Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

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Immune system structures

Lymphatic system

Staphylococcal lymphangitis

Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy

LYMPHADENITIS

• lymph nodes may be swollen, tender, and hard
• lymph nodes feel smooth or irregular to touch, or soft and "rubbery" if an abscess has formed
• the skin over a node may be reddened and hot

• red streaks from infected area to the armpit or groin
  • may be faint or obvious
• throbbing pain along the affected area (common)
• may involve the lymph nodes (see above)
• fever of 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and/or chills
• individuals may have a general ill feeling (malaise), with loss of appetite, headache, and muscle aches

An examination shows affected lymph nodes and/or lymph vessels and may indicate the cause. The health care provider may look for evidence of trauma around enlarged or swollen nodes.

A biopsy and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream.

Review Date: 06/15/2005
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.