Lymph nodes produce immune cells to help fight infection. They also
filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as
bacteria and cancer cells. They can become swollen
from inflammatory conditions, an abscess, cancer, and
most commonly from infection. Common areas where lymph nodes can be
felt include the groin, armpit, behind the ears, back of the head,
sides of the neck and under the jaw and chin.
Review Date: 11/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
