Lymph nodes on my neck. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

04.07.202327.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of swollen lymph nodes. How can you identify swollen lymph nodes. When should you seek medical attention for swollen lymph nodes. What treatment options are available for swollen lymph nodes.

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What Are Lymph Nodes and Their Function in the Body?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in our immune system. They are part of the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that help filter and circulate lymph – a clear fluid containing white blood cells. These nodes are strategically located throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen.

The primary function of lymph nodes is to act as filters, trapping harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. They also serve as production sites for lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections and diseases. When the body is fighting an infection or illness, lymph nodes can become swollen as they work overtime to filter out harmful substances.

Where are lymph nodes commonly found?

Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body, but some of the most noticeable locations include:

Neck (cervical lymph nodes)
Under the jaw (submandibular lymph nodes)
Behind the ears (retroauricular lymph nodes)
Above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes)
Armpits (axillary lymph nodes)
Groin (inguinal lymph nodes)

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, can occur for various reasons. While they are often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, there can be other underlying causes. Understanding these can help you determine when to seek medical attention.

Infectious Causes

Infections are the most common reason for lymph node swelling. Depending on the location of the swollen nodes, different types of infections may be responsible:

Upper respiratory infections (common cold, flu, strep throat)
Ear infections
Sinus infections
Tooth infections or abscesses
Skin infections
Mononucleosis (mono)
HIV
Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea)
Cat scratch fever
Toxoplasmosis
Tuberculosis
Shingles

Non-Infectious Causes

While less common, non-infectious causes of swollen lymph nodes should not be overlooked:

Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia)
Allergic reactions to medications
Stress
Gingivitis
Mouth sores

Recognizing Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Identifying swollen lymph nodes is crucial for early detection and treatment of underlying conditions. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause and location of the swollen nodes.

How do swollen lymph nodes feel?

Swollen lymph nodes typically feel like small, firm bumps under the skin. They can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a cherry. In some cases, they may be tender to touch or painful when pressure is applied. The swelling may be noticeable when you run your hand over the affected area, such as along your neck or under your jawline.

Associated Symptoms

Depending on the underlying cause, swollen lymph nodes may be accompanied by other symptoms:

Fever
Fatigue
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Sore throat
Runny nose or congestion
Cough
Skin rash or redness
General feeling of illness

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Lymph Nodes?

While swollen lymph nodes are often harmless and resolve on their own, there are instances when medical attention is necessary. Understanding when to consult a healthcare professional can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of any underlying conditions.

Red Flags for Seeking Immediate Medical Care

You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Lymph nodes that are rapidly increasing in size
Nodes that are hard, fixed in place, or feel irregular
Persistent swelling for more than two weeks without any signs of improvement
Swollen nodes accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever
Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swollen nodes in the neck or throat
Redness or inflammation of the skin over the swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body without an apparent cause

What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

When you visit a healthcare provider for swollen lymph nodes, they will typically perform the following:

Take a detailed medical history, including recent illnesses, injuries, or exposures
Conduct a physical examination to assess the size, consistency, and tenderness of the lymph nodes
Order blood tests to check for infections or other underlying conditions
Possibly recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI for a more detailed view of the affected area
In some cases, perform a biopsy to examine the lymph node tissue for signs of cancer or other diseases

Diagnostic Approaches for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of swollen lymph nodes is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic methods to determine the root cause of lymphadenopathy.

Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosing swollen lymph nodes is a thorough physical examination. During this process, the healthcare provider will:

Palpate the affected area to assess the size, consistency, and tenderness of the lymph nodes
Check for swelling in other parts of the body
Look for signs of infection or other associated symptoms
Evaluate the overall health status of the patient

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests are often ordered to help identify the cause of swollen lymph nodes. These may include:

Complete blood count (CBC) to check for signs of infection or blood disorders
C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to assess inflammation levels
Specific tests for suspected infections (e.g., mono test, HIV test, tuberculosis test)
Autoimmune markers if an autoimmune disorder is suspected

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to get a more detailed view of the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. Common imaging techniques include:

Ultrasound: A non-invasive method to visualize the size and structure of lymph nodes
CT scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the affected area
MRI: Offers high-resolution images without using radiation
PET scan: Can detect areas of increased metabolic activity, which may indicate cancer

Biopsy

If cancer or a specific disease is suspected, a biopsy may be necessary. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the lymph node for microscopic examination. Types of biopsies include:

Fine-needle aspiration: A thin needle is used to extract a small sample of cells
Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is used to remove a small cylinder of tissue
Excisional biopsy: The entire lymph node is surgically removed for examination

Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, especially when the swelling is due to a minor infection, the nodes will return to normal size on their own without specific treatment. However, there are various approaches to managing swollen lymph nodes and their associated symptoms.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild cases of swollen lymph nodes caused by common infections, self-care measures can be effective:

Apply warm compresses to the affected area to promote circulation and reduce discomfort
Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain and reduce fever
Get plenty of rest to support your immune system
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
Avoid tight clothing or jewelry that may irritate the swollen area

Medical Treatments

Depending on the underlying cause, medical treatments may include:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Antiviral medications for certain viral infections
Antifungal drugs for fungal infections
Anti-inflammatory medications for autoimmune disorders
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer-related lymph node swelling

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary:

Lymph node removal: If a lymph node is persistently enlarged or suspected of harboring cancer cells
Drainage: For lymph nodes that have become abscessed
Biopsy: To obtain tissue samples for definitive diagnosis

Prevention and Long-Term Management of Lymph Node Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent swollen lymph nodes, there are steps you can take to maintain overall lymphatic health and reduce the risk of complications.

Lifestyle Factors for Lymphatic Health

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can support your lymphatic system:

Regular exercise: Promotes lymph circulation and overall immune function
Proper hydration: Helps maintain fluid balance in the lymphatic system
Balanced diet: Provides essential nutrients to support immune health
Stress management: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system
Adequate sleep: Allows the body to repair and regenerate

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of infections that can cause lymph node swelling:

Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
Avoid close contact with people who have contagious illnesses
Use protection during sexual activity to prevent STIs
Take care of your oral health to prevent dental infections

Long-Term Monitoring

For individuals with chronic conditions or a history of lymph node issues:

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
Self-examination to monitor for any changes in lymph node size or texture
Prompt medical attention for any new or concerning symptoms
Adherence to prescribed treatments for underlying conditions

Understanding the Impact of Cancer on Lymph Nodes

While most cases of swollen lymph nodes are benign, it’s important to understand the relationship between cancer and the lymphatic system. Cancer can affect lymph nodes in several ways, and understanding this relationship is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

How Cancer Spreads to Lymph Nodes

Cancer can spread to lymph nodes through a process called metastasis. This occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the lymphatic system or bloodstream to other parts of the body. Lymph nodes are often the first place where cancer spreads beyond its original location.

When cancer cells reach a lymph node, they can:

Grow and form a new tumor within the lymph node
Use the lymph node as a gateway to spread to other parts of the body
Be trapped and destroyed by the immune cells within the lymph node

Types of Cancer Commonly Affecting Lymph Nodes

While any cancer can potentially spread to lymph nodes, some types are more likely to do so:

Breast cancer
Melanoma
Head and neck cancers
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer

Additionally, there are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system itself, such as:

Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Leukemia

Implications for Cancer Staging and Prognosis

The presence of cancer in lymph nodes plays a significant role in determining the stage of cancer and the overall prognosis. Generally, cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes is considered more advanced than cancer confined to its original location. This information helps oncologists determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Factors considered in lymph node evaluation include:

Number of affected lymph nodes
Size of the cancerous deposits within the nodes
Location of the affected nodes relative to the primary tumor
Whether the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other organs

Understanding the impact of cancer on lymph nodes underscores the importance of regular check-ups and prompt investigation of persistent swollen lymph nodes, especially in individuals with risk factors for cancer.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Symptoms, Causes, and More

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. During an infection, they accumulate bacteria, or dead or diseased cells.

When a person has an infection, they may notice swollen lymph nodes in part of the body near the infection site, such as their neck, armpit, jaw, or groin.

For instance, a person with a sore throat due to COVID-19 may have swollen lymph nodes in their neck. They may also have other symptoms of an infection, such as coughing, fatigue, and fever.

Cancer that develops in or spreads to the lymph nodes may also be swollen. In this case, the reason for swelling may be a tumor.

In this article, find out more about why lymph nodes become swollen, what it might mean, and when to see a doctor.

The lymphatic system consists of channels throughout your body that are similar to blood vessels. Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body. They can be found underneath the skin in many areas, including:

in the armpits
under the jaw
above the collarbone
on either side of the neck
on either side of the groin

Lymph nodes store white blood cells, which are responsible for killing invading organisms.

They also act like a checkpoint. When bacteria, viruses, and abnormal or diseased cells pass through the lymph channels, the lymph nodes detect and stop them.

When faced with an infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells.

Lymphadenopathy is another name for swelling in the lymph nodes. Symptoms that may be present along with swollen lymph nodes in the neck, for instance, are:

coughing
fatigue
fever
chills
runny nose
sweating

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may occur with a pelvic infection. They can cause pain when walking or bending.

Swollen lymph nodes are one sign that your lymphatic system is working to rid your body of infection and illness.

Infections

Lymph nodes swell when an infection occurs in the area where they’re located. For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold.

Lymph nodes that swell due to an infection may be painful.

Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck may stem from infections such as:

ear infection
sinus infection
the flu
strep throat
mononucleosis (mono)
tooth infection, including an abscessed tooth
skin infection
HIV

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis or gonorrhea can bring about lymph node swelling in the groin area.

Other possible causes include:

cat scratch fever
tonsillitis
toxoplasmosis
tuberculosis
shingles

Noninfectious causes

Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers, can cause lymph nodes throughout the body to swell.

Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Any cancers that spread in the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases. Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell.

Cancers that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

leukemia
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Sézary syndrome, a rare type of lymphoma

Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include, but aren’t limited to:

some medications, such as antiseizure and antimalarial drugs
allergic reactions to medications
stress
gingivitis
mouth sores

What happens when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes can be as small as peas or as large as cherries.

They can be painful to the touch, or they can hurt when you make certain movements.

Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or on either side of the neck may hurt when you turn your head in a certain way or you’re chewing food. They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline. They may be tender as well.

Learn more about lymph node inflammation.

If you’ve recently become ill or had an injury, let a doctor know. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms.

The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis.

After you discuss the symptoms with the doctor, they’ll perform a physical examination.

This consists of:

checking the size of your lymph nodes
feeling them to see if they’re tender
checking the consistency, whether they are hard and firm versus soft and moveable
discussing whether they have changed or become larger over time

After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases.

If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell. Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:

X-rays
ultrasounds
CT scans

If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI.

In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI. In this case, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This is a minimally invasive test that consists of using thin, needle-like tools to remove a sample of cells from the lymph node. The cells are then sent to a laboratory where they’re tested for major diseases, such as cancer.

If necessary, the doctor may remove the entire lymph node.

Swollen lymph nodes may become smaller on their own without any treatment. In some cases, the doctor may wish to monitor them without treatment.

In the case of an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications to eliminate the condition responsible for the swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor might also recommend medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their usual size until the cancer is treated. Cancer treatment may involve removing the tumor or any affected lymph nodes. It may also involve chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.

Your doctor will discuss which treatment option is best for you.

The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that may cause them. Some steps you can take are below:

Practice proper dental hygiene to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Wash your hands frequently.
Get vaccinated against conditions such as shingles, tuberculosis, and the flu.
Avoid sharing food, beverages, or personal items such as towels with anyone who has a contagious infection such as mono or a cold.
Use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual activity.
Ask your doctor about switching your medications if you’re having an adverse or allergic reaction.
Avoid feral cats or letting your pet cats play outdoors.

If you experience any of the symptoms that sometimes accompany swollen lymph nodes, or if you have painful swollen lymph nodes and no other symptoms, talk with a doctor. Lymph nodes that are swollen but not tender can be signs of a serious problem.

In some cases, the swollen lymph node will get smaller as other symptoms go away. If a lymph node is swollen and painful or if the swelling lasts more than a few days, also see a doctor.

When should you worry about a swollen lymph node?

You should seek medical advice if lymph nodes:

are very swollen
are becoming bigger
either are tender or are not tender
do not resolve within a few days
occur with other symptoms you have concerns about

What is the main cause of swollen lymph nodes?

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes occur alongside an infection. They are a sign that the body is fighting the infection and stopping it from causing serious harm in the body.

In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes made be a sign of cancer, including lymphoma or leukemia. These lymph nodes tend to not be tender and not associated with an obvious infection or injury.

They may also occur with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus.

Are swollen lymph nodes serious?

In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are not serious but indicate that the immune system is doing its job. However, they can indicate an infection that needs medical attention.

Persistent swelling in the lymph nodes that occurs without other signs of an infection can indicate some types of cancer.

What does a swollen lymph feel like?

You may be able to feel a swollen lymph node with your fingers, although this is not always possible, as some are quite deep in the body or do not swell enough to become noticeable.

Sometimes, there is pain with the swelling, or it may be painful, for example, to turn the head.

Swelling without pain may be a sign of a tumor. Under the arm, it may indicate that breast cancer is spreading.

Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign of an infection somewhere in the body. You may notice swelling and tenderness, for instance, in the neck, groin, or armpits, alongside other symptoms, such as a sore throat.

Swelling in the lymph nodes can occur with some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. If you have concerns about swollen lymph nodes, it is best to seek medical help, especially if the swelling persists or if you have other worrisome symptoms.

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