Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are present throughout the body. There are nearly 600 to 700 of these bean shaped glands that lie like bulbs at certain junctions of the lymphatic channels.

These are an important part of the immune system. These act as filters to remove the germs, infections, toxins etc. that the lymph brings from the tissues of the body.

Why do lymph nodes swell?

Because lymph nodes play an important part in fighting infections, in case of an infection they may swell. This may mean swelling of one or more lymph nodes.

In children a node is considered enlarged if it is more than 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter.

Where are the lymph nodes situated?

Lymph nodes lie in clusters at the –

  • Armpits
  • Groin
  • Sides of the neck, back of the scalp and behind the ears
  • Under the lower jaw and the chin

Common conditions that lead to swollen lymph nodes

There are some common conditions that lead to swollen lymph nodes, these include infections, cancer and other diseases. (1-4)

Infections

Infections, such as boils, abscesses or skin infections can cause swelling in the linked lymph node.

For example, if there is a major infection of the hand, there may be swollen glands at the armpit.

Infections are the commonest cause of swollen lymph nodes.

This type of lymph node swelling is usually painful. The nodes appear warm, red and are tender to touch.

There may be accompanying symptoms like fever with body aches, chills etc.

Some common causes include ear infections, gum or tooth abscess or infections, tonsillitis, skin infections, cellulitis etc.

The condition with swollen lymph nodes is termed lymphadenopathy. If there is accompanying inflammation of the nodes the condition is termed lymphadenitis.

Cancer

Lymph nodes may be swollen if a cancer or tumor from the end of the lymphatic channels has spread to the glands.

For example, if a breast tumor or cancer has spread to the lymph nodes that drain lymphatic channels from the breast, there may be swollen lymph nodes at the arm pit.

This type of lymph node swelling is usually painless.

Some blood cancers and those affecting lymph channels like Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma also lead to lymph node swelling.

Other diseases

Other diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis and HIV AIDS infection may also lead to lymph node swelling.

How long does the swelling last?

In case of infections the swollen lymph nodes usually disappears in a couple of days without treatment.

Antibiotics and over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol (Acetaminophen) or ibuprofen may be taken to relieve the pain and inflammation.

If the glands are swollen due to viral infections like rubella (German measles), glandular fever or mononucleosis usually they may affect the glands of the whole body.

Treatment usually involves addressing the symptoms, plenty of rest and clear fluids.

However, it may be time to call the health care provider if the lymph nodes do not get smaller after several weeks or enlarge progressively.

It is also a sign of cancer if the lymph nodes feel hard, rubbery, and painless or fixed to the underlying structures.

It is especially important to contact the doctor if this swelling is accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss that is a feature of lymphomas.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, June 10). Swollen lymph nodes. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 08, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Swollen-lymph-nodes.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Swollen lymph nodes". News-Medical. 08 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Swollen-lymph-nodes.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Swollen lymph nodes". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Swollen-lymph-nodes.aspx. (accessed December 08, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Swollen lymph nodes. News-Medical, viewed 08 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Swollen-lymph-nodes.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Study finds early pancreatic cancer staging often inaccurate