Guide To The Causes Of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Chickenpox

Chickenpox, which is the result of the varicella-zoster virus, is an iconic condition. The key sign of it is the itchy rash. This rash starts as red, raised bumps all over the patient's skin. In many patients, these bumps become blisters that eventually pop. This is when they can crust over. Other chickenpox symptoms include fever, headache, appetite loss, and a general feeling of being unwell. Of course, this condition is another common reason for swollen lymph nodes.

Many individuals recover from chickenpox without medical treatment. If medical treatment is necessary, it often comes in the form of topical lotions to help patients avoid scratching. This condition is also mild for the vast majority of patients. Furthermore, there is also a vaccine for chickenpox. Thus, patients cannot get this condition if they have already had it or have had the vaccine.

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Certain Cancers

Certain cancers also cause an individual's lymph nodes to swell. Swollen lymph nodes are especially common in leukemia and several types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both leukemia and lymphoma are types of cancer that affect the body's lymphatic system. This is why many patients will experience swollen lymph nodes. In fact, some reports indicate that swollen lymph nodes are an early sign of these cancers. However, this is not the most common cause. Doctors begin to suspect cancer after eliminating more common causes, including ones mentioned in this article. In addition, they also look to see when the enlarged lymph node is not tender or painful or has been there more than two weeks without improvement.