The function of human lymph glands

Lymph glands or lymph nodes are the most important components of the immune system, within these glands that immune cells and lymphocytes. These glands are spread throughout the body, with some concentration in the special areas. Mostly lymph glands are concentrated in the neck, under the arms and in the groins. Inside the chest and inside the abdomen and pelvis are highly concentrated important lymph glands. These nodes are the primary sites of barrier to the spread of illnesses. Some of these illnesses are serious, such as infections and cancers. Most commonly, when a disease spreads to a lymph gland, it causes a reaction and enlargement of the gland, which indicates a problem. Once that infections spread to these glands, the reaction and enlargement is rather rapid. It happens in a few days and is accompanied by pain. A painful gland normally indicates infection, but when cancers spread to these glands, the reaction is gradual and normally pain-free. Once suspected of harboring cancer, the lymph node must be sent for a biopsy. After this, it is recommended to be evaluated by a pathologist. First step in biopsy the abnormal and enlarged nodes, is to perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy.  If the results of this is non conclusive the lymph node must be removed surgically and be properly studied. Core biopsies of lymph nodes may also provide additional information, avoiding common surgical biopsy. Sentinel node sampling and biopsy may identify the first-draining lymph node in melanoma and breast cancer. It is also possible in other cancers. Sampling of this node is felt to be indicative of spreading tumor to regional nodes. If this node does not harbor any cancer cells, the odds are that the cancer has not spread to other lymph glands.

During our lives most of us have already experienced swollen glands. Often, when glands swell, they become enlarged and even painful to the touch or painful during movement. The right question is what causes glands to swell? To understand it we have to know where our glands are, and what do they do for our bodies. Lymph glands are a part of the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system and lymph glands is complex network of vessels, nodes and organs. The lymphatic system helps to maintain the fluid environment, filtering, transporting and producing liquid, what is called lymph. The lymphatic system is actually running and spread out throughout the entire body as blood does. Some of the more common areas of the body where the lymph nodes can actually be palpated or felt include neck, under the arms and in the groin area. The lymph nodes of our lymphatic system are very important to us and our health. Lymph nodes play an important part in the body’s defense against infections. Swelling of the lymph nodes may even occur if the infection is minor or even not apparent yet in other parts of the body. Swelling of the lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection. Abscess and malignancy are other common reasons for swollen lymph nodes. Any other reasons for swollen lymph nodes are rare. As a rule, when swelling occurs suddenly and painfully, it is due to viral or bacterial infection. On the other hand, painless and gradual swelling can mean that the cause is any type of the tumor. If a human has swelling in the neck and into the jaw this is indicative of the mumps. If a rash accompanies the swollen glands, it could be scarlet fever. In either case, a doctor needs to be seen for any swollen lymph gland. It is important to know that also ear infections, colds and even small cuts can cause swollen glands as well. However, persistent swollen glands can be the result of a more serious problem and require medical attention.  

It is important to see a doctor if your glands do not get smaller after several weeks or continue to get larger. Red and tender lymph glands, as well as hard, irregular, or glands fixed in place should be seen by your doctor. If you have a fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss you should seek for doctor’s advice. Any node in a child that is larger than 1cm in diameter should be checked by specialists.

There is basically no treatment for swollen glands, because swollen glands are just a symptom of a disease and the way the body fights the foreign invader. There are a few things you can do, after you notice swollen lymph glands. You can take analgesics or pain relievers, but never give aspirin to a child unless specified by the doctor. You could also apply warm or cool moist towels to the site, depending on what is most comfortable. In some cases this can give some relief to swollen lymph glands.

Lymph nodes are rounded masses of lymphatic tissue, which are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid. Lymph nodes store white blood cells and those are located along lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are sometimes also called lymph glands, and as it is already said those can play a role in cancer. The reason is that as the lymphatic system can move cancer cells throughout the body. 

Cancer of the lymph nodes is another cause of swollen lymph nodes, or glands. However, this is unlikely the cause of swollen and painful lymph nodes, because with cancer of the lymph nodes the swelling is slow and painless. There are two types of lymph node cancer, Hodgkins and Non-Hodgkins. In Hodgkins, this type of cancer usually occurs in people in their 20’s to 40’s. In Non-Hodgkins it usually occurs in people over 40 years old. Other symptoms that accompany cancer of the lymph nodes include fevers, profuse night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, and in later stages itching and coughing may occur. Hodgkin's disease is one of a group of diseases called lymphomas, where they are all produced by cancers forming in the cells of the lymphatic system. As it is already said, the lymphatic system is a series of microscopic vessels that drain fluid away from the tissues and return it to the blood system. Throughout this system there are small organs called lymph nodes or lymph glands. Those are clusters, placed all around the body especially in the neck, groin and armpits, and the spleen is also part of this system. The first sign of Hodgkin’s is usually firm but painless swelling of the lymph glands. Swelling of the lymph glands is a natural response to infection but in this case the glands are also tender to touch, as well as tiredness, weight loss, severe night sweats, fever and generalized itchy skin. The treatment of Hodgkin's disease normally involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both, depending of case itself. Moreover, the type of treatment depends on the number of clusters of lymph glands and the types of cells involved.

Cancer can spread through the body either through the bloodstream or through the lymph nodes, which is why it is important to know how it works. In breast cancer the breast cancer cells can move into the sentinel lymph nodes then to other parts of the patient’s body. When cancer spreads from one location to another we say the cancer is metastasizing, where the most common sign of spreading to the lymph nodes is that one or more of the lymph nodes becomes enlarged. However, if there are only a small number of cells in the lymph nodes, there may not be any obvious signs of this problem. Remember, lymph nodes can become enlarged for other reasons, such as an infection, so you should not be worried immediately you have seen enlarged lymph gland.

Glands form an important part of the endocrine system, the system in the body that involves hormones. Some of such endocrine glands are pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Other important glands are salivary glands, and prostate. The pituitary is a small gland found near the base of the brain, and it is an important regulator of many hormones. They are interacting with signals from the hypothalamus to help produce various hormones, which drive the production of some other hormones. Thyroid gland is situated in the neck, overlying part of the trachea, and is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which has many functions in various tissues of the body. Adrenal glands are otherwise known as the suprarenal glands, are small triangular glands situated on top of each kidney. They function interactively with the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary to produces many different hormones. As you could see endocrine and lymph system are two different systems, and their glands are something totally different.