Inflammation of the lymph nodes and glands; it usually occurs as a result of systemic neoplastic disease, bacterial infection, or inflammatory condition.
An inflammation of one or more lymph nodes that may be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms that produce disease. Lymphadenitis occurs when these microorganisms are trapped in the lymph nodes, and white blood cells congregate to attack them. Pus, abscesses, and inflammation can occur as a result. The infection produces swollen, red areas of skin that are sometimes painful to the touch.
Inflammation of lymph nodes, caused by the activation of phagocytes and lymphocytes, which encounter large numbers of microorganisms, cancer cells, or other antigenic material. Local swelling and pain are common symptoms and often help clinicians diagnose regional diseases (e.g., the anterior cervical lymph nodes become tender and enlarged in people with strep throat; the inguinal lymph nodes enlarge and hurt in some sexually transmitted diseases).
In medical terms, inflammation of the lymph nodes is referred to as lymphadenitis, and it’s a frequent reason for lymphadenopathy.