by Caroline Breeze

Created on: September 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

A swollen lymph node is always serious enough not to be ignored because it is an indication of some kind of infection present in the body and can also be an indication of a number of diseases and lymphomas, including cancer that are affecting the person with the swollen lymph node(s).

This doesn't mean that a person should panic when they notice that they have a swollen lymph node(s), but simply that they should be aware that medical attention may be needed if the swelling does not go down. To put one's mind at ease, a doctor should be consulted right away so that a diagnosis can be established.

The seriousness and gravity of the infection depends on which lymph nodes are swollen, and the length of time for which they have been swollen. Several types of illness and disease will cause the lymph nodes to swell and you could need medical testing to determine which one.

The reason for this is that lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which constitutes an important part of the immune system, the body's protective mechanism that produces lymphocytes and macrophages - cells that literally capture and eat up bacteria, toxins and other substances that do no belong in the body. They constitute a kind of barrier of defense that captures invading organisms, particles and other things that don't belong in the body and to get rid of them through the vessels of the lymphatic system which is kind of like a drainage system.

When they become swollen, it means that the infection is advanced enough to activate them in a manner noticeable to you and what follows is either they are strong enough to destroy the invader, and the swelling goes down, or the invader successfully makes it past the body's troops and progresses/spreads to other places.

The lymphatic system is constantly working behind the scenes keeping us healthy by getting rid of, waste, toxins, excess fluids bacteria etc. without our even noticing it so long as we are healthy. When one's lymph nodes swell however, it means that they are working somewhat harder to fight off an infection which is why one should take notice and if necessary, take some action as well.

The lymph nodes that we are most aware of are those located in the groin, area, the arm pits, and the neck area.

Usually when we have some kind of injury or sore on the lower limbs, feet or legs, that gets infected, depending on how serious and how advanced the infection gets, it is possible for the lymph nodes in the groin area become swollen and tender

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