Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Lymphatic system

Staphylococcal lymphangitis

Immune system structures

Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

Alternative Names:

Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy
Symptoms:

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LYMPHADENITIS

lymph nodes may be swollen, tender, and hard
lymph nodes feel smooth or irregular to touch, or soft and "rubbery" if an abscess has formed
the skin over a node may be reddened and hot

LYMPHANGITIS

red streaks from infected area to the armpit or groin
- may be faint or obvious
throbbing pain along the affected area (common)
may involve the lymph nodes (see above)
fever of 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and/or chills
individuals may have a general ill feeling (malaise), with loss of appetite, headache, and muscle aches

Signs and tests:

An examination shows affected lymph nodes and/or lymph vessels and may indicate the cause. The health care provider may look for evidence of trauma around enlarged or swollen nodes.

A biopsy and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream.