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What To Know About Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy/Adenopathy)
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:
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:
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.
InfectionsLymph 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:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis or gonorrhea can bring about lymph node swelling in the groin area.
Other possible causes include:
Noninfectious causesSerious 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:
Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include, but aren't limited to:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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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Preauricular Lymph Nodes: What To Know
The preauricular lymph nodes sit just in front of the ears. These tiny nodes play a vital role in protecting the body against infections and disease.
In this article, we provide information on the preauricular lymph nodes (PLNs) and other parts of the lymphatic system.
We also look at what conditions and health issues can cause the PLNs to swell.
The human body contains about 800 small glands called lymph nodes. These play an essential role in the function of the immune system.
The PLNs are a group of lymph nodes that sit just in front of the ears. These lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it arrives from the scalp, neck, and various parts of the face.
A network of vessels called the lymphatic system connects the lymph nodes.
Lymph vessels take excess fluid from the body's tissues and direct it toward nearby lymph nodes. The lymph nodes contain immune cells that detect and destroy bacteria, viruses, and damaged cells in the fluid.
At the end of this filtering process, the lymph nodes release the clean fluid back into the blood.
Most healthy lymph nodes are so small that a person is unable to feel them. They typically are 1-2 centimeters (cm) in size.
Sometimes, a lymph node or multiple lymph nodes may swell as they work hard to remove harmful substances from the lymph fluid.
There are two types of swelling, which usually signal a problem somewhere in the body.
The following are potential causes of swelling in the PLNs.
Salivary gland infectionsThe parotid glands are a type of large salivary gland. They sit over the upper jaw, one in front of each ear.
Parotid gland infections may cause swelling of the PLNs.
Other possible symptoms of a salivary gland infection include:
Salivary gland infections are usually bacterial. Risk factors for these types of infection include:
Otitis externaOtitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is a condition that causes inflammation, irritation, or an infection of the ear canal. It can sometimes cause the lymph nodes around the ear to swell.
Other common symptoms include:
Otitis externa often occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear, leading to the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Viral conjunctivitisConjunctivitis, which people commonly call pinkeye, refers to inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva within the eye. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the whites of the eyes.
Conjunctivitis may be caused by:
Viral conjunctivitis may cause the PLNs to swell and become tender.
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis usually begin in one eye and spread to the other within a few days. These may include:
People with conjunctivitis may also experience symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infections.
Learn more about home remedies for conjunctivitis.
Parinaud oculoglandular syndromeParinaud oculoglandular syndrome (POS) is a type of conjunctivitis that usually affects one eye.
A person with POS may notice small tan nodules within the white of the eye and swelling of the nearby PLNs.
Other symptoms of POS may include:
The most common cause of POS is cat scratch fever, which can occur when a person receives a bite or scratch from a cat that exposes them to harmful bacteria.
Other causes of POS include:
Dental problemsSome dental problems can also cause the PLNs to swell.
For example, a fluid-filled sac called a dentigerous cyst might develop between the jawbone and a partially erupted tooth.
The cyst typically does not cause any symptoms. However, without treatment, the cyst may become infected. This infection can spread to the PLNs, causing them to swell.
Other symptoms of a dentigerous cyst include:
Most causes of swollen PLNs are due to viral or bacterial infections. However, in very rare cases, a painless swelling in any of the lymph nodes could be a sign of lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the cells of the lymphatic system. The most common types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Lymphoma may occur in any lymph node, but it usually affects those in the neck, armpit, or groin.
People should see a doctor as soon as possible if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
People should also speak to a doctor if they experience more than one swollen lymph node, or if a lymph node has any of the following characteristics:
The above symptoms may indicate a serious infection, which a doctor can help treat.
The type of treatment for a swollen PLN will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, the lymph nodes return to their normal size with the right treatment.
Infectious causesA doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Resting, getting plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help a person recover from a viral infection.
Dental causesFor a dentigerous cyst, a doctor or dentist will usually refer the person to an oral surgeon.
The surgeon may drain the cyst or remove it entirely. They may also remove the unerupted tooth.
LymphomaTreatment options for lymphoma will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. People should talk to their oncologist, a cancer specialist, for more information about their treatment plan.
What are the early warning signs of lymphoma?A common sign of lymphoma is one or multiple swollen lymph nodes that are painless and do not go away. Other signs and symptoms include:
What causes posterior auricular lymph nodes to swell?Posterior auricular lymph nodes may become swollen for a variety of reasons, such as:
The PLNs are part of the body's lymphatic system. This helps protect the body against infections and disease.
Many different conditions can cause swollen PLNs, but infections are the most common cause.
In most cases, the swollen node will return to its normal size once the underlying issue has resolved, often with treatment from a doctor.
What Causes A Hard Lump Under The Skin?
Causes of a hard lump under the skin can include:
CystsA cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that contains fluid or debris. Cysts can form anywhere on the body. Their texture varies depending on the material that has become trapped inside the pocket.
A cyst can develop due to a clogged oil gland or hair follicle. Cysts feel like soft blisters when they are close to the skin's surface, but they can feel like hard lumps when they develop deeper beneath the skin.
A hard cyst near to the surface of the skin usually contains trapped dead skin cells or proteins. Types of cyst include:
Cysts rarely require treatment, and they will often stop growing and then disappear on their own. In some cases, a blackhead can develop near the center of a cyst. When this happens, a cyst may burst open, releasing white or yellow discharge.
An infected cyst that is red, swollen, or painful may require medical treatment, such as:
Dermatofibromas are hard brown or red lumps under the skin. They usually develop on exposed areas of skin, such as the legs, arms, and back. Dermatofibromas do not develop into cancer.
In general, people who have dermatofibromas do not experience other symptoms. However, in some cases, the dermatofibroma may feel itchy, irritated, or tender to the touch.
Dermatofibromas develop when excess cells collect in the thickest layer of the skin, which is called the dermis.
The exact cause of dermatofibromas remains unclear, but potential causes include:
Dermatofibromas do not generally require treatment, but they tend to stay on the skin for the rest of the person's life.
People can ask a doctor to remove a dermatofibroma surgically if it is unsightly or in a bothersome area.
The other treatment options will only remove part of the dermatofibroma. They include:
Lymph nodes are small glands that filter harmful substances from lymph fluid, which is the clear liquid that travels through lymphatic vessels.
These small, bean-shaped glands are an essential component of the immune system. They produce and store white blood cells that destroy disease-causing pathogens and waste.
Sometimes, lymph nodes swell in response to bacterial or viral infections. They may feel hard and painful.
Swollen lymph nodes usually occur in the head, neck, armpits, or groin.
Several factors can cause swollen lymph nodes, such as:
People who have swollen lymph nodes due to infection are likely to experience other symptoms, such as:
In most cases, swollen lymph nodes will heal on their own without medical treatment. If they do not, the focus of treatment should be to address the underlying cause, which is usually an infection.
A swollen lymph node that feels hard, rubbery, or immovable may indicate a more serious medical condition.
Certain cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer, can affect the lymph nodes. Anyone concerned about swollen lymph nodes should speak to a doctor.
LipomasA lipoma is a benign tumor comprising fatty tissue. These noncancerous lumps develop just below the skin, and they appear pale or colorless. Lipomas usually feel soft and easily moveable.
In general, lipomas do not cause symptoms. However, a lipoma that involves multiple blood vessels or nerves may feel tender or painful.
The exact cause of lipomas remains unknown. Some genetic conditions, such as Gardner's syndrome, can increase a person's likelihood of developing a lipoma.
Lipomas do not require medical treatment unless they are painful, bothersome, or interfering with a person's ability to function normally.
Treatment options for lipomas include:
A fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor that consists of fibrous tissues and gland tissues.
According to the American Cancer Society, fibroadenomas most commonly occur in women in their 20s and 30s, though they can happen at any age. Fibroadenomas usually feel firm but movable.
Fibroadenomas can develop as a result of high levels of estrogen. They may grow due to increases in hormone levels during pregnancy. In contrast, fibroadenomas can shrink during menopause.
Fibroadenomas that are not painful or growing will not require medical treatment. However, people should monitor themselves for any changes in the size or appearance of a fibroadenoma.
A doctor may recommend removing a fibroadenoma if:
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