Swollen limph nodes - sign of HIV

[Rex]

I've read that swollen limph nodes is a sign of HIV.

What exactly is that? I know they're something in your throat. Does it feel like having a sore throat?

 

[tonyboy]

I've read that swollen limph nodes is a sign of HIV.

What exactly is that? I know they're something in your throat. Does it feel like having a sore throat?

If you have swollen lymph nodes you will feel them under your armpits.
And a quick exam by a regular doctor can feel under your armpits and figure out if it's just an infection or needs further examination.

I know that cause it happend to me.
Turned out it was just a minor infection brought on by a very insignificant virus.... Had no other sypmtoms. But the Dr. was concerned because swelling there can be a sign of cancer of the lymph nodes. That is a very serious form of cancer. It seems that if cancer invades that part of the body then it can often spread rather quickly to other parts.

Not necessarily a sign of aids though my friend.
Just go to a med dr. and have it checked out.
And if you are sexually active just ask for a simple blood test at the same time

I did it once... the doctors don't pass judgment at all man. In fact they would rather you ask for that sort of test than not.
Don't be shy about it.... Please don't worry about anything except for your own health.
And please let us know if you follow through with it.

 

[PSCGuy]

I think it could also be a sign of cancer, various types, actually. A guy in my old Scout troop actually was diagnosed a few years ago, and that was one of the first signs.

 

[KaraBulut]

There are several chains of nodes in various parts of your body and these nodes are part of your immune system. Swollen lymph nodes is most often a sign of an infection. You'll find lymph nodes that are swollen when you have a minor infection such as sinus or an ear infection- usually near the site of the infection.

When the nodes are chronically swollen this is called lymphadenopathy. Lymphadenopathy is often a sign of cancer or a large-scale infection such as mononucleosis or HIV- especially when there are multiple nodes that are swollen in several areas of the body.

 

[Rex]

Oh, thanks guys. I was thinking it was something in your throat.

 

[AdmiraalW238]

Swollen lymph nodes can mean a number of things.

As I have said in the HIV FAQ there are no set signs or symptoms that a person has HIV only a blood test can confirm this.

If you have swollen lymph nodes then I would strongly suggest you visit a doctor and have them checked out as it could be a sign of a multitude of infections.

 

[KaraBulut]

Oh, thanks guys. I was thinking it was something in your throat.

You might be thinking of the tonsils.

The lymph system is a circulatory system for fluid that is separate from the circulatory system that carries blood. The lymph system carries clear fluid called lymph but it is also plays a major role in the immune system as a mechanism for white blood cells to be produced and to circulate.

The lymph nodes are small nodular glands in the lymph system. Normally, they are small- pea-sized or smaller but during periods of infection, they swell in chains near the area where the infection is being drained into the lymph system.

The tonsils are part of the lymph system. They are not lymph nodes but they are lymph glands that are the size of a marble that are at the point where the mouth joins the throat. When you have a throat or sinus infection they will swell. They can often be seen on either side of the tongue.

Here's a picture of the back of throat showing the tonsils:

And here are a couple of pictures of the lymph system and the locations of the lymph nodes:

 

[954dude]

When the lymph nodes swell, it's due to an infection OR inflammation. A joint in my jaw is inflamed due to TMJ disorder and an infection during a wisdom tooth extraction. The nodes in my neck, jaw, collarbone, and armpits are swollen. I've been tested for HIV twice (negative), most STDs, and had three blood tests run.

So what it comes down to is: possible mono, jaw inflammation, a tumor, or an insignificant virus. I pray it isn't cancer because my family has a fatal history with it. Going to the doctor tomorrow yet again.