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Lymph nodes are located throughout the body but are visible and can be felt only when they are enlarged or swollen, which occurs due to infection. 

Lymphatic system is a complex network of nodes and vessels, that filter the waste products produced by the body in the lymphatic fluid.  

Lymph nodes are an essential part of the body’s immune system, which when comes in contact with toxins or infection, it swells but in rare case, it occurs due to lymphoma. Although swollen lymph nodes are common, but occasionally they indicate lymph node cancer, or lymphoma.

Where the lymph nodes are present?

Lymph node forms cluster around the body and are particularly prominent in some areas like armpit, under the chin, groin, neck and behind the ears. It sits close to the skin and are also present between the lungs and in the stomach. Although no lymph nodes are found in the brain and spinal cord. 

Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes or white blood cells that help to destroy pathogens, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When lymph nodes detect a pathogen in the lymph, they produce more lymphocytes, makes them to swell. When lymph nodes encounter bacteria or damaged cells, it destroy them and turn into a waste product.

Common causes of swollen lymph nodes

There are many reasons that cause lymph node swelling. Swollen lymph nodes do not always indicate cancer. Variety of infections are the most common cause of swelling but other medical conditions like lymphoma also cause the swollen lymph nodes. Some of the causes are as follows: 

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lymph infect lymph nodes. A person may feel pain and swelling in both their neck and groin. It is of two types:

• Localized lymphadenitis: A common type which affects only a few nodes. If the infection occurs in several node clusters, 
• Generalized lymphadenitis: Affects or infects several node clusters.

Symptoms include:

• Swollen or soft nodes
• Skin streaking around the nodes
• Abscesses around the nodes
• Fluid seeping from the skin

Treatment: Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and underlying conditions. It includes:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Pain relief medication
• Surgery

Viral or bacterial throat infections

Viral and bacterial infection in the throat also cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck such as strep throat. Viral throat infections like  cold cause swollen lymph nodes. Infections usually resolve itself but a person can take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the pain that occurs due to swelling. The viruses that cause swollen lymph are:

• Chickenpox
• Measles
• HIV
• Herpes
• Common cold viruses
• Adenovirus etc.

Bacterial infection like Strep throat develops in the throat and tonsils due to group A streptococcus. This cause swollen lymph nodes on the neck leads to sore throat, fever and red spots on the roof of the mouth. Antibiotics can be given as a treatment. 

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infection that develops due to group A streptococcus cause swelling of lymph nodes in the armpits and groin. This occurs when bacteria enters the body through a break in the skin while sharing a towel, razor, or yoga mat.

Symptoms include:

• Blisters
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful sores around the nose or mouth that occur with change in skin color

The other bacteria which causes swollen lymph includes:

• Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus
• Cat scratch disease
• Tuberculosis
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia

Treatment usually involve antibiotics.

Ringworm

Ringworm, or jock itch, is a fungal infection that can affect many areas of the body. If infection develops in the groin, swelling of lymph node in that area occurs. The infection transmit when people share towels or razors.

Common ringworm symptoms include:

• Stinging
• Itchiness
• Flaky skin
• A patchy rash with a ring-like appearance and clear borders

Antifungal treatment is given to focus ringworms. 

Lymph node cancer

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which develops in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells, that fights disease in the body. There are two main types of lymphoma:

• Hodgkin lymphoma- It occurs in the lymph nodes found in the neck, chest, or underarms. It spread in a predictable fashion from one group of lymph nodes to other.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma- It occurs in various parts of the body including groin and abdomen. There is no order in how cancer cells spread throughout the lymphatic system and spread to other parts of the lymph system, if left untreated. 

Typical symptoms of lymphoma include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• fever, fatigue, night sweats.
• Unusual weight loss

Although these symptoms does not confirm cancer. A person should contact a doctor to identify the cause of their symptoms.

Treatment

Many treatment options are available for lymphoma. This includes:

• CAR T cell therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stem cell transplant: 

When to contact a doctor

Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying conditions like infection gets better.  A person should contact a healthcare professional if they are experiencing persistent swelling of lymph nodes.

Home Remedies 

Common home remedies to treat the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include:

• Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken 
• A warm wet compress can be applied to the affected area
• Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and fresh juices
• Taking rest can help the body to recover from the illness
• Yoga increases flow of lymph and relieve lymphatic congestion. 
• Diet modification can be helpful like including most vegetables, lemons and limes, avocados, beans, sprouts, whole grains (spelt, buckwheat, millet), figs and some oils (coconut, sesame, olive, fish, and flax).
• Avoid inflammation-causing foods like soda, sugar, refined flour, coffee/tea, dairy products, eggs, meat and peanuts.

Summary

Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system, which filter lymph that contains pathogens and damaged cells. Lymph node swelling usually results from an infection and rarely occurs due to lymphoma. If a person experience persistent swollen lymph nodes, a person should see a doctor for the required treatment.