, it is best to see a health professional so they can conduct a complete analysis, determine the cause and indicate the steps to follow.
Laura Alejandra Albarracin Restrepo
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