Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 3/11/2019
Doctor's Notes on Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are enlargements of the small organs known as lymph nodes that are important for filtering lymph fluid and forming white blood cells to fight infection. Swollen lymph nodes can occur in one area or region of the body, or they may be found throughout the body, depending upon the cause. Lymph nodes are the organs that can trap cancer cells that have spread into the lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are sometimes referred to by lay persons as lymph glands, and swollen lymph nodes may be called “swollen glands.” Infection is the main cause of swollen lymph nodes. Spread of cancer to lymph nodes is a less common cause of lymph node swelling.
The neck, groin, and armpits are areas where swollen lymph nodes may be apparent. Associated symptoms are dependent upon the cause of the swollen lymph nodes. Common associated symptoms include fever and chills in the case of infection, and symptoms specific to the tumor type in the case of cancer. If the lymph nodes are enlarged and inflamed (known as lymphadenitis), the nodes may be painful or tender to the touch.
Stomach Pain : Nausea & Other Causes Quiz
QuestionBowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women. Symptoms and signs of breast cancer include breast lumps, nipple discharge or inversion, or changes in the breast's skin. Treatment typically involves some type of surgery and depends upon the staging of the cancer, the tumor type, and the person's health. -
Cancer of the Mouth and Throat
Cancer of the mouth and throat may look like an ulcer or a sore on the tongue, lips, inside lining of the cheeks, and other structures. Tobacco use, sun exposure, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are just some risk factors for mouth and throat cancer. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. The prognosis of mouth and throat cancer depends on many factors. -
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues that causes swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth. Treatment will involve antibiotics. Severe infection may require IV or intramuscular antibiotic injections. -
Common Colds
The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. Symptoms and signs include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, sneezing, and runny nose. Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids and taking cough, fever, and pain medications. -
Coughs (Acute and Chronic)
A cough is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. A chronic or persistent cough may signal certain lung conditions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Common causes of coughs include infection, allergies, lung disease, medications, and GERD (reflux). Acute coughs are categorized as infectious or non-infectious. Chronic cough (persistent cough) have a variety of causes and should be evaluated by physician. Treatment of cough, acute cough, chronic or persistent cough depends on the cause of the cough. -
HIV and AIDS
HIV has killed about 25 million individuals, and approximately 40 million people are currently living with the disease. Symptoms and signs of HIV include fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes. Infections that happen with AIDS are called opportunistic infections. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatment usually involves a combination of at least three drugs to suppress the virus from replicating and boost the immune system. -
Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an infection most frequently caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Treatment incorporates plenty of rest, fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one month after the onset of symptoms to avoid rupturing the spleen. -
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Rheumatoid arthritis, often called RA, is a chronic (long-standing) disease that damages and eventually destroys the joints of the body. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), or juvenile arthritis, is not a single disease but a group of diseases. Symptoms and signs include fever and joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, improving function, and preventing joint damage. -
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. Symptoms include fevers, chills, itching, enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment depends upon the type and stage of the lymphoma, in addition to the age and overall health of the individual. -
Measles (Rubeola)
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral respiratory infection. Measles and German Measles (a different but similar virus also known as rubella) are serious infections that cause fever and rash. Most recover without incident, but measles infections can lead to pneumonia and brain inflammation. Vaccines have reduced measles infections to a few dozen a year in the U.S., but no cure exists. Patients should treat symptoms with pain relievers, fever reducers, and fluids. -
Plague Disease (Black Death)
Plague is a term applied to an infectious disease that spreads easily and, without antibiotics treatment, can be fatal. Plague symptoms and signs include fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, buboes, and blackened tissue. Once the patient is isolated, antibiotics are administered. -
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Screening includes a digital rectal examination, PSA, and urinalysis. Treatment depends upon age, the patient's medical condition, and whether the tumor has metastasized. Risk factors for prostate cancer include advanced age, race, family history, infection with STDs, high-fat diet, and chemical exposure. -
Renal Cell Cancer
The kidneys, which filter excess water and waste from the blood, are susceptible to a number of different types of cancer, including renal cell cancer. This renal carcinoma develops in the small tubes in the kidneys' filtering system. Renal cell cancer may have a variety of environmental or hereditary causes, including smoking, obesity, occupational hazards and others. Renal cell cancer does not typically present symptoms early on, but symptoms include pain, blood in the urine, fatigue, malaise, night sweats, fevers and others. -
Sentinel Node Biopsy
A sentinal node biopsy is the surgical removal of one to five lymph nodes closest to a cancerous tumor -- usually breast or skin cancer (melanoma) -- in order to figure out the stage of the cancer, that is, how advanced the cancer is. -
Skin Abscess
An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are not recommended as a treatment method for abscesses (or boils) because they can cause further injury. -
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer, the most common cancer, happens when skin cells start growing out of control, usually as a result of too much ultraviolet light exposure from the sun or tanning booths. Of the three types of skin cancer -- basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma -- melanoma is the deadliest. Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. -
Syphilis
Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection transmitted most often through sexual intercourse. Flulike symptoms, body rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Late-phase syphilis attacks the heart, brain, skin, and bones. Late-stage syphilis is rare since the discovery of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to treat this sexually transmitted disease (STD). -
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a cancer of the male sex organs essential for producing testosterone, libido and other crucial functions. Cancer is usually in only one testicle, the tumor is malignant if it begins to subsume the healthy tissue. Malignant testicular tumors can metastasize to other organs. Testicular cancer is a rare cancer with a high cure rate. -
Thyroid Cancer
Find out more about thyroid cancer's symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. The main types of thyroid cancer include papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.