Swollen Lymph Nodes

About the Symptom

This refers to the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, the bean-shaped glands located in the neck, armpits, chest, groin, and abdomen.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Swollen lymph nodes

Possible Causes

Generally, Swollen lymph nodes can be related to:

• Necrotizing Lymphadenitis (Kikuchi Disease)

  This rare disease usually affects young people and is characterized by swollen neck lymph nodes and fever. The exact cause remains unknown, but it may be due to infection or the body's immune system reacting.

• Suppurative Lymphadenitis

  Lymphadenitis suppurativa is the inflammation and suppuration (pus formation) of lymph nodes in the body.

• Malignant Lymphoma

  A malignant lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the body's lymphatic system cells and can spread to other body parts. There are dozens of different kinds of lymphomas which are broadly categorized as "Hodgkins Lymphomas" and "Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas" (NHL). The different types are also classified by the cell type the cancer comes from and each different type of lymphoma has its own patterns of spread, treatments, and prognosis The most frequent symptom is swollen lymph nodes. Fevers, night sweats, itchiness, and fatigue can also be seen with lymphomas as can difficulty breathing or abdominal pain. Risk factors include age, family history, a weakened immune system from medications or illness, prior cancer treatments, viral infections such as Epstein-Barr and HIV.

• Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
• Kimura's Disease
• Genital Herpes

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Swollen lymph nodes may be related to these serious diseases:

• Recurrent Parotitis

  Recurrent infections of the parotid gland (saliva-producing organ below the ear). These result in parotid swelling and pain and occasional fevers. It can be due to dehydration, infection, inflammation, or stones in the salivary gland ducts.

• Kawasaki Disease
• Rubella

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you have any swollen lymph nodes or lumps in your neck, armpits, groin, or behind your ears?
• When did you first notice your swollen lymph nodes or lumps?
• How often do you experience swollen lymph nodes or lumps in the neck, armpits, groin, or behind the ears?
• How are your swollen lymph nodes or lumps in the neck, armpits, groin, or behind your ears now?
• Do you have a lump near or above your collarbone?

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