Depending on the type of cancer a person has, a doctor may recommend removing the lymph nodes, chemotherapy , or radiation. A person with swollen lymph nodes should not avoid the doctor because they fear cancer. Delaying treatment gives the cancer time to grow and get worse. Swollen lymph nodes can be alarming, especially if the cause of the swelling is unclear. People who have HIV or AIDS , who take immune system-suppressing drugs, or whose doctors have told them they have a weak immune system, should call the doctor if their lymph nodes swell.
For most people, it is safe to wait for 1—2 weeks to see if symptoms go away. See a doctor within a day or two if any of the following occur:. If a person has no signs of an infection, a swollen lymph node might be a sign that the body has successfully fought off an infection.
It is safe to wait for about 2 weeks to see if the swelling decreases. If the swelling does not go away, or if the lymph node is hard or larger than 1. Lymph nodes swell for many reasons, most of which are relatively harmless. A doctor can help with determining whether a person has a serious infection that warrants treatment, as well as assessing for other potential causes of reactive lymph nodes.
Sometimes lymph nodes remain swollen long after an infection has disappeared. As long as the lymph node does not change or become hard, this is not typically a sign of a problem. If a person notices that a lymph nodes changes, hardens, or grows very large, they should see a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a temporary infection, but they can also be a sign of some medical conditions, including certain immune disorders….
Adenopathy is any disease or inflammation that involves glandular tissue or lymph nodes. Learn about what causes swollen lymph nodes. A lump under the chin may be hard or soft, and tender or painless.
This is not always a cause for concern. Learn about causes and when to see a doctor. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. With about nodes and a vast network of vessels penetrating nearly every tissue, the lymphatic….
Swollen lymph glands are usually a sign of infection and tend to go down when you recover. However, they can sometimes have a more serious cause and may need to be seen by a doctor. Lymph glands also called lymph nodes are pea-sized lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells. These help to fight bacteria, viruses and anything else that causes infection. They are an important part of the immune system and are found throughout the body. The glands can swell to more than a few centimetres in response to infection or disease.
Swollen glands, known medically as lymphadenopathy, may be felt under the chin or in the neck, armpits or groin, where they can be found in larger clumps.
Many different types of infection can cause swollen glands, such as a cold or glandular fever. Less commonly, swollen glands may be caused by a non-infectious condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or even cancer. The glands in the affected area will often become suddenly tender or painful.
Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:. 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:. Seek immediate medical care if you're having difficulty swallowing or breathing. 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:. Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication phenytoin Dilantin and preventive medications for malaria.
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. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
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