Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. During an infection, they accumulate bacteria or dead or diseased cells and may swell.

When the body fights an infection or injury, lymph nodes sometimes swell. Doctors call this a reactive lymph node. Treatment can depend on the cause. Lymph nodes house white blood cells. These cells ...

Swollen lymph nodes, or swollen glands, in the neck may indicate an infection. They can also occur due to a medical condition, such as an immune disorder or, less commonly, cancer. Treatment can ...

You’ve probably had swollen glands at some point in your life, such as when you’ve had a cold or other infection. Swollen glands are actually swollen lymph nodes, which are often reactive lymph nodes.