What might cause swelling on one side of my neck?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Swelling on one side of the neck is most often caused by enlarged lymph nodes, which typically react to infections such as colds, strep throat, ear infections, or dental issues. Less commonly, one-sided neck swelling can point to salivary gland problems, thyroid nodules, cysts, or other underlying conditions that need medical evaluation.

Because the causes range from mild and self-limiting to more serious, identifying the likely source of your swelling early can help you decide whether to rest at home, see a primary care doctor, or seek urgent care. A fast, free, and private symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your one-sided neck swelling and guide your next steps with confidence—no appointment or sign-up required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of one-sided neck swelling Learn if neck swelling needs urgent care See if swelling could be serious Find OTC relief for neck swelling Find doctors for neck swelling treatment Discover home remedies for neck swelling Understand what causes one-sided neck swelling

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Explanation

Swelling on one side of the neck often happens because of enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can get bigger when your body is fighting an infection. According to one study, these nodes might look bigger but are usually not a serious problem.

Sometimes, the swelling is near the jaw, called the submandibular area. This can be due to different reasons, such as infections or blockages. Another study mentions that dental issues can also lead to swelling in the neck.

Possible Causes of Neck Swelling:

Infections: Your body might be fighting germs, making the lymph nodes bigger.
Dental Problems: Issues with teeth or gums can cause swelling.

If you notice swelling, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to find out the exact cause. You can start by using Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance on next steps.

(References)

Hands KE, Cervera A, & Fowler LJ. (2010). Enlarged benign-appearing cervical lymph nodes by .... Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association, 20615130.
Eleftheriadis I, Papadimitriou P, & Tzelepi H. (1990). [Submandibular swelling and its differential diagnosis]. To Helleniko periodiko gia stomatike & gnathoprosopike cheirourgike, 2130058.
Dangore Khasbage S, & Bhake AS. (2019). Cervical lymphadenopathy in a dental patient: An eye .... Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry, 30379333.

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