Lymph Nodes Directory
Lymph nodes are small glands in the body. They are part of the lymphatic system, which carries lymph fluid, nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system, the body's defense system against disease. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells. When a part of the body is infected, the nearby lymph nodes become swollen as they collect and destroy the infecting organisms. For example, if a person has a throat infection, the lymph nodes in the neck may swell and become tender. In addition, cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about lymph nodes, what they look like, what to do if they swell, and much more.
Medical Reference
Anatomy of the Breast
Learn about the parts of your body inside and around the breast, including lymph nodes and blood vessels.
Breast Cancer and the Sentinel Node Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node or nodes to which cancer cells are most likely to spread. WebMD explains how sentinel node biopsy helps treat breast cancer.
Cysts, Lumps, Bumps, and Your Skin
There are a number of skin conditions that cause lumps and bumps to appear. This article covers some of the most common ones.
Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Information on the symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.