Swollen lymph nodes – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer.

Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections. They function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of your body. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Lymph node locations

Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Swollen lymph nodes

One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. The inset shows three swollen lymph nodes below the lower jaw.

In some cases, the passage of time and warm compresses may be all you need to treat swollen lymph nodes. If an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the cause.

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Symptoms

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Many lymph nodes are located in your head and neck region. Lymph nodes that frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When your lymph nodes first swell, you might notice:

• Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
• Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodes

Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:

• Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
• General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this occurs, it may indicate an infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or mononucleosis, or an immune system disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating a possible cancer or lymphoma
• Fever
• Night sweats

When to see a doctor

Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying condition, such as a minor infection, gets better. 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
• Are accompanied by persistent fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss

Seek immediate medical care if you’re having difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Causes

Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped clusters of cells. Inside lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.

Lymph nodes are located in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. You may be more likely to notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin. The site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause.

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Common infections

• Strep throat
• Measles
• Ear infections
• Infected (abscessed) tooth
• Mononucleosis
• Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS

Uncommon infections

• Tuberculosis
• Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis
• Toxoplasmosis — a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
• Cat scratch fever — a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite

Immune system disorders

• Lupus — a chronic inflammatory disease that targets your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs
• Rheumatoid arthritis — a chronic inflammatory disease targeting the tissue that lines your joints (synovium)

Cancers

• Lymphoma — cancer that originates in your lymphatic system
• Leukemia — cancer of your body’s blood-forming tissue, including your bone marrow and lymphatic system
• Other cancers that have spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes

Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin) and preventive medications for malaria.

Complications

If infection is the cause of your swollen lymph nodes and isn’t treated, an abscess may form. Abscesses are localized collections of pus caused by infections. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. An abscess may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer.

Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections. They function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of your body. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Lymph node locations

Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Swollen lymph nodes

One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. The inset shows three swollen lymph nodes below the lower jaw.

In some cases, the passage of time and warm compresses may be all you need to treat swollen lymph nodes. If an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the cause.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Many lymph nodes are located in your head and neck region. Lymph nodes that frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When your lymph nodes first swell, you might notice:

• Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
• Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodes

Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:

• Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
• General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this occurs, it may indicate an infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or mononucleosis, or an immune system disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating a possible cancer or lymphoma
• Fever
• Night sweats

When to see a doctor

Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying condition, such as a minor infection, gets better. 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
• Are accompanied by persistent fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss

Seek immediate medical care if you’re having difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Causes

Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped clusters of cells. Inside lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.

Lymph nodes are located in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. You may be more likely to notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin. The site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause.

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Common infections

• Strep throat
• Measles
• Ear infections
• Infected (abscessed) tooth
• Mononucleosis
• Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS

Uncommon infections

• Tuberculosis
• Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis
• Toxoplasmosis — a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
• Cat scratch fever — a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite

Immune system disorders

• Lupus — a chronic inflammatory disease that targets your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs
• Rheumatoid arthritis — a chronic inflammatory disease targeting the tissue that lines your joints (synovium)

Cancers

• Lymphoma — cancer that originates in your lymphatic system
• Leukemia — cancer of your body’s blood-forming tissue, including your bone marrow and lymphatic system
• Other cancers that have spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes

Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin) and preventive medications for malaria.

Complications

If infection is the cause of your swollen lymph nodes and isn’t treated, an abscess may form. Abscesses are localized collections of pus caused by infections. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. An abscess may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

symptoms, causes, classification, what to do with inflammation of the lymph nodes

Therapist deals with the treatment of this disease

The information provided on this page should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. If you suspect a disease, you should seek help from a qualified specialist. Only your doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Article content:

• What is the lymphatic system
• Functions of the lymph nodes
• What is lymphadenitis
• Causes
• Disease classification
• Symptoms
• Routes of infection
• Possible complications
• When to see a doctor
• Diagnostics
• Methods of treatment
• Disease prognosis and prevention

What is inflammation of the lymph nodes?

The lymphatic system ensures the normal functioning of the immune system, internal organs and tissues. One of the most common diseases of the lymphatic system is lymphadenitis of the lymph nodes. The disease has a different etiology, symptoms and degree of danger to health. In the article we will talk about how to recognize the pathology and what methods of treatment exist.

What is the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of lymph vessels and nodes. These vessels transport a special liquid – lymph. It is responsible for the transport of proteins, salts and metabolites into the blood.

Lymph nodes act as a filter. They purify the lymph from pathogenic microorganisms and foreign substances, due to which purified and safe lymphatic fluid enters the bloodstream. Source:
The role of lymph nodes in human life. Okunyaka O.M., Tumasyan T.I. Bulletin of science. 2019. №3. pp.60-62.

The lymphatic system performs three main functions:

1. Participates in immune defense. Together with the flow of lymph, pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph nodes, where they are recognized and destroyed.
2. Maintains proper fluid levels in tissues. With an excessive amount of fluid, the lymphatic vessels “drain” organs and tissues.
3. Produces fat metabolism. Lymphatic vessels transport lipids, which are involved in almost all metabolic processes.

Functions of the lymph nodes

There are about 500 lymph nodes in the human body. They play the role of a barrier and a pump and perform several important functions:

• Hematopoietic. Lymph nodes are involved in the development of white blood cells – lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells of the immune system responsible for fighting various infections and diseases.
• Drainage, or transport. Lymph nodes play an important role in the transport of lymph, which enters the lymphatic vessels from the intercellular spaces of tissues. Due to this, exudate and metabolic products are utilized from the tissues.
• Barrier. Lymph nodes serve as a barrier to infected cells and microorganisms, preventing them from spreading throughout the body. They can also form antibodies that help neutralize and destroy infectious agents.

What is lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes. In most cases, this is not an independent disease, but a complication of the primary pathology. It is most often a sign of a bacterial, viral, fungal, or protozoal infection. Source:
Lymphadenopathy. Melikyan A.L., Egorova E.K., Kovrigina A.M. Clinical guidelines. 2018. p.5-30. Therefore, to find the cause of the inflammatory process, complex diagnostics are needed.

Depending on the etiology, one or more lymph nodes may become inflamed. With lymphadenitis, the following types of lymph nodes are usually affected:

• cervical;
• elbow;
• submandibular;
• popliteal;
• inguinal;
• axillary.

In lymphadenitis, the lymph node becomes enlarged and painful. This is due to an increase in the number of lymphocytes and other cells of the immune system that collect inside it. If an infectious agent has entered the lymph node and caused the formation of an abscess or abscess, purulent inflammation may develop.

In the absence of timely treatment, lymphadenitis provokes the development of dangerous complications: the spread of infection to other tissues and organs, the formation of fistulas, sepsis. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of illness.

Causes

Most common causes:

• Infections. In most cases, inflammation in the area of ​​the lymph node occurs precisely against the background of infection: tonsillitis, scarlet fever, stomatitis, SARS, influenza, tuberculosis, brucellosis, chicken pox, etc.
• Injuries and operations. Any injury, surgery and other damage to the lymph node can cause inflammation.
• Allergic reactions. Some allergens activate a cascade of inflammatory responses.
• Oncological diseases. Lymphadenitis sometimes becomes one of the signs of malignant tumors of the lymphatic system, especially lymphoma.
• Autoimmune diseases. Lymph node inflammation can accompany systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

In some cases, it is not possible to determine the etiology of inflammation of the lymph node. Then a diagnosis of “lymphadenitis, unspecified” is established.

Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation offer several classifications of lymphadenitis.

Origin:

• Primary. Occurs when an infection or other cause of inflammation occurs directly in the lymph node. This most commonly occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the body through a skin wound, or when certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, infect the lymphatic system.
• Secondary. Occurs when an infection or other cause of inflammation is localized not in the lymph node itself, but elsewhere in the body. In this case, the inflammatory process spreads from the primary focus to the lymph nodes through the lymphatic vessels. For example, secondary lymphadenitis can occur with an infection of the pharynx or teeth, as well as in the presence of cancer or blood diseases.

Intensity and duration of inflammation:

• Acute. It is characterized by an abrupt onset, rapid progression, and an acute inflammatory response. Usually acute lymphadenitis is accompanied by pain, swelling, redness of the skin, fever and other signs of inflammation. Source:
  Treatment of chronic tonsillitis and acute lymphadenitis. Pavlova K.V. Medicines and rational pharmacotherapy. 2022. No. 5-2. pp. 90-91.
• Chronic. It is characterized by a sluggish long course and a low intensity of the inflammatory process. Most often it develops against the background of untreated acute lymphadenitis. The chronic form is characterized by two periods: exacerbation and remission. In the first case, the clinical manifestations are pronounced, in the second – weakly or completely absent, an imaginary recovery occurs.
• Recurrent. It is characterized by periodic exacerbations of inflammation after a temporary improvement. Usually, relapses occur in the presence of a chronic infectious or inflammatory process in the body.

By the nature of inflammation:

• Purulent. It is characterized by the formation of pus inside the lymph node. It occurs as a result of an infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. As a rule, purulent lymphadenitis is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, redness of the skin and fever.
• Serous. It differs in the formation of serous fluid inside the affected lymph node, and the inflammatory process does not go beyond its capsule. Often found in children.

Localization:

• submandibular – usually occurs against the background of diseases of the oral cavity, teeth or pharynx;
• axillary – associated with infectious or oncological diseases of the breast;
• inguinal – occurs against the background of skin infections and skin lesions;
• cervical – develops when the pharynx, mouth, nose or ears are affected. Source:
  Diagnosis and management of cervical lymphadenitis. Skorlyakov V.V., Babiev V.F., Keshchyan S.S., Stagnieva I.V., Boyko N.V. Young scientist. 2017. No. 16. pp. 75-78;
• parotid – caused by infectious diseases of the ear or mouth;
• occipital – occurs against the background of pathologies of the skin or upper respiratory tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphadenitis depend on its type, location and cause. The most common signs of inflammation of the lymph node:

• swelling and soreness of the affected lymph node;
• redness of the skin in the affected area;
• general weakness, fatigue and fever;
• pain and discomfort when touching an affected lymph node;
• headache;
• sometimes – nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite;
• excessive sweating, especially at night;
• change in color and texture of the skin in the area of ​​an inflamed lymph node;
• appearance of spots on the skin or other rashes.

Ways of infection

The primary cause of secondary lymphadenitis can be:

• trophic ulcer;
• caries;
• otitis;
• influenza;
• tonsillitis;
• angina;
• herpes;
• tumor;
• tuberculosis and more.

Lymphadenitis sometimes develops due to skin lesions such as scratches, wounds, or insect bites, which can become entry gates for bacteria.

Possible complications

Many people don’t even realize the danger of lymphadenitis. Without timely treatment, the disease leads to various, including dangerous consequences. Most often, the following complications develop:

• abscess – a limited accumulation of pus in the tissues, surrounded by a membrane;
• sepsis is a severe infectious disease in which the infection spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream;
• compression of surrounding tissues – enlarged lymph nodes cause discomfort and put pressure on neighboring tissues;
• thrombophlebitis – inflammation of the venous wall with the formation of blood clots that can clog the lumen of the vein;
• fistula – the formation of a pathological channel as a result of the accumulation of purulent fluid.

When to see a doctor

Lymphadenitis is diagnosed and treated by a vascular surgeon. It is necessary to consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease. The specialist will prescribe a diagnosis to identify the cause of inflammation and tell what to do to the patient. Timely access to a doctor prevents the development of dangerous complications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lymphadenitis is aimed at finding the cause of the inflammatory process, assessing the current state of the lymph node and the body as a whole. For this, a comprehensive examination is used:

• Inspection. The doctor examines the skin at the site of the affected lymph node, evaluates its size, shape, texture, temperature and sensitivity of the skin.
• General and biochemical blood test. Analyzes confirm the inflammatory and infectious process.
• Biopsy. Taking a sample of a lymph node for histological examination allows you to determine the cellular composition of the tissue and differentiate the tumor. Source:
  Differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral lymphadenitis in children. Antonova S.S., Botvin’eva V.V., Sitnikov I.G. VSP. 2008. No. 3. pp.76-78.
• ultrasound. Ultrasound examination helps to determine the size and structure of the lymph node, as well as to identify the neoplasm.
• CT and MRI. The procedures are used for layer-by-layer study of the lymph node and surrounding soft tissues.
• Culture study. If lymphadenitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a bacterial culture is performed to determine the type of bacteria and select the most effective antibiotic.

Methods of treatment

The doctor chooses the method of treatment individually for each clinical case. It depends on the etiology of inflammation, the current state of the patient and associated complications. In most cases, conservative therapy is used, including medication, including:

• antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection;
• antiviral drugs – in the presence of a viral infection;
• antifungals – in the presence of a fungal infection;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – for the relief of inflammation and pain.

In addition, physiotherapy, compresses and massage are used. In the presence of abscesses, surgical intervention is indicated – removal of purulent contents and sanitation of the affected tissues.

Forecast and prevention of the disease

With timely visit to the doctor, lymphadenitis of the lymph node has a favorable prognosis. Early initiation of treatment allows you to achieve complete recovery, prevent the development of complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Due to the lack of a single etiology, there is no specific prevention of lymphadenitis. The following recommendations will help prevent infection:

• Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after handling animals and visiting public places.
• Minimize contact with infected patients and visits to crowded places. If there is a sick person in the family, it is necessary to limit contact with him.
• Using only your own hygiene items. Do not use other people’s towels, razors, toothbrushes, etc.
• Strengthening immunity: giving up bad habits, maintaining physical activity, proper nutrition and regular walks in the fresh air.
• Timely treatment of diseases. When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
• Vaccination. Timely vaccination helps prevent infections that can cause lymphadenitis. You need to be vaccinated both in childhood and in adulthood.

• Differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral lymphadenitis in children. Antonova S.S., Botvin’eva V.V., Sitnikov I.G. VSP. 2008. No. 3. pp.76-78
• The role of lymph nodes in human life. Okunyaka O.M., Tumasyan T.I. Bulletin of science. 2019. №3. p.60-62
• Diagnosis and treatment of cervical lymphadenitis. Skorlyakov V.V., Babiev V.F., Keshchyan S.S., Stagnieva I.V., Boyko N.V. Young scientist. 2017. No. 16. pp.75-78
• Treatment of chronic tonsillitis and acute lymphadenitis. Pavlova K.V. Medicines and rational pharmacotherapy. 2022. No. 5-2. p.90-91
• Lymphadenopathy. Melikyan A.L., Egorova E.K., Kovrigina A.M. Clinical guidelines. 2018. p.5-30

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Article published : 15/02/2018
Last updated : 15/06/2023

See also

Chickenpox (chickenpox)

Scarlet fever in adults

Acute bronchitis

What tests to take if the lymph nodes are inflamed in the Optimum medical laboratory in Sochi (Adler)

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Lymph nodes are organs responsible for filtering the lymph circulating through the body from microbes, toxins and foreign substances. Together with capillaries, lymphatic vessels and ducts, they are part of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes are oval, round or flat and long formations. Color varies from pink to grey, sizes from 0.5 mm. up to 50mm. and more. They are located in clusters of up to 10 nodes along the lymphatic and blood vessels.

According to their location, lymph nodes are divided into:

• Internal, located in the visceral systems of the body.
• External, located under the muscles or near the skin.

Depending on the location, the functions of the lymph nodes also differ. The organs of the lymphatic system are responsible for the following processes in the body:

• metabolism of fats and similar substances;
• protection against bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms penetrating from the external environment;
• formation of antibodies, leukocytes and phagocytes for the immune system.

When infectious agents penetrate from the outside, the protective functions of the lymph nodes are activated: the organs react to a violation in the internal environment of the body and begin to secrete immune cells to fight pathogenic bacteria. In a normal healthy state, the lymph nodes are not noticeable on palpation and do not cause discomfort or pain if pressure is applied to them. Therefore, their increase in size indicates the development of the disease or the beginning of the inflammatory process in the area for which they are responsible.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur both in a painful form and can be noticed only when pressed. The first form is characterized by acute permanent, sometimes throbbing pain. If the process becomes purulent, fever and loss of strength are added to the listed symptoms.

It is almost impossible to diagnose the causes of pathological changes in the lymph nodes by examination, percussion or auscultation. To make a diagnosis, the patient must pass the following laboratory tests:

• Complete blood count. It will show changes occurring in blood cells and reveal the presence or absence of infection, viral damage, parasitic pathology, purulent or inflammatory processes.
• Biochemical blood test. It will determine the state of the liver and kidneys, as well as metabolic disorders.
• Analysis for tumor markers. Reveal the development of a lymphatic tumor.
• Immunological assay. It will show at what stage the oncological process proceeds.

Blood testing is not the only method used in diagnosis. It is possible to make a diagnosis in combination with the following medical measures:

• Ultrasound examination. Helps identify cancers in the area being examined.
• Radiography . It is used as an additional method if others have turned out to be uninformative or in case of deep location of the lymph nodes.