What Are the Causes of Lymph Node Inflammation?
The lymphatic system is composed of a network of vessels dispersed throughout the body, interspersed with small glands that filter lymph fluid from bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells. These glands, known as lymph nodes, are located in various regions of the body.
Lymph node inflammation is characterized by swelling and enlargement of these glands, and it may sometimes be accompanied by pain. This condition can arise from a myriad of causes, which can be categorized as follows:
Causes Associated with Infections
Infection is the most prevalent cause of lymph node inflammation, particularly viral infections, which account for the majority of cases. Key causes of lymph node inflammation due to infections—whether viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic—include:
- Common Infections:
- Pharyngitis.
- Measles.
- Otitis media (ear infection).
- Dental infections such as abscesses.
- Mononucleosis.
- Wound infections, such as cellulitis.
- HIV infection leading to AIDS.
- Sinusitis.
- Influenza.
- Herpes zoster (shingles).
- Less Common Infections:
- Tuberculosis.
- Some sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis.
- Toxoplasmosis, commonly referred to as cat disease.
- Cat scratch fever.
Causes Related to Cancer
Cancer can affect lymph nodes in two primary ways:
- Cancer may originate in the lymph nodes themselves, developing from immune cells.
- More commonly, cancer begins in another organ, such as the lungs or breasts, and then spreads to the lymph nodes.
Types of cancer affecting lymph nodes include:
- Lymphoma:
Symptoms of lymphoma vary according to its type. Lymphoma is categorized into two main types:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma:
Representing about 10% of lymphoma cases, Hodgkin lymphoma often manifests as lumps or swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpit, or groin. These lumps are usually painless, but they may cause discomfort after alcohol consumption. Swelling in the chest lymph nodes can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:
Comprising approximately 90% of lymphoma cases, symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depend on the areas affected. At times, there are no symptoms until the tumor becomes large. Symptoms may include:
- Swelling of lymph nodes.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Feeling full after consuming small amounts of food.
- Shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Coughing.
- Fever.
- Night sweats.
- Decreased red blood cell count (anemia).
- Leukemia:
This cancer primarily affects the cells that produce white blood cells and may indicate types of leukemia, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, if lymph nodes are swollen.
- Metastatic Cancer:
Cancer may spread from its original site to other areas, including the lymph nodes. Key points regarding this process include:
- Some cancer cells may detach from the primary tumor and travel via the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body parts.
- When these cells travel through the lymphatic system, they may become lodged in the lymph nodes.
- Typically, cancer cells in the lymph nodes are eliminated before they spread to other organs.
- However, some may start to proliferate, forming new tumors. As these tumors grow in the lymph nodes, they may extend to adjacent nodes or distant organs.
- The only definitive way to confirm the presence of cancer in lymph nodes is through biopsy and laboratory analysis, which identifies cancerous cells and determines their type.
- In standard situations, removal of the primary tumor alongside adjacent enlarged lymph nodes is necessary to prevent cancer recurrence post-surgery.
Causes Related to Immune Disorders
Certain autoimmune diseases may lead to inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes, with key conditions including:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:
This chronic autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the body’s healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation in joints, kidneys, lungs, and other organs. Swollen lymph nodes can be one of its symptoms.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis:
As a chronic autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis primarily attacks joint tissues but can also involve adjacent tissues. Lymph nodes near the joints may become swollen in some cases.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome:
This syndrome increases the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as the immune cells attack the body’s fluid-producing glands, such as salivary glands. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit may be observed if non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops in these glands.
Are There Risk Factors for Lymph Node Inflammation?
Risk factors for lymph node inflammation depend on the underlying cause and individual factors. For example, recurrent infections are a significant risk factor for this condition. Other factors that may elevate the risk include:
- Age over 40 years.
- Male gender.
- White ethnicity.
When to Consult a Doctor Regarding Lymph Node Inflammation
Lymph node inflammation typically indicates the immune system combating an illness and is commonly not a cause for concern, as inflammation often resolves with the underlying infection. However, in rare cases, enlarged lymph nodes may signal serious conditions, such as cancer or immune disorders. It is advisable to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms arise:
- Any lymph node exceeds 2.5 cm in size.
- A severely painful lymph node upon touch.
- The lymph node remains fixed to surrounding tissues and does not move easily.
- The lymph node’s size increases rapidly.
- Pus or other materials are discharged from an enlarged lymph node.
- Swollen nodes near the clavicle.
- Redness of the skin over an enlarged lymph node.
- Accompanying symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, difficulty breathing, or prolonged general fatigue.
Summary of the Article
Lymph node inflammation refers to the swelling of glands responsible for filtering lymphatic fluid throughout various body regions, triggered by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer spread. Typically, this swelling subsides as the underlying cause resolves. However, medical consultation is warranted if the swelling increases, remains fixed to surrounding tissues, or accompanies other concerning symptoms.