Why do lymph nodes in the neck swell

Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt with the fingers include:. Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Infections that can cause them include:. Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the cause and the body parts involved. Swollen lymph nodes that appear suddenly and are painful are usually due to injury or infection.

Slow, painless swelling may be due to cancer or a tumor. Painful lymph nodes are generally a sign that your body is fighting an infection.

The soreness usually goes away in a couple of days, without treatment. The lymph node may not return to its normal size for several weeks. Your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Examples of questions that may be asked include:. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Winter JN.

Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 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. Cat scratch fever , which is also called cat scratch disease, can cause localized lymph node swelling in the area near the cat scratch.

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. Sexually 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.

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. 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. 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. Read this article in Spanish. Lymph nodes may become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including infection, virus, or cancer. Learn about symptoms of and treatments for…. Lumps behind the ears are rarely a sign of a life-threatening problem. They may signal a need for medication, however, as in the case of an infection….

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes. Causes of swollen lymph nodes. Detecting swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes. Treatment of swollen lymph nodes. Prevention of swollen lymph nodes.