What do swollen lymph nodes tell you? Where are my lymph nodes located? Common areas where lymph nodes can be felt include the groin, armpit, behind the ears, back of the head, sides of the neck, and under the jaw and chin. 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.
Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer.
Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections. They function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of your body. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.
Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections. Common areas where you might notice swollen lymph nodes include your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.
One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. The inset shows three swollen lymph nodes below the lower jaw.
In some cases, the passage of time and warm compresses may be all you need to treat swollen lymph nodes. If an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the cause.
Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:
Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating a possible cancer or lymphoma
Continue to enlarge or have been present for two to four weeks
Are accompanied by persistent fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss
Seek immediate medical care if you're having difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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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:
Strep throat
Measles
Ear infections
Infected (abscessed) tooth
Mononucleosis
Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS
Tuberculosis
Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis
Toxoplasmosis — a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
Cat scratch fever — a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite
Lupus — a chronic inflammatory disease that targets your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs
Rheumatoid arthritis — a chronic inflammatory disease targeting the tissue that lines your joints (synovium)
Lymphoma — cancer that originates in your lymphatic system
Leukemia — cancer of your body's blood-forming tissue, including your bone marrow and lymphatic system
Other cancers that have spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes
Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin) and preventive medications for malaria.
Many conditions increase the risk of swollen lymph nodes. Factors that increase the risk of having these conditions include:
Older age. Aging increases the risk of getting infections, immune system disorders and cancer.
High-risk behaviors. Having sex without protection and injecting illicit drugs increases the risk of infections such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Weakened immune system. This can be from an illness or a medicine that suppresses the immune system. Having a weakened immune system increases the risk of infections.
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. An abscess may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.
