There are about 500 to 600 lymph nodes in the body, 300 of which are located in the head and neck region. Lymph nodes are very essential in our bodies. They are found in various parts of the body at the neck and head, the collarbone, at the groins and under the arms. The lymph nodes in neck are largely categorized into two:
- Posterior cervical lymph nodes
- Anterior cervical lymph nodes
The posterior cervical lymph nodes aid in draining lymphatic fluid from the neck. They filter debris such as viruses, bacteria, cancerous cells and other foreign materials in the body that may be injurious. Due to the nature of work that the posterior cervical lymph nodes perform, they are subject to swelling and other infections. Among the causes of swelling of the posterior lymph node are:
- Submandibular lymph nodes on the underside of the jaw may be infected by infections of the head, scalp, pharynx, eye, ears, sinus and allergies.
- Jugular lymph node may be infected by German measles or rubella and pharyngitis.
- Submental lymph node below the chi may be infected by mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus or herpes, Ebstein-Barr virus, toxoplasmosis or dental inflammation.
- Occipital lymph nodes at the back of the head and the neck are caused by a localized infection of the scalp or ears.
- Postauricular lymph nodes behind the ears may also be infected by a localized infection of the ears or the scalp.
- Preauricular lymph nodes in front of the ears may suffer an infection of the eyelid, the ear and an infection at the temporal region.
- Right supraclavicular lymph node located on the hollow above the right side clavicle may be affected by retroperitoneal cancer, lung infections and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Left supraclavicular lymph node located on the hollow above the left side clavicle may be affected by retroperitoneal cancer as well, lymphoma, bacterial infections, thoracic cancer and fungal infections.
The anterior cervical lymph nodes are found on the upper and lower sides of the sternocleidomastoid cells. They aid in the flexibility and movement of the neck. They are also responsible for the welfare of the tonsils and the pharynx. Due to an irregular abnormal movement of the lymph cells sometimes, a rapid growth of the b-cells may occur at the anterior cervical lymph nodes, causing a plump lump at the area that may cause a plump lump here accompanied by certain coarseness in the voice. Some yellow phlegm, sneezing and causing may also arise. Eating some types of foods and kissing may be solid contributors to these infections.
These plump lumps may also be formed due to swollen glands and tonsils. When the disease grows with time, it becomes easier for these symptoms to grow into some lethargy, irregular urination and possible weight loss.
Treatment of the infection depends on whether the inflammation is mild or severe. A small dosage of some antibiotics messes up with the antigens and strengthens the immune system. If these lumps, which are cancerous, are not uprooted, there is a tendency to recur. Immunotherapy, radiations and chemotherapy may also be administered to the patients.
It is advisable to seek medical attention when you feel uncomfortable in the neck region because you could be infected in the lymph nodes in neck.