What are lymph nodes?

Your lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are part of your immune system. They are a type of tissue that contain white blood cells, which fight infection.

Your lymph nodes are small and bean-shaped. They filter your lymph fluid, which is made of fluid and waste products created by your body tissues.

Where are my lymph nodes found?

Your lymph nodes are located throughout your body, including your:

• neck
• armpits
• groin
• stomach
• chest

What do my lymph nodes do?

You have lymph nodes throughout your body. Lymph fluid is carried to your lymph nodes by lymphatic vessels. The lymph nodes drain lymph fluid from nearby organs or areas of your body. In this way, they filter out harmful substances and waste products from the lymph. Immune cells called lymphocytes also enter the lymph nodes. These cells help destroy bacteria and cancer cells.

The filtered lymph fluid is then returned to your blood.

What medical conditions are related to the lymph nodes?

Some medical conditions can affect your lymph nodes. They can swell due to infection or inflammation.

This is called lymphadenopathy. Your lymph nodes can swell by up to several centimetres.

Swollen lymph nodes may happen anywhere that you have lymph nodes. This includes:

• in your neck
• under your arms
• in your groin

Infection

Different infections can cause your lymph nodes to swell.

This includes bacterial infections such as:

• tonsillitis
• chlamydia
• pharyngitis
• tuberculosis
• syphilis

Also, viral infections such as:

• glandular fever
• cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• coronavirus
• hepatitis and herpes viruses
• adenovirus
• HIV
• mumps, measles and rubella

Cervical lymphadenitis can be caused by viral respiratory infections. This is more common in children than in adults.

Your lymph nodes may stay swollen for several weeks after an infection.

Autoimmune disease

Some autoimmune conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include:

• lupus
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjörgen's syndrome

Cancer

Very rarely, having swollen lymph nodes is a sign of cancer.

A cancer called lymphoma can start in your lymph nodes.

Some other types of cancer can spread from one part of your body to another through your lymph nodes. This can include:

• breast cancer
• prostate cancer
• bowel cancer
• lung cancer

If you have cancer, your doctor will examine your lymph nodes. This can help diagnose cancer and find out if your cancer has spread. Finding cancer in your lymph nodes can help your doctor decide on a treatment. It can also provide information on your chance of recovery.

Castleman disease

Castleman disease is a rare condition that causes your body to make too many immune cells. These cells can build up in your lymph nodes and cause them to swell.

When should I see my doctor?

If you notice swelling in your lymph nodes, see your doctor.

To check your lymph nodes, your doctors will examine them carefully. They may:

• feel the lymph nodes in your neck, armpits and groin
• do scans such as a CT scan or x-ray
• take a tissue sample (biopsy) of your lymph nodes and examine it under a microscope to check for cancer

Your doctor may test for infection, such as through a blood test or throat swab.

Resources and support

For more information about lymph nodes, you can visit the Cancer Council website.

Read about how to prevent glandular fever.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

You can read about communicable diseases on the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation website.

You can visit the Our Mob and Cancer website for more information on cancer and lymph nodes.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.