Groin Lymph Nodes

The groin lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system. This system, along with the other lymph nodes, consists of lymph ducts, vessels and certain body organs, such as spleen, tonsils and bone marrow. Normally, the lymph nodes are bean-shaped and their size varies from a few millimeters to 2 centimeters. The blood vessels which carry blood under pressure are permeable. The blood plasma seeps out of them and collects in addition to the fluid from the body tissues in (interstitial) spaces between the tissues of the body. This colorless fluid is referred to as the lymph. With the blood plasma, pathogens like bacteria and viruses also escapes out of the blood stream. The interstitial spaces, that are out of reach of the white blood cells in the blood, could act as safe houses and breeding places for the runaway pathogens. Such a situation can create lot of health complications.

Location and Functions of Groin Lymph Nodes

The groin lymph nodes are a few of the 500-600 lymph nodes, that act as guardians of our bodies. Some of these lymph nodes form rings around the area proximal to the underarms, neck, abdomen and chest. The group of lymph nodes that are present in the groin area is referred to as groin lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are also cited as inguinal lymph nodes. There are two types of groin lymph nodes; the deep inguinal lymph nodes and superficial inguinal lymph nodes. 3-5 of deep inguinal lymph nodes are found along the crease where the upper leg and the lower pelvic area connect. They are located near the femoral vein, situated medially to it and under the cribriform fascia. Of these, the node that sits superior to others and found under the inguinal ligament and is referred to as Cloquet's node. The deep inguinal nodes are also known as femoral lymph nodes. Another group of 10 superficial inguinal lymph nodes, create a triangular formation deep inside human buttocks and right beneath the hip joints.

The lymph, present in the interstitial spaces is collected by the lymph capillaries and ducts and is transported via afferent lymph vessels to the lymph nodes where lymphocytes, cure the lymph nodes of the pathogens. The lymph is drained out of lymph nodes via efferent lymph vessels and is then, let into the cardiovascular system of the body. The groin lymph nodes are tasked with the drainage of inferior extremity of the abdominal wall, posterior perineum, the inferior limbs and genitalia and protect the lower body against the disease causing micro-organisms. The deep inguinal lymph nodes are mainly flushed by the external iliac nodes. During their task, lymph nodes can swell due to infection or get enlarged due to overwork.

Groin Lymph Nodes Swelling

The lymphocytes that are mainly found in the lymphatic system are typed as T cells and B cells. The B cells manufactures a protein that marks pathogens or the abnormal body cells. T cells detect such marked targets and destroys them. Both of these cells act in the same fashion, throughout the lymphatic system. When the immune system comes to know about such an activity in the groin, it sends more troops in the form of lymphocytes, to the aid of those present in the groin lymph nodes. The increased number of the lymphocytes causes swelling of the groin lymph nodes. The fight against the pathogens, continues in the groin lymph nodes. Enlarged groin lymph nodes stresses the surrounding nerves and body tissues. Pain results because of the distress suffered by the nerves.

Groin Lymph Nodes in Women
The vulvar cancer is the cancer of the vulva, which can metastasize or spread to the surrounding as well as distant organs. It may also invades the groin lymph nodes. The extent of the spread of vulvar cancer can be detected from the cancer causing cells present in the groin lymph nodes. Procedures such as biopsy, cystoscopy and protoscopy can be used for further investigations.

Lymphoma
The Lymphoma can be classified as Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is also cited as Hodgkin's disease. This form of lymphoma is due to malignant B cells. The non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is caused by the malignant B or T cells. B cells or T cells starts dividing uncontrollably. These malignant cells travel to distant lymph nodes, such as groin lymph nodes. Uncontrolled division and accumulation of these cells in the groin lymph nodes causes tumor and enlargement. In case of testicular lymphoma too, groin lymph nodes may swell.

Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of bone and blood that can affects organs in the lymphatic system, such as spleen and bone marrow. Lymphocytes that are most affected by this disease are B cells. Lymphocytic leukemia affects the marrow cells that ultimately develops into B cells. In such a situation, the marrow cells turn malignant, mix with the blood stream and spread to the distant parts of the body. Their aggregation and uncontrolled division in the groin lymph nodes can cause their enlargement and tumor.

Infections
In conditions such as HIV/AIDS, where the immunity of the body is lowered, the chances of infection are high and so is the risk of groin lymph nodes swelling. Swollen lymph nodes in groin may point to disease such as gaucher disease, syphilis, nucleosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. In case of enlarged groin lymph nodes, it is mandatory to take your doctors opinion. As a swollen groin node can indicate presence of orchitis in males, infection in the lower part of the body or spread of anal cancer. The doctor may advise biopsy and additional tests such as blood test to arrive at a diagnosis and the course of treatment.

As a group, groin lymph nodes stand a formidable guard against the infection causing agents affecting, especially, the lower body. There health is an indicator of how well we are doing internally.