Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which is ultimately a part of the immune system. The fluid known as lymph bathes the different parts of our bodies and passes through the lymph nodes. It is there that bacteria, viruses and harmful cells are filtered and eliminated. There are different clusters of lymph nodes found in the body such as those in the armpit and below the jaw. One other cluster that not all of us know exists is the inguinal lymph nodes.

Inguinal Lymph Nodes

The inguinal lymph nodes are found in the upper inner thigh very near the pelvis. There are 10 superficial inguinal lymph nodes and there are around 5 deep inguinal lymph nodes. Like all the other lymph nodes in the body, these inguinal lymph nodes function in the same way. They are filtering sites for the lymph that passes through the different cells and body parts in the area. Some of the parts with lymph that drain through the inguinal lymph nodes are the vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum and part of the anus.

Swollen Inguinal Lymph Nodes

Sometimes, inguinal lymph nodes may become swollen. This enlarged state may be a normal reaction when any of the parts with lymph that drain through them has an infection or injury. Cuts, infected wounds, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, vulvar cancer, lymphoma and other such illnesses can all cause the inguinal lymph nodes to swell.

Under normal conditions, these nodes swell during times of bacterial or viral infection because the white blood cells inside them multiply to cope with the foreign bodies that they have to eliminate. Once the condition is treated or is in remission, the swollen nodes may remain swollen for a few more days or even weeks. Eventually though, the inguinal lymph nodes will return to their original size. You should see a doctor immediately if the nodes do not decrease in size. Even if there is no pain, you could be suffering from a condition that may be more serious than an infection like cancer.

In patients with cancer in the body areas near the inguinal lymph nodes, the cancer cells may spread to the nodes from the original site of the tumor. In a lot of cases, this may be the first clue of a cancer condition because not all patients show immediate cancer symptoms.

Lymphoma

Like other lymph nodes, the inguinal lymph nodes may also develop lymphoma which is cancer of the white blood cells. Since the inguinal lymph nodes contain white blood cells, they are affected too. Lymphoma can be of the Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s type. There are however 35 subtypes of lymphoma.

Since the lymphatic system has a network of vessels that connect the lymph nodes and through which the lymph flows, cancer cells in the inguinal lymph nodes can spread to other nodes and organs in different parts of the body.

Swollen inguinal lymph nodes may not always be a cause of great alarm but be very vigilant. Consult your doctor immediately for unexplained and stubborn swelling. Early treatment may be your key to survival.