Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. The swollen nodes can sometimes be felt in the neck, underarms and groin, according to the NLM. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes make more infection-fighting white blood cells, which can cause swelling. James Hamrick, chief of medical oncology and hematology at Kaiser Permanente (opens in new tab) in Atlanta. The most common diseases of the lymphatic system are enlargement of the lymph nodes (also known as lymphadenopathy), swelling due to lymph node blockage (also known as lymphedema) and cancers involving the lymphatic system, according to Dr.
There are also lymphedema therapists who specialize in the manual drainage of the lymphatic system. Vascular surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists and physiatrists also get involved in treatment of various lymphatic ailments. Related: Vitamin A: sources, benefits and deficiencyĭiseases and disorders of the lymphatic system are typically treated by immunologists.Related: Vitamin E: sources, benefits and risks.Lymphatic vessels connect to two subclavian veins, which are located on either sides of the neck near the collarbones, and the fluid re-enters the circulatory system, according to the National Cancer Institute. Unlike blood, which flows throughout the body in a continuous loop, lymph flows in only one direction - upward toward the neck. The remainder becomes lymph, according to the National Cancer Institute (opens in new tab). Most of this fluid returns to the venous circulation through tiny blood vessels called venules and continues as venous blood. Plasma leaves the body's cells once it has delivered its nutrients and removed debris. Lymph is a clear and colorless fluid the word "lymph" comes from the Latin word lympha, which means "connected to water," according to the National Lymphadema Network (opens in new tab). They sample bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose." They sometimes become infected, and although tonsillectomies occur much less frequently today than they did in the 1950s, it is still among the most common operations performed and typically follows frequent throat infections. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (opens in new tab), they are the body's "first line of defense as part of the immune system.
Tonsils are large clusters of lymphatic cells found in the pharynx. This small organ stores immature lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells) and prepares them to become active T cells, which help destroy infected or cancerous cells.
The thymus is located in the chest just above the heart, according to Merck Manual (opens in new tab).