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What are lymph nodes?

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Topics (Tags):

Lymphedema Lymph Nodes Lymphatic System Anatomy

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Lymphedema X Lymph Nodes X Lymphatic System X Anatomy X

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CancerQuest (Organization (Verified) ) - 08 / 23 / 2011

1 vote(s) by murray

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, a complex network of tubes (vessels) and grape-like clusters of lymph nodes. Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels is collected into the lymphatic system. The fluid (called lymph) flows from smaller vessels into larger ones and passes through lymph nodes before being returned to the blood circulation.

Lymph nodes have several functions. Some of our immune cells develop and can multiply in lymph nodes. Cells that spend much of their time in the lymphatic system are called lymphocytes (cyte=cell). There are two major kinds of lymphocytes and they are commonly called T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells). They both work to fight infection and can also fight cancer. Foreign objects like bacteria and viruses enter the lymphatic system where they encounter lymphocytes. This triggers a response in the T and B cells, causing them to become active and reproduce.

In cancer diagnosis, lymph nodes are often important for a different reason. The lymphatic system is found nearly everywhere in the body. When cancer cells move (metastasize) from one location to another, they can use the lymphatic system as a type of highway to migrate around the body. When a tumor is detected, nearby lymph nodes are frequently removed and examined for the presence of cancer cells. IF they are are there, it means that the cancer has been able to spread to that location and MAY be in other locations (it does NOT mean that the cancer MUST be in other locations). Also, only a small number of lymph nodes are examined. The test is not perfect (no medical test is).

Learn more about the lymphatic system. http://www.cancerquest.org/lymphatic-system-introduction
Learn more about the immune system and cancer. http://www.cancerquest.org/immune-system-cancer
Learn more about sentinel lymph node biopsy. http://www.cancerquest.org/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy

Lymph nodes have several functions. Some of our immune cells develop and can multiply in lymph nodes.  Cells that spend much of their time in the lymphatic system are called lymphocytes (cyte=cell).  There are two major kinds of lymphocytes and they are commonly called T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells). They both work to fight infection and can also fight cancer.  Foreign objects like bacteria and viruses enter the lymphatic system where they encounter lymphocytes.  This triggers a response in the T and B cells, causing them to become active and reproduce.

In cancer diagnosis, lymph nodes are often important for a different reason.  The lymphatic system is found nearly everywhere in the body.  When cancer cells move (metastasize) from one location to another, they can use the lymphatic system as a type of highway to migrate around the body.  When a tumor is detected, nearby lymph nodes are frequently removed and examined for the presence of cancer cells.  IF they are are there, it means that the cancer has been able to spread to that location and MAY be in other locations (it does NOT mean that the cancer MUST be in other locations).  Also, only a small number of lymph nodes are examined.  The test is not perfect (no medical test is).

Learn more about the lymphatic system. http://www.cancerquest.org/lymphatic-system-introduction
Learn more about the immune system and cancer. http://www.cancerquest.org/immune-system-cancer
Learn more about sentinel lymph node biopsy. http://www.cancerquest.org/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy

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member2503 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 08 / 16 / 2011

A lymph node is a very important part of your immune system. They act as a filter in your body, helping to catch viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
Those that are located in the underarm area, are generally in a small cluster (picture very small grapes)
Lymph nodes are located strategically through-out the body in various area. Amazing how something so small can be so vitally important in keeping healthy.

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Latest Activity: 08 / 23 / 2011
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