A member asked:

What is a normal size [mm] lymph nodes in the mediastinum bilateral hilum? i have the sizes of mine, but not sure how large mine are in comparison.

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Varies: Lymph nodes vary in sizes with each person and may be bigger in others due to their personal exposures. They can be anywhere from a few mm's to cms. What's more important is change in size and underlying abnormality.

Answered 9/2/2013

4.9k views

Thank
Dr. Michael Miller answered

Specializes in Wound care

Size not important: Lymphatic system absorbs/carries things too big to go into the arteries/veins like bacteria eaten by white cells and digested food. Lymph nodes "taste" the lymph for anything bad like bacteria/viruses/cancers, etc. When it detects a problem, it alerts the immune system and your body reacts. They enlarge in response to the inflammation they create when they react. They shrink when all is well.

Answered 10/7/2013

4.8k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more