Swollen lymph nodes of neck

SWOLLEN LYMPH

nodes are signs of infection in the body. An infection in the upper respiratory tract or in the mouth can cause swelling in lymph nodes of the neck region. They can vary in size, from small as a pea to as large as a cherry. Major symptoms involve fever, sore throat and pain in the neck. The doctor may recommend certain tests to identify the exact cause of infection and provide treatment to the patient as per the diagnosis.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, a component of immune system. Lymph nodes are small cluster of lymphocytic cells which produce antibodies and macrophages which digest the debris and infectious agents in the body.

These are major sites where foreign substances and infectious agents interact with cells of the immune system. Swollen lymph nodes indicate signs of infection in the body.

There are a large number of causes due to which lymph nodes of neck may enlarge. These include:

Infection: An infection in the body can lead to an increase in white blood cells concentration and cause swelling in lymph nodes of the neck. This infection can be due to any bacterial, fungal or viral species.

Inflammation: Inflammation in a given region of lymph node may occur due to an infection or due to an immune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. This causes lymph nodes to swell throughout the body.

Cancer: Infiltration with malignant cells brought along with the flowing lymph to the lymph node causes a swollen lump node. It can also lead to a lump on back of neck. It majorly occurs due to uncontrolled multiplication of malignant lymphocytic cells.

Other common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes

The most common symptoms experienced during swollen lymph nodes involve:

or moving the neck or head

chewing and swallowing of food.