US Medical Term · anatomy
Lymph Node
Ganglio linfático
Also: Nódulo linfático (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Lymph Node |
| Spanish (Español) | Ganglio linfático |
| Chinese (中文) | 淋巴結 |
| Korean (한국어) | 림프절 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hạch bạch huyết |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Lymph node |
| Portuguese (Português) | Linfonodo |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ต่อมน้ำเหลือง |
| Japanese (日本語) | リンパ節 |
What it means
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the body's immune system. They act as filters, trapping bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells that travel through the lymphatic vessels. Dozens of lymph nodes are found throughout the body, including in the neck, armpits, and groin. In the head and neck region, lymph nodes are grouped in clusters around the jaw, under the chin, along the sides of the neck, and at the base of the skull. When you have an infection, nearby lymph nodes often become swollen and tender — this is a sign the immune system is working. Persistently enlarged lymph nodes may indicate chronic infection, autoimmune disease, or lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and should be evaluated by a doctor.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a swollen lump in my neck that the doctor said is an enlarged lymph node.
Tengo un bulto inflamado en el cuello que el doctor dijo que es un ganglio linfático agrandado.
How long should a swollen lymph node in my neck take to go down after an infection?
¿Cuánto tiempo debe tardar en bajar un ganglio linfático inflamado en el cuello después de una infección?
The biopsy of my lymph node came back and the doctor wants to discuss the results.
La biopsia de mi ganglio linfático regresó y el doctor quiere hablar sobre los resultados.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026