Lymph nodes are the policemen of our body. They are present all over but are not usually enlarged in size. Only in cases where the body requires protection, they show their presence. They then appear as enlarged entities which are seen at certain named sites.
This may be Acute or Chronic.
In cases of acute lymphadenitis, the affected lymph nodes are enlarged and tender with some amount of redness. The patient may also have some constitutional symptoms in the form of fever, malaise, and loss of appetite. This is in response to infection in the part of the body that is drained by the lymph nodes. For example, in case of any oral cavity infection, tonsillitis or dental infection, the anterior cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. Similarly, if a patient has developed an infected wound in the leg or has cellulitis, the inguinal or groin lymph nodes of the corresponding side will be enlarged and tender.
In cases of chronic lymphadenitis, the swelling may be longstanding, gradually increasing and painless. In these conditions, we have to keep in mind the diagnosis of tuberculosis, lymphomas, HIV or metastasis from other cancers.