Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

lymph
The almost colorless fluid that travels
through the lymphatic system, carrying cells that
help fight infection and disease.
lymph gland
See 
lymph node.
lymph node
One of many small, bean-shaped
organs located throughout the lymphatic system.
The lymph nodes are important in the function of
the immune response and also store special cells
that can trap cancer cells or bacteria that are trav-
eling through the body through the lymph. Also
known as lymph gland.
lymph node, sentinel
The first lymph node to
receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor. The sen-
tinel node for a given tumor is found by injecting a
tracer substance around the tumor. This substance
then travels through the lymphatic system to the sen-
tinel node. The tracer substance may be a blue dye
that can be tracked visually or a radioactive colloid
that can be followed radiologically. Biopsy of the
sentinel lymph node can reveal whether cancer has
spread through the lymphatic system. If the sentinel
node contains tumor cells, removal of more nodes
in the area may be warranted.
lymphadenitis
The enlargement and/or inflam-
mation of a lymph node. Lymphadenitis may have
multiple causes and may involve a single lymph
node or a group of lymph nodes. See also 
lymph
node.
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lymphadenitis
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lymphadenitis, regional
See 
cat scratch fever.
lymphadenopathy
Abnormally enlarged lymph
nodes. Commonly called swollen glands.
lymphadenopathy virus
See 
HIV.