Almost everyone will experience a swollen lymph node at some point. That’s because these structures are designed to filter germs and other impurities from the body. Show Lymph nodes become swollen as they trap viruses, harmful bacteria and damaged cells, then attempt to destroy them with lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight off infection. But swollen lymph nodes can also be a sign of cancer, including a type of blood cancer called lymphoma. So, when are swollen lymph nodes just a sign of infection, as opposed to a symptom of lymphoma? We checked in with lymphoma and myeloma specialist Felipe Samaniego, M.D. How often do swollen lymph nodes appear as the first sign of lymphoma in undiagnosed patients? That’s kind of hard to say. By the time we see most patients here at MD Anderson, they’ve already been diagnosed elsewhere or been told there’s a strong possibility that whatever it is that they have is cancer. That being said, in the greater community, swollen lymph nodes among undiagnosed patients tend to fall into one of two categories:
What are the most common places in the body where swollen lymph nodes occur as a sign of lymphoma? Most will be in the neck, because the mouth and throat — or oropharyngeal tract — are the main gateway for things to get inside our bodies. So, we need to have a good defense system there. But patients can find swollen lymph nodes in other places, too — especially where they lie close to the skin’s surface, like the groin area (where the leg meets the trunk) and the axilla, or armpit. Lymphoma is actually detected pretty frequently during mammograms, because the field of view also covers the armpit, so it reveals swollen lymph nodes in that area. Occasionally, patients may develop swollen lymph nodes all over their bodies, but this is relatively rare. Is there a way to tell the difference between cancerous swollen lymph nodes and non-cancerous ones? Anyone who’s really concerned about a swollen lymph node should go see their doctor. But here are some general guidelines:
What are other common symptoms of lymphoma? In lymphoma’s earliest stages, patients often report itchy, inflamed skin or unexplained rashes. In more advanced cases, where patients have large tumors, we start seeing weight loss, fevers, night sweats, and fatigue. Some experience painful muscle aches after drinking alcohol, too, though that is fairly unusual. When should someone see their doctor about a swollen lymph node? Swollen lymph nodes usually just mean your body is working the way it’s supposed to. But if a swollen lymph node keeps getting bigger or doesn’t resolve on its own within two weeks, get it checked out. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789. Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a common infection, but they can also signal a medical condition, such as an immune disorder or, rarely, a type of cancer. Lymph nodes are small, round structures that play a vital role in the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are also known as swollen glands. In this article, we look at the causes of swollen lymph nodes, when to see a doctor, and treatment options. The lymph nodes collect and filter fluids, waste materials, and harmful germs. The human body has hundreds of lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes that people may see or feel are found:
Lymph fluid flows in and out of the lymph nodes throughout the body before finally making its way back to the chest. While doing so, it collects and traps harmful matter, such as bacteria, viruses, and bodily waste products. The lymph nodes filter the fluid and release it back into the bloodstream together with salts and proteins. Lymph nodes also contain immune cells that help fight infection by attacking the germs that the body’s lymph fluid has collected. The lymph nodes may swell when a person has a temporary infection. The swelling occurs as a result of immune cell activity in the lymph nodes. The location of the swelling often relates to the affected area. For example, an ear infection may cause swollen lymph nodes near the ear, while someone with an upper respiratory tract infection may notice swollen lymph nodes in their neck. People can check whether their lymph nodes are swollen by gently pressing around the area, such as the side of the neck. Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps, and they may be the size of a pea or a grape. They might be tender to the touch, which indicates inflammation. In some cases, the lymph nodes will also look larger than usual. Lymph nodes appear in parallel on both sides of the body. People can check the nodes on each side and compare them to see if one is larger than the other, which is likely to indicate swelling. Many people with swollen glands also experience pain while making sudden or strained movements. Such movements include sharply turning the neck, bobbing the head, or eating foods that are difficult to chew. Swollen lymph nodes often occur alongside other symptoms. These vary depending on the underlying problem but may include a sore throat, cough, or flu-like symptoms. Many different conditions cause the lymph nodes to swell, particularly the nodes in the head and neck. These conditions include autoimmune disorders, specific types of cancer, and common infections, such as the flu. Certain medications, such as antimalarials and antiseizure drugs, can also cause swelling. Most people have localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up. When more than one region swells, this is called generalized lymphadenopathy, and it usually signifies a systemic, or body-wide, disease that may require medical attention. In the following sections, we discuss the possible causes of swollen lymph nodes in more detail. InfectionsShare on PinterestColds and flu may cause swollen lymph nodes.The infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes are mostly viral. Common infections include:
More severe infections that can cause swelling in one or multiple lymph node areas include:
Cat scratch fever, which is also called cat scratch disease, can cause localized lymph node swelling in the area near the cat scratch. Immune system disordersImmune disorders that can cause swollen lymph glands include:
CancersMuch less commonly, swollen lymph nodes can also indicate a malignancy, or cancer, including:
Certain risk factors make a person more likely to have a malignant lymph problem, such as lymphoma. These include:
People with a malignant lymph node may notice that the node feels hard or rubbery. They may also experience systemic symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Swelling in the groin lymph nodesSexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and gonorrhea, can cause swollen lymph nodes, typically in the groin area. Lymph nodes in the groin are also known as inguinal lymph nodes. Recurring infections, lower body infections, and injury to the legs can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin. In many cases, swelling reduces and then disappears within 2 to 3 weeks once the body has successfully fought the infection. If the problem persists for longer than a couple of weeks, it might warrant a visit to the doctor. Other reasons to visit the doctor include:
A doctor can often diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes by carrying out a physical examination with a focus on the affected area and by discussing the person’s symptoms and medical history. However, they may also order medical tests to determine the cause of the swelling. These tests may include a routine blood test to look for signs of infection. Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the surrounding structures of the body. Imaging tests include:
If the swelling continues for several weeks or a person has other warning signs, a doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and remove a section of lymph node tissue to send to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Alternatively, they may opt for fine needle aspiration, which involves using a needle to remove some cells from the lymph node for analysis. Share on PinterestDrinking plenty of fluids will help reduce symptoms that an infection may cause.Lymph node swelling will usually disappear once the infection clears. The swelling may also go away when the person takes prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication if a person has tissue swelling. If an underlying medical condition is responsible for the lymph nodes swelling, treating this condition should reduce the swelling. Common home remedies to treat the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include:
Swollen lymph nodes are usually a symptom of another condition, such as an infection, and they tend to resolve on their own within several weeks. It is best to consult a doctor if swollen lymph nodes persist for longer than 3 weeks or occur alongside other symptoms, such as high fever, abdominal pain, or night sweats. The cause of the swelling will determine the treatment. Read the article in Spanish. When should I worry about swollen lymph nodes in neck?See your doctor if you're concerned or if your swollen lymph nodes: Have appeared for no apparent reason. Continue to enlarge or have been present for two to four weeks. Feel hard or rubbery, or don't move when you push on them.
What causes the glands in your neck to swell?Lymph nodes produce immune cells to help fight infection. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. They can become swollen from inflammatory conditions, an abscess, cancer, and most commonly from infection.
How do you get rid of swollen glands on your neck?Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers.
What do swollen glands indicate?Swollen lymph nodes mean your body's immune system is working to clear away infection and/or invading viruses or bacteria. Many people call them swollen glands even though they're really not glands, but part of your lymphatic system.
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Why do i have swollen glands in my neck
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