Swollen glands are most often noticed in the neck and face region. The salivary glands, situated at the sides of the face and under the jaw can swell considerably and give rise to much anxiety.
Swollen salivary glands can be caused by a blockage in the salivary ducts which carry saliva to the mouth but more commonly are due to viral infections, the most notable being mumps.
However in the majority of cases swollen glands, in the neck and other areas such as the armpits and groin are due to swollen lymph nodes, this is known as lymphadenopathy.
Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
These vary considerably from the relatively trivial to the more serious. They normally result from a disturbance to the immune system or blockage in the flow of lymph fluid. The more common causes are listed below.
- Infection: by far the most common reason for swollen lymph nodes. Both local infections such as an infected ear or arm, and more generalised infections such as glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) and HIV (AIDS) will produce a lymphadenopathy.
- Autoimmune disorders: such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can produce swollen nodes.
- Tumours: both benign and malignant can cause lymph nodes to swell by pressing on lymph vessels and restricting lymph flow.
- Blood cell cancers: such as Hodgkin's disease, other lymphomas and leukaemia commonly give rise to swollen lymph nodes.
- Medication: some drugs such as phenytoin some types of immunisation.
It should be remembered that children and to a lesser extent teenagers can experience periodic swelling of their lymph nodes. This is normally harmless and due the fact that they have very active immune systems. Lymph nodes that remain swollen for several weeks or appear for no apparent reason should suggest a visit to the doctor.
Lymph nodes are an integral part of the lymphatic system which in turn is a vital part of the body's immune defence.
The Lymphatic System
This is a circulatory system which to an extent runs parallel with the blood vessels: the veins and arteries. However it differs from these in several ways. It does not contain blood but a watery fluid called lymph. It's circulation is not driven by the heart but by pressure from muscle movement, respiratory movement and hydrostatic pressure. The lymph system does not form a closed circuit but takes fluid from around the cells of the body and empties it into two major veins. The fluid then enters the blood circulation and, via the capillaries, is returned to bathe the cells again.
Functions of The Lymphatic System
One function is to assist in nourishment of the tissues by collecting tissue fluid and by transporting fats. But the major role of the lymphatics is as a vital part of the immune system.
Lymph fluid contains many white cells like macrophages and A and B leukocytes just as does the blood. These cells kill bacteria and viruses and destroy toxins by producing antibodies. The lymph system allows, through some its very fine vessels, white cells access to virtually all parts of the body to provide protection.
Lymph Nodes
These pea-sized structures are situated along the lymph vessels. They are bases where white cells congregate among mesh-like connective tissue. The nodes act as a filter that traps infective organisms in the lymph allowing the white cells to make contact and destroy them.
There are very many lymph nodes both deep and superficial but some areas have more than others: the neck, groin and armpits are particularly well-endowed with superficial nodes and easily noticed when swollen. They are well placed to deal with infection in the head (throat, ears and mouth), legs and arms respectively. Other areas where lymph nodes are easily felt are at the back of the head along the base of the skull and behind the ears.
This article is for information only. If you have any health concerns you should consult your doctor.
Resources
Medicine Eds. Souhami and Moxham. Pub. Churchill Livingstone 2002
Human Anatomy and Physiology by Carola, Harley and Noback. Pub. McGraw Hill 1992
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