Lymph nodes can also become enlarged if cancer cells lodge in them. Another time when they can be felt is when you have an infection, (for example, a sore throat or an ear infection which can make the neck lymph nodes enlarged, painful and tender as these are the nearest lymph nodes to the site of infection). However, sometimes they can be felt in slim people as smooth pea-sized lumps, usually in the groin. Often, after an infection has passed, a lymph node or group of nodes that reacted to the infection can remain enlarged for months (reactive adenopathy). Swollen glands caused by an infection will usually get better by themselves within 1 to 2 weeks. Lymph nodes are usually too small to feel. Swollen glands are usually a sign the body is fighting an infection. Lymph nodes can only be felt in certain areas of the body (see Figure 1): The lymph nodes may also enlarge due to an allergic response. Upper respiratory infections: Including the cold and influenza. Lymphadenopathy can be especially prominent in the nodes closest to the site of infection. The lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and abnormal cells before the lymph reaches the blood stream. Many young children temporarily develop swollen glands when they have an infection. They are found at intervals along the lymphatic vessels like ‘beads on a string’. Lymph nodes (‘glands’) are small ‘bean-shaped’ nodules that contain millions of infection fighting lymphocyte cells. It drains into lymphatic vessels then larger lymphatic vessels called ducts in the neck before joining the blood stream near the heart (see Figure 1). For example, if there is a major infection of the hand. Lymph fluid bathes the cells of the skin and internal organs. Infections, such as boils, abscesses or skin infections can cause swelling in the linked lymph node.
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