Lymph nodes are minuscule bean-shaped structures in the lymphatic system. The clusters they make are the areas that a lymphatic drainage massage at the Singapore clinic targets. They act as filters, capturing and killing foreign substances through the lymphatic fluid. There are hundreds throughout the body. However, only particular areas of the body contain clusters of lymph nodes. Lymph nodes have a large concentration of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which aid in neutralising external agents such as germs.
Lymph Node Functions
Lymph nodes’ primary job is to combat infection by trapping bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing agents. The immune system then begins an attack to eliminate the invader, causing the lymph nodes to enlarge. The lymph nodes contain two kinds of white blood cells, B and T, which aid in the fight against infections.
- B Lymphocytes (B Cells) generate antibodies that aid in the battle against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other infectious organisms.
- T Lymphocytes (T cells) are the cells that initiate the adaptive immune response specific to the infectious agent.
Lymph nodes cannot neutralise every particle they filter. Cancer cells discharged from a neighbouring tumour are one example. Although lymph nodes cannot destroy cancer cells, they may be able to separate and contain them in the early stages of the disease. Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, indicate that the body has an infection that it’s fighting. A wellness massage can help you maintain the health of your lymph nodes.
Types and Locations
You can find lymph nodes at strategic sites throughout the body. These clusters are in the armpits, neck, groin, upper abdomen, and mediastinum, the area between the lungs. The following are the different types and locations of lymph nodes:
#1 Cervical
The lymph nodes in the neck are known as cervical lymph nodes. The cluster is further subdivided based on their location:
- The lymph nodes closest to the front of the neck are known as anterior cervical lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are what often swell when you get a cold or strep.
- The posterior cervical lymph nodes are behind the muscular band on the side of the neck. These nodes often swell when you have infectious mononucleosis.
- The occipital lymph nodes are near the base of the skull towards the back of the neck. Infections such as HIV can cause them to swell.
#2 Axillary
The lymph nodes in the armpit are known as axillary lymph nodes (axilla). In most cases, the axilla contains between 10 and 40 lymph nodes. Most lymphatic drainage massage treatments by Singapore wellness centres focus on this area.
The axillary lymph nodes are crucial in the detection of breast cancer. Cancer cells are released from a breast tumour and initially migrate to the axillary nodes. Doctors can frequently detect how advanced a tumour is according to how cancer cells move through lymph nodes in a certain way.
#3 Supraclavicular
Supraclavicular lymph nodes are found directly above the collarbone (clavicle). The cluster of lymph nodes is the other focus of many lymphatic drainage massage treatments in Singapore. Supraclavicular lymph node growth can indicate the presence of a severe illness, such as lung cancer or lymphoma.
#4 Inguinal
The groin contains inguinal lymph nodes. They can become swollen for various causes because they filter lymphatic fluids from the feet to the groin. Injuries, sexually transmitted illnesses, skin infections, yeast infections, and cancer are examples. The clusters of inguinal lymph nodes are the third target area of lymphatic drainage massage therapy from a Singapore wellness centre.
#5 Mediastinal
The mediastinal lymph nodes are between the lungs in the middle of the chest cavity. You cannot feel the mediastinal lymph nodes though they are visible in imaging examinations such as a computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The analysis of mediastinal lymph nodes is critical in the staging of lung cancer and certain lymphomas.
#6 Retroperitoneal
The retroperitoneal lymph nodes are behind the tissues surrounding the abdominal wall in the rear of the abdomen. These are the nodes to which testicular cancer spreads first. These clusters are also only visible in imaging examinations.
#7 Mesenteric
You will see mesenteric lymph nodes in the membranes that surround the intestine deep into the belly. The frequent enlargement of these clusters of nodes is often due to gastroenteritis (stomach flu), but they can also be due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer. A wellness massage targeting this cluster of nodes can help ensure your digestive system works as it should.
#8 Pelvic
Pelvic lymph nodes are in the lower abdomen, near the hip bones, bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. It is only imaging investigations that can reveal pelvic lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes in the pelvis may indicate bladder, prostate, cervical, ovarian, or anal cancer.
Associated Conditions
Several disorders can impact the lymph nodes, either directly or indirectly. Some are moderate and manageable, while others are more severe. Many wellness massage treatments can help regulate the lymph nodes and avoid potential illnesses.
The following conditions have an impact on the lymph nodes, either directly or indirectly:
- Lymphadenopathy: Inflammation of the lymph glands caused by an infection or illness anywhere in the body.
- Lymphadenitis: Swollen lymph nodes caused by a lymph node infection.
- Lymphangitis: The inflammation of the lymphatic veins can also affect the lymph nodes.
- Cancer: Either caused by cancer spreading to a lymph node or by cancer starting in the lymph nodes (lymphoma)
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