Patient education: Swollen lymph nodes in adults (The Basics)

What are lymph nodes? — 

These are small organs that are part of the lymphatic system (figure 1 and figure 2). The lymphatic system is made up of organs all over the body that make and store cells that fight infection.

What causes swollen lymph nodes? — 

Lymph nodes can get swollen or enlarged for many reasons. The most common cause is fighting an infection. Swollen lymph nodes are also called "lymphadenopathy" or "lymphadenitis."

Other causes include cancer, certain medicines, and autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is when a person's infection-fighting system, called "the immune system," attacks healthy cells.

What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes? — 

Normally, lymph nodes are small enough that you do not notice them. When they get swollen, you might be able to see or feel them. They can be painful, especially when touched. Your skin around them might be red or warm.

There are groups of lymph nodes all over the body, including in the neck, armpits, and groin (figure 1). You might have 1 swollen node, or many.

You can also have other symptoms, depending on what is causing your swollen lymph nodes. For example, if you have a cold caused by a virus, you might have a runny nose, stuffy nose, or cough.

Will I need tests? — 

Maybe. Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions and do an exam, including feeling your lymph nodes. Often, this is enough for them to figure out the cause. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the neck are common with mouth and throat infections.

If your doctor cannot easily tell what is causing your swollen lymph nodes, they can order tests. These might include:

●Lab tests

●Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI – These create pictures of the inside of the body.

●Biopsy – A doctor takes a small sample of your lymph node, then looks at it under a microscope.

If your doctor or nurse is concerned that you might have a more serious problem, they will do more tests.

How are swollen lymph nodes treated? — 

Some people do not need treatment. For example, if you have a viral infection, your lymph node swelling should go away once you are better.

Others need treatment, based on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes.

Do not squeeze or try to drain the lymph node yourself.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if you notice:

●New symptoms – These can include a fever, night sweats, and trouble with swallowing or breathing.

●Sudden changes to your lymph node – These can include the lymph node getting bigger, redder, or hotter. Other changes include fluid or pus coming out of the lymph node.

●More lymph nodes get swollen.

More on this topic

Patient education: Swollen neck nodes in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough, runny nose, and colds (The Basics)
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Strep throat in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Flu (The Basics)
Patient education: Mononucleosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Lymphoma (The Basics)

Patient education: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Influenza symptoms and treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Infectious mononucleosis (mono) in adults and adolescents (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Hodgkin lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics)