What is lymph node inflammation? Show
Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped organs that contain immune cells to attack and kill foreign invaders, such as viruses. They’re an important part of the body’s immune system. Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands. Lymph nodes are found in various parts of the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin. They’re linked by lymphatic vessels, which carry lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a clear fluid containing white blood cells (WBCs) and dead and diseased tissue for disposal. The primary function of lymph nodes is to harbor the body’s disease-fighting cells and to filter lymph before it reenters circulation. When you’re sick and your lymph nodes send out disease-fighting cells and compounds, they may become inflamed or painful. The condition of having inflamed lymph nodes is referred to as lymphadenitis. Lymph node inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons. Any infection or virus, including the common cold, can cause your lymph nodes to swell. Cancer can also cause lymph node inflammation. This includes blood cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Lymph node inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms depend on the cause of the swelling and the location of the swollen lymph nodes. Common symptoms accompanying lymph node inflammation include:
A doctor typically diagnoses lymph node inflammation through a physical examination. The doctor will feel around the location of various lymph nodes to check for swelling or sensitivity. They may also ask you about any associated symptoms, such as those listed above. Your doctor may order blood tests to check for infections. They may order imaging tests as well, such as X-rays or CT scans. These can look for tumors or sources of infection. Because a wide range of conditions can cause lymph node inflammation, your doctor may request a biopsy. A lymph node biopsy is a short procedure in which the doctor removes a sample of lymph tissue. A pathologist will test this sample. This type of doctor examines tissue samples and interprets lab results. A biopsy is often the most reliable way to determine why lymph node inflammation has occurred. Treatment for lymph node inflammation depends on its cause. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary. For example, treatment is unlikely to be recommended for:
If treatment is required, it can vary from self-treatment to surgery and other therapies. Self-treatmentYour doctor is likely to advise using a fever-reducing painkiller, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), along with a warm compress. Elevating the swollen area can also help relieve inflammation. MedicationIn other cases, a course of antibiotics may be used to help the body fight the infection that’s causing lymph node swelling. Abscess drainingIf a lymph node itself becomes infected, an abscess may form. Swelling will usually go down quickly when the abscess is drained. To do this, your doctor will first numb the area. Then they’ll make a small cut that allows the infected pus to escape. The area may be packed with gauze to ensure healing. Cancer treatmentIf your lymph node swelling is due to a cancerous tumor, there are a number of treatment options. These include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation. Your doctor will discuss each of these options, including their pros and cons, before starting your treatment. 1. What is lymphoedema? 1. What is lymphoedema?Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. Some people develop lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer. The swelling commonly affects the arm and can include the hand and fingers. Swelling can also affect the breast, chest, shoulder or the area on the back behind the armpit. It can occur as a result of damage to the lymphatic system, for example because of surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm and surrounding area. Lymphoedema only affects the side of the body that was treated. Lymphoedema is a long-term condition, which means that once it has developed it can be controlled but is unlikely to ever go away completely. 2. Symptoms of lymphoedemaSymptoms of lymphoedema include:
Contact your breast care nurse or treatment team as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms. SwellingSwelling caused by lymphoedema may:
Clothing (particularly your bra) and jewellery (especially rings and bracelets) may feel much tighter than usual. Swelling in the arm or chest area often develops immediately after breast surgery as part of the healing process, and usually settles without any treatment. However, it’s important to get any swelling assessed by your treatment team as soon as possible. DiscomfortDiscomfort can be an early sign of lymphoedema. It can be:
TightnessThe arm or breast can feel tight when there’s extra fluid in the tissues. Some people feel tightness in the arm without the arm appearing swollen. Dry skinWhere there’s swelling the skin is stretched and can become dry and flaky and sometimes feel itchy. Dry, cracked skin increases the risk of cellulitis (a sudden infection of the skin and the tissue underneath it). Arm stiffnessIf your arm is swollen, it may limit movement in the joints. 3. What causes lymphoedema?Lymphoedema can be caused by damage to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic systemThe lymphatic system helps the body get rid of waste products and also fights infection. It’s made up of lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, and tiny tubes called lymph vessels. The vessels transport a fluid called lymph to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter out waste products and bacteria. They can also filter out cancer cells that have spread from a breast cancer.  Breast cancer treatmentSome people develop lymphoedema after surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm and surrounding area. One, some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm can be removed during breast surgery to check whether any cancer cells are present. Lymph nodes and vessels that are damaged or removed cannot be replaced. This can affect the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid in this area, and lymph fluid can build up in the surrounding tissues. Lymphoedema may develop soon after surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, but it can also occur many years later and may be triggered by a skin infection (cellulitis) or possibly injury. Sometimes lymphoedema can be due to cancer cells blocking the lymphatic system. 4. Treatment for lymphoedemaThere are various treatments and techniques to manage lymphoedema. These include skincare, exercise, compression garments and a type of massage called manual lymphatic drainage. Find out more about how lymphoedema is treated and managed. 5. Reducing your riskThere are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema. Maintaining a healthy weightBeing overweight can increase your risk of developing lymphoedema because of added strain on an already weakened lymphatic system. Eating healthily and doing some regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy body weight. If you’re unsure about the level of exercise you’re able to do, or would like guidance on a diet appropriate for you, your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist may be able to help you. Using your ‘at risk’ arm and regular exerciseTry to use your arm normally. You’re more likely to increase your risk of lymphoedema by overly protecting your arm and not using it enough. If you’ve recently had breast surgery, do the arm and shoulder exercises provided by your treatment team to help your recovery, and gradually return to normal activity. Exercising the arm regularly can help, and you should be able to return to any sporting activities you did before your surgery. However, if you haven’t been doing these activities regularly you’ll need to gradually build up your arm strength. You may need to ask for guidance from your treatment team first. Unless you’re used to regularly lifting heavy loads, ask for help carrying luggage or heavy shopping, or when moving furniture. Reducing your risk of infectionInfection in your ‘at risk’ arm, hand, breast or chest area can cause swelling and may damage your lymphatic system, leading to lymphoedema. Contact your GP or breast care nurse as soon as possible if you notice any signs of infection, such as:
You may need antibiotic treatment. SkincareTo help reduce your risk of developing an infection:
Procedures on your ‘at risk’ armThere is not any strong evidence that having injections, taking blood, taking a blood pressure reading or having intravenous fluids in your ‘at risk’ arm will cause lymphoedema. However, you may prefer to use your other arm. Speak to your healthcare professional if you’re worried about having any of these procedures on your affected side. Deep tissue massage will encourage more fluid to the treated area so you may want to avoid this on your ‘at risk’ side. However, many therapists are now trained to work with people who have, or are at risk of, lymphoedema, so check with your therapist. TravellingDuring flights or long train and car journeys, do gentle exercises such as clenching and unclenching your fist and shrugging your shoulders to reduce the risk of swelling. There’s no evidence that air travel or cabin pressure triggers lymphoedema, or that wearing a compression sleeve (usually used by people with lymphoedema) will help prevent swelling. In fact, an ill-fitting sleeve may cause problems. If you’re travelling to a country where quick access to good-quality medical care is difficult, ask your GP for a course of antibiotics to take with you in case of infection. If you develop signs of infection in your ‘at risk’ arm or hand, treat the infection as early as possible, even if there’s no swelling. Protect against insect bites by using insect repellent (at least 50% DEET), and carry antiseptic cream for cuts and grazes. Other precautionsWhile there’s no strong evidence to support them, wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding tight-fitting jewellery may affect lymph drainage. There’s no evidence that having manicures or using hot tubs increases your risk of lymphoedema. Your feedbackShould I be worried about a swollen lymph node in my breast?These lymph nodes may swell when there is an infection, especially in nearby areas such as the breasts or throat. Swollen lymph nodes can signal a serious underlying condition, such as cancer or an infection.
What does enlarged breast lymph nodes mean?If the lymph nodes feel enlarged, it's likely the breast cancer has spread. However, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes even if they don't feel enlarged. The pathologist will check the nodes under a microscope.
How do you treat swollen lymph nodes in the breast?Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Are lymph nodes common in breast?Lymph nodes are normal immune system glands that are found throughout the body including in the breasts and armpit. They are commonly found in the upper, outer aspect of the breast. They are usually very mobile and can occasionally be tender.
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What causes swollen lymph nodes in the breast
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