Swollen Lymph Nodes

You’re washing your face or feeling a sore throat, and you notice a tender, pea-sized lump on the side of your neck. This discovery can be worrying, but in most cases, Swollen Lymph Nodes (often called “swollen glands”) are not a sign of a serious problem. In fact, they are a sign that your body’s immune system is working exactly as it should.

Your lymph nodes are on the front lines, fighting off invaders. Understanding why they swell, what’s normal, and what isn’t can give you peace of mind. This guide will cover the common causes, symptoms, and the important signs that mean you should see a doctor.

What Are Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Swollen Lymph Nodes (known medically as lymphadenopathy) are a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness.

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, and nodes that runs throughout your body. Think of it as your body’s drainage and filtration system. Your lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped “filters” located in your neck, armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen.

According to MedlinePlus, the main job of these nodes is to trap viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances. When you have an infection, your lymph nodes fill up with white blood cells to fight the invader, which causes them to temporarily swell.

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

The location of the swollen node often provides the best clue to the cause.

1. Infections (The Most Common Cause)

This is by far the most frequent reason for swollen nodes.

• Viral Infections: The common cold, the flu, or mononucleosis (“mono”) are classic causes of swollen lymph nodes in neck. Other viruses like measles or chickenpox can also be culprits.
• Bacterial Infections: Strep throat, an ear infection, or a skin infection (cellulitis) will cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. Even an infected tooth (abscess) can cause swelling in your jaw or neck.

2. Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions

In these conditions, the body’s immune system is overactive and attacks its own tissues, which can cause nodes to swell.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Lupus

3. Cancers (Less Common Cause)

This is what most people worry about, but it is a much less common cause.

• Lymphoma: This is a cancer of the lymphatic system itself, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Leukemia: A cancer of the blood-forming tissues.
• Metastatic Cancer: Cancer that has spread from somewhere else (like breast cancer spreading to the armpit lymph nodes).

Key Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

The primary symptom is a noticeable lump. Other symptoms depend on the cause.

• Tender and Painful: When nodes swell quickly and are tender or painful to the touch, it almost always signals an infection.
• Hard and Painless: This is a more concerning sign. Nodes that are hard, rubbery, fixed in place (don’t move when you push them), and painless are a reason to see a doctor.
• Size: They can range from the size of a pea to a grape or larger.
• Location:
  • Neck: Most often from a cold, strep throat, or mono.
  • Armpit: Often from an injury or infection in the arm or hand, or (less commonly) a sign related to breast tissue.
  • Groin: Usually from an infection in the foot, leg, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
  • Above the Collarbone: This location is considered more serious and should always be checked by a doctor.

Diagnosis: Finding the Cause

Because swollen lymph nodes are a symptom, your doctor’s goal is to find the underlying cause.

1. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long the nodes have been swollen, and if you’ve been sick or injured recently.
2. Physical Exam: The doctor will feel the nodes to check their size, location, texture (hard or soft), and mobility (fixed or movable).
3. Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) can show signs of infection or, in some cases, provide clues for conditions like leukemia.
4. Imaging: An ultrasound or CT scan can be used to get a better look at the node’s size and structure or to find other hidden swollen nodes.
5. Biopsy: If a node is highly suspicious, this is the only definitive way to diagnose the cause. A doctor will remove a small piece of the node, or the entire node, to be examined in a lab.

Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Treatment is directed at the cause, not the swollen node itself.

• Bacterial Infections: If your doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection like strep throat, you will be prescribed antibiotics.
• Viral Infections: Viruses do not respond to antibiotics. For a cold or flu, the treatment is rest, fluids, and time. For mono, the main treatment is rest.
• Cancer or Autoimmune Disease: This requires specialized treatment from an oncologist or rheumatologist.
• Home Care for Pain: To relieve a tender, swollen node, you can use a warm, wet compress and take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Risk Factors

You are more likely to experience swollen lymph nodes if you:

• Have a recent infection or wound
• Are frequently exposed to illnesses (e.g., working with children or in healthcare)
• Have an autoimmune condition

Prevention Tips

You cannot prevent your lymph nodes from doing their job, but you can reduce your risk of the infections that cause them to swell:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently.
• Clean wounds: Properly clean any cuts or scrapes to prevent skin infections.
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations: Vaccines for illnesses like measles and the flu can prevent the infections themselves.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, swollen glands from a cold will go away on their own in 1-2 weeks. However, it is very important to know the warning signs.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your swollen lymph nodes:

• Appear for no apparent reason (you don’t feel sick or have an injury).
• Continue to get larger or have been present for more than two weeks.
• Feel hard, rubbery, or fixed in place (they don’t move when you push on them).
• Are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or a persistent fever. (These are known as “B symptoms” and require evaluation).
• Are located just above your collarbone.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment

Published on July 27, 2023 and Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by: Priyank Pandey