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Your Lymph Nodes

Finding an enlarged lymph node or nodes, cause many to worry about cancer. Here is an informative discussion about lymph nodes from the Mayo Clinic, about the many causes of enlargement, and when to call your doctor.


Swollen lymph nodes combined with other signs and symptoms are a common reason people, particularly children, visit their doctors. Most often, lymph nodes swell and become inflamed as a result of an infection. However, there are many possible causes of swollen lymph nodes, including autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, noncancerous (benign) tumors and cancer.


Your lymph nodes, also called glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses. Some 600 lymph nodes are situated throughout your body, with the majority in your head and neck. The lymph nodes that most frequently swell are 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.


Treatment for inflamed, swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenitis, depends on the cause. In some cases, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and warm compresses may be all you need. For more serious cases, treatment of swollen lymph nodes involves treating the underlying cause.



The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly viral infections such as the common cold. However, there are other types of infection, including parasitic and bacterial, and other possible swollen lymph node causes. They include:

Common infections

Strep throat



Ear infections

Infected (abscessed) tooth


Wound infections

Other infections


Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis




Immune system disorders



Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS



Lymphoma — cancer that originates in your lymphatic system


Other possible but rare causes include certain medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), used to prevent seizures, and certain immunizations, such as for malaria.


When to seek medical advice

Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying condition, such as a cold, resolves. However, see your doctor if you're concerned or if your swollen lymph nodes:

Have appeared for no apparent reason

Continue to enlarge

Feel hard or fixed

Are accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss

Are red, warm and tender

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Start Date
Jan 17, 2009
by Dnmh
Last Revision
Jan 17, 2009
by Dnmh