Mesenteric Lymph Nodes

The mesenteric lymph nodes are located in the walls of the intestines and stomach, in between the (the membrane that attaches the intestine to the abdominal wall) layers. The membrane provides lubrication so that the organs can move within the abdominal cavity. There are between 100-150 nodes located there. When these lymph nodes are enlarged or swollen it is known as mesenteric lymphadenitis. Swollen lymph nodes in this area usually shrink on their own within a few days and usually isn’t serious. It is rare, but swollen lymph nodes between the mesentery layers can be because of cancer.

Lymph Node Function

The body has thousands of lymph nodes throughout the body that are constantly filtering lymph fluid. It is an important part of the immune system because debris, bacteria, cancer cells, etc. are trapped in the lymph nodes to protect the body. When the nodes become over whelmed they may become enlarged. Commonly they will return to normal size once the infection or other illness passes. Sometimes, like in the case of cancer, surgery will need to be done to remove the affected lymph nodes for a biopsy to accurately diagnose and stage cancer. It is rare for the mesenteric lymph nodes to be cancerous, but it does occur. There are other causes for these nodes to swell.

Swollen Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Causes

Most people don’t even realize that their mesenteric lymph nodes are swollen. They may experience pain similar to an appendicitis attack or other stomach problems. Often the symptoms will pass without treatment. Sometimes the related infection or illness will need to be treated for the symptoms to disappear. Cancer of these lymph nodes rarely is the cause of them becoming swollen. When the cause is cancer, it can be from widespread cancer or cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. More common causes of swollen lymph nodes in the mesentery layers include the following:

• Large intestine infection
• Bacterial, viral or parasitic infection of the intestines
• Lower abdomen abscesses
• Peritonitis

Usually swollen mesenteric lymph nodes occur in children or teens and it is known as mesenteric lymphadenitis.

Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

When the lymph nodes in the mesentery layers are swollen a person will be diagnosed with mesenteric lymphadenitis. This usually occurs when a scan is done for some other illness and during the procedure, it is discovered that the mesenteric lymph nodes are enlarged. Once diagnosis is made, further tests will be done to determine the cause and what the most effective the course of treatment will be, if treatment is needed. Often no treatment is needed. The difference between an appendicitis attack and mesenteric lymphadenitis is that the symptoms disappear on their own when the cause is mesenteric lymph nodes and the nodes return to normal size, usually without intervention, but an appendicitis attack will need to be treated.

It is rare that swollen or enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes will need to be removed for a biopsy or need any other treatment. Often once the related infection (bacterial, viral, or parasitic) is treated there is no further symptoms or problems with the lymph nodes. In rare cases it can be from cancer and only a medical professional will need to make a diagnosis.