Glands, swollen

Considerations:
The lymphatic system is a complex network of thin vessels, valves, ducts, nodes, and organs. It helps to protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by producing, filtering, and conveying lymph and by producing various blood cells.

The lymph system is present throughout the body. Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt (palpable nodes) include the groin area (inguinal region), armpit (axilla), the neck (there is a chain of lymph nodes on either side of the front of the neck, both sides of the neck, and down each side of the back of the neck), under the jaw and chin, behind the ears, and over the occiput (prominence on the back of the head).

Lymph nodes play an important part in the body's defense against infection. Swelling might occur even if the infection is trivial or not apparent. Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy . Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. By far, the most common cause of lymph node enlargement is infection.

As a rule, when swelling appears suddenly and is painful, it is usually caused by injury or an infection. Enlargement that comes on gradually and painlessly may result from malignancy or tumor .

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of swollen glands. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for swollen glands, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Soreness in lymph glands usually disappears in a couple of days without treatment. If the glands are painful, it is because of the rapid swelling of the gland in the early stages of fighting the infection. It takes much longer for the gland to return to normal size than to swell, so be patient.

Follow prescribed therapy, if appropriate, to treat the underlying cause.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • after several weeks of observation the glands don't get smaller (usually, however, this is not serious).
  • swollen glands are red and tender.
  • swollen glands are located behind the ear and there is also a scalp infection.
  • one or more glands get larger over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting swollen lymph nodes in detail may include:

  • location
    • Which node(s) are affected?
    • Is the swelling the same on both sides?

  • time pattern
    • When did the swelling begin?
    • How long has it lasted (how many months or weeks)?
    • Did it begin suddenly?
    • Did it develop gradually?
    • Is the swollen node increasing in size?
    • Is the number of nodes that are swollen increasing?

  • associated complaints
    • Is the node painful?
    • Is the skin over or around the node red?
    • Is the node tender when you gently press on it?

  • other
    • What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?

The physical examination may include pressing on many of the lymph nodes to look for size, texture, warmth, tenderness, and other features.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to swollen lymph nodes, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.


The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are: the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).



This person has massively enlarged cervical lymph nodes (cervical lymphadenopathy) that have occurred because of an advanced case of Hodgkin's disease.



The submandibular glands (just below the jaw) have become markedly enlarged, due to mumps. The parotid glands (just in front of the ears) are more frequently enlarged, thought many cases of mumps have no symptoms. Mumps is seldom seen today because of high levels of immunization with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



This child has swelling under the jaw (submandibular), associated with mumps. The glands on the side of the face (parotid glands) are more frequently involved. Many cases of mumps have no visible symptoms. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



This child has significant submandibular swelling (just under the jaw) associated with mumps. The parotid glands, on the side of the face, are more frequently involved. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



Kawasaki disease usually causes fever, skin and mucous membrane rashes, and heart damage. It may also cause a marked enlargement of lymph nodes, frequently in the neck. This photograph shows this enlargement, cervical lymphadenitis.