Lymph nodes play an important part in the body's defense against
infection. Swelling might occur even if the infection is trivial or
not apparent. Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from
localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy.
Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision
Institute, La Jolla, California. 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)
