what exactly is a lymph nobe?

Question:

so its a lump, but what exactly is it? does it need to be surgically removed?

Answers:
I don't usually use Wikipedia but it's got a great article on what exactly those things are!

See below:

Lymph nodes, also incorrectly called "Lymph glands" (they do not secrete anything and are therefore not glands), are components of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of connective tissue filled with lymphocytes that collect and destroy bacteria and viruses. When the body is fighting an infection, these lymphocytes multiply rapidly and produce a characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes. Humans have approximately 500-600 lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.

For more see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymph_node

Other Answers:
They are glands in your body that help clean your blood of germs and such. I have one in my neck that swells everything I get strep throat because it's packed with the virus.

They are perfectly normal and should never be removed

Lymph node. NODE! God. It's not a lump. It's a gland that filters the "garbage" out of your system. That's why they check those for cancer, because if it made it to the node, it could've made it out of the area.. the nodes are located in your armpits, groin, and a few other areas.

lymph nodes are very important in the control of infection and inflammation. your doctor should be able to tell you why lymph node problems may be an issue for you.

help
Learn more

Printer-Friendly Format | Email to a Friend

Definition of Lymph node

Lymph node: Also sometimes referred to as lymph glands, lymph nodes are small rounded or bean-shaped masses of lymphatic tissue surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes are located in many places in the lymphatic system throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the lymphatic fluid and store special cells that can trap cancer cells or bacteria that are traveling through the body in the lymph fluid. The lymph nodes are critical for the body’s immune response and are principal sites where many immune reactions are initiated. During a physical examination, doctors often look for swollen lymph nodes in areas where lymph nodes are abundant, including the neck, around the collarbone, the armpit (axilla), and the groin.
Source(s):
medicineNet

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

what exactly is a lymph nobe?

Health Resources