lymph nodes

Cultural  

1. Small, rounded structures along the small vessels of the lymphatic system that produce disease-fighting white blood cells and filter out harmful microorganisms and toxins from the lymph. Lymph nodes may become enlarged when they are actively fighting infection.

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Example Sentences

Anthony had 44 lymph nodes from his neck removed, and the primary tumour, at the base of his tongue, was eventually found using robotic-assisted surgery.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Coulier, 66, first revealed his cancer battle in November 2024, telling People and NBC’s “Today” that his lymphoma diagnosis came after he contracted an upper respiratory infection that caused major swelling in his lymph nodes.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Although his cancer has not spread to distant body parts, it had spread to nearby lymph nodes.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

The condition and function of lymph nodes appear to influence how effectively the immune system produces cancer-fighting T cells, which can directly affect treatment outcomes.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

New tumors seemed to appear daily—on her lymph nodes, hip bones, labia—and she spent most days with a fever up to 105.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot