Lymph nodes are essential tissues of our immune system. They recognize microorganisms entering the body, activate defense cells, and carry out various protective mechanisms. They are positioned throughout different regions of the body, acting like stations.
Enlargement of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) is commonly observed in conditions such as bacterial or viral infections. Furthermore, enlargement can occur in blood cancers like lymphoma or when cancer from any part of the body metastasizes to the lymph nodes. Additionally, lymph node enlargement may be observed in certain rheumatological diseases involving autoimmune mechanisms, where the body develops a defense against its own tissues.