Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

Alternative names:

infection - lymph glands; lymph gland infection

Symptoms:

LYMPHADENITIS

• lymph nodes may be swollen, tender, and hard
• lymph nodes feel smooth or irregular to touch, or soft and "rubbery" (fluctuant) 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, absent, or obvious

• throbbing pain along the affected area (common)
• may involve the lymph nodes (see above)
• fever of 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• chills
• loss of appetite
• headache
• general ill feeling (malaise)
• muscle aches

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• weight loss (unintentional)
• tongue problems
• swelling, overall
• stools, clay colored
• nosebleed - symptom
• neck pain

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, channel, or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream.