Lymph nodes that frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area. Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When your lymph nodes first swell, you might notice:. Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:.
Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying condition, such as a minor infection, gets better. See your doctor if you're concerned or if your swollen lymph nodes:. Seek immediate medical care if you're having difficulty swallowing or breathing. Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped clusters of cells. Inside lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.
Lymph nodes are located in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. You may be more likely to notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin. The site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause. The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold.
Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:. Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication phenytoin Dilantin and preventive medications for malaria. If infection is the cause of your swollen lymph nodes and isn't treated, an abscess may form. Abscesses are localized collections of pus caused by infections.
Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. Skin tests for tuberculosis Tuberculosis TB Tuberculosis TB is a common, serious infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bone marrow tests for leukemia Overview of Leukemia Leukemias are cancers of white blood cells or of cells that develop into white blood cells.
White blood cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. Sometimes the development goes awry Merck and Co. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
Common Health Topics. What are swollen lymph nodes? What causes swollen lymph nodes? When should I see a doctor? What will happen when I see the doctor? How do doctors treat swollen lymph nodes? Lymphatic Disorders. Test your knowledge. An intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding inside the brain and is considered a medical emergency. Which of the following is often the most common initial symptom of an intracerebral hemorrhage? More Content. Quick Facts. Get the full details. People call swollen lymph nodes "swollen glands," but lymph nodes aren't really glands.
There are many causes of swollen lymph nodes. The most common causes are:. An infection in tissues near the swollen lymph nodes.
Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their normal 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. 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. 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…. There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body that help fight infection, including the armpit.
Learn more about what it looks like when they're…. A swollen occipital lymph node feels like a bump on the back of your head. We'll go over potential causes, their additional symptoms, and when it's…. Learn more here. A T cell count is a blood test that measures the number of T cells, which are white blood cells that fight disease.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells. Your lymphocyte counts can help your doctor diagnose an infection or other condition. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
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