When the body fights an infection or injury, lymph nodes sometimes swell. Doctors call this a reactive lymph node. Reactive lymph nodes are not dangerous. Lymph nodes house B and T lymphocytes, which are essential types of white blood cells. These cells help the body fight off infections from bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes also […]
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other […]
Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a common infection, but they can also signal a medical condition, such as an immune disorder or, rarely, a type of cancer. Lymph nodes are small, round structures that play a vital role in the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are also known as swollen glands. In this article, […]
Cerebral edema is when fluid builds up around the brain, causing an increase in pressure known as intracranial pressure. Swelling or inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury. Edema refers to swelling due to trapped fluid, and it can happen anywhere in the body. If edema occurs in the brain, however, it […]
Spleen cancer typically develops when cancer in another part of the body, most often lymphomas and leukemia, spread to this fist-sized organ. The spleen is under the rib cage on the left side of the body. It is part of the lymphatic system and plays a part in helping the body fight off disease. This […]
Elephantiasis is a tropical disease caused by parasitic worms that are spread through mosquito bites. The skin gets thick and hard, resembling an elephant’s skin. Although medically known as lymphatic filariasis, the term elephantiasis is commonly used because symptoms include swelling and enlargement of the arms and legs. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that […]
Edema refers to visible swelling caused by a buildup of fluid within tissues. When an indentation remains after the swollen skin is pressed, this is called pitting edema. The effect may also be noticeable after taking off a tight shoe or stocking. Anyone can have pitting edema, but because some causes are more dangerous than […]
Groundbreaking research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that the brain has lymphatic vessels, allowing it to process “waste” leaked from the blood vessels. This may shed fresh light on the relationship between the brain and the immune system. MRI brain scans confirm the existence of lymphatic vessels in the brain. […]
A lymphangioma is a swelling or mass that occurs mainly in the head, neck, and mouth. Lymphangiomas are the result of a congenital condition and are usually apparent at birth, or at least by the time a person is 2 years old. What is a lymphangioma? The lymphatic […]
Axillary web syndrome is a side effect that can develop after the removal of lymph nodes located under the armpits. The condition involves the development of scarring or connected tissue under the arm. Axillary web syndrome can be painful and limit the range of motion in the affected arm. […]