Swollen Lymph Nodes

What are lymph nodes?

Reference Lymph nodes Opens New Window are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They are part of the Reference lymphatic system Opens New Window, which carries fluid (lymph fluid), nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system is an important part of the Reference immune system Opens New Window, the body's defense system against disease. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Lymph nodes may be found singly or in groups. And they may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an olive. Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms. Lymph nodes generally are not tender or painful. Most lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt.

What causes swollen lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.

• The glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. Glands can also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.
• Glands in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes) may swell from an injury or infection to the arm or hand. A rare cause of axillary swelling may be breast cancer or Reference lymphoma Opens New Window.
• The lymph nodes in the groin (femoral or inguinal lymph nodes) may swell from an injury or infection in the foot, leg, groin, or genitals. In rare cases, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or Reference melanoma Opens New Window may cause a lump in this area.
• Glands above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes) may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen.

Reference Common sites for swollen lymph nodes Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window include the neck, groin, and underarms.

What does it mean when lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body?

When lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. This may be caused by:

• A viral illness, such as Reference measles Opens New Window, Reference rubella Opens New Window, Reference chickenpox (varicella) Opens New Window, or Reference mumps Opens New Window.
• Reference Mononucleosis Opens New Window (Epstein-Barr virus), which results in fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or Reference cytomegalovirus (CMV) Opens New Window, a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis.
• A bacterial illness, such as strep throat (caused by the Reference streptococcus Opens New Window bacterium) or Reference Lyme disease Opens New Window (a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks).
• Side effects of phenytoin (Dilantin), a medicine used to prevent Reference seizures Opens New Window.
• Side effects of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.
• Cancer, such as Reference leukemia Opens New Window, Reference Hodgkin's disease Opens New Window, and Reference non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Opens New Window.
• Reference Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Opens New Window, which develops after contracting Reference HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) Opens New Window. This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some disease.
• Reference Syphilis Opens New Window, a sexually transmitted disease.

How are swollen lymph nodes treated?

Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own. If cancer is suspected, a Reference biopsy Opens New Window may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Any swollen lymph nodes that don't go away or return to normal size over about a month should be checked by your doctor.

How long will lymph nodes remain swollen?

Lymph nodes may remain swollen or firm long after an initial infection is gone. This is especially true in children, whose glands may decrease in size while remaining firm and visible for many weeks.

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