What does reactive cervical lymph nodes mean?

Reactive lymph nodes are a sign that your lymphatic system is working hard to protect you. Lymph fluid builds up in lymph nodes in an effort to trap bacteria, viruses, or other harmful pathogens. This helps to keep the infection from spreading to other parts of your body.

What causes posterior cervical lymph nodes to swell?

Posterior cervical or occipital lymphadenopathy may be caused by scalp infection or dermatitis, roseola or rubella infection.

What is posterior cervical lymph node?

Cervical lymph nodes are located in the sides and back of the neck. These glands are usually very small. However, when a lymph node is greater than 1 centimeter in diameter, it is enlarged. The cervical lymph nodes sit deep inside the neck.

What does it mean to have reactive lymph nodes?

A reactive lymph node is an enlarged lymph node, which is commonly the result of an infection. The enlargement of the node is a feedback mechanism of the immune system when foreign objects, such as viruses, bacteria or cancer cells, invade the body. Reactive lymph nodes on the side of the neck or under jaw are the most common.

What to know about reactive lymph nodes?

– Size. – Pain or tenderness when touched. – Consistency (hard or rubbery). – Matting (whether they feel joined or move together). – Location (specific diseases can be tied to where the swollen lymph nodes are in your body).

What exactly is a reactive lymph node?

smaller than 1.5 centimeters (cm) in diameter

  • soft
  • movable
  • Does abnormal or reactive lymph nodes mean cancer?

    This means your lymph nodes are reacting to something going on in your body. However, it’s usually not a reaction to anything serious. In fact, most of the time, reactive lymph nodes are harmless. Reactive lymph nodes aren’t caused by an infection or cancer within the lymph node itself.