STIs With Flu-Like Symptoms

What To Know About Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy/Adenopathy)

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. During an infection, they accumulate bacteria or dead or diseased cells.

When a person has an infection, they may notice swollen lymph nodes in part of the body near the infection site, such as their neck, armpit, jaw, or groin.

For instance, a person with a sore throat due to COVID-19 may have swollen lymph nodes in their neck. They may also have other symptoms of an infection, such as coughing, fatigue, and fever.

Cancer that develops in or spreads to the lymph nodes may also be swollen. In this case, the reason for swelling may be a tumor.

In this article, find out more about why lymph nodes become swollen, what it might mean, and when to see a doctor.

The lymphatic system consists of channels throughout your body that are similar to blood vessels. Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body. They can be found underneath the skin in many areas, including:

Lymph nodes store white blood cells, which are responsible for killing invading organisms.

They also act like a checkpoint. When bacteria, viruses, and abnormal or diseased cells pass through the lymph channels, the lymph nodes detect and stop them.

When faced with an infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells.

Lymphadenopathy is another name for swelling in the lymph nodes. Symptoms that may be present along with swollen lymph nodes in the neck, for instance, are:

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may occur with a pelvic infection. They can cause pain when walking or bending.

Swollen lymph nodes are one sign that your lymphatic system is working to rid your body of infection and illness.

Infections

Lymph nodes swell when an infection occurs in the area where they're located. For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold.

Lymph nodes that swell due to an infection may be painful.

Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck may stem from infections such as:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis or gonorrhea can bring about lymph node swelling in the groin area.

Other possible causes include:

Noninfectious causes

Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers, can cause lymph nodes throughout the body to swell.

Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Any cancers that spread in the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases. Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell.

Cancers that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include, but aren't limited to:

What happens when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes can be as small as peas or as large as cherries.

They can be painful to the touch, or they can hurt when you make certain movements.

Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or on either side of the neck may hurt when you turn your head in a certain way or you're chewing food. They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline. They may be tender as well.

Learn more about lymph node inflammation.

If you've recently become ill or had an injury, let a doctor know. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms.

The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis.

After you discuss the symptoms with the doctor, they'll perform a physical examination.

This consists of:

checking the size of your lymph nodes

feeling them to see if they're tender

checking the consistency, whether they are hard and firm versus soft and moveable

discussing whether they have changed or become larger over time

After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases.

If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell. Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:

If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI.

In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI. In this case, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This is a minimally invasive test that consists of using thin, needle-like tools to remove a sample of cells from the lymph node. The cells are then sent to a laboratory where they're tested for major diseases, such as cancer.

If necessary, the doctor may remove the entire lymph node.

Swollen lymph nodes may become smaller on their own without any treatment. In some cases, the doctor may wish to monitor them without treatment.

In the case of an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications to eliminate the condition responsible for the swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor might also recommend medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their usual size until the cancer is treated. Cancer treatment may involve removing the tumor or any affected lymph nodes. It may also involve chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.

Your doctor will discuss which treatment option is best for you.

The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that may cause them. Some steps you can take are below:

Practice proper dental hygiene to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Wash your hands frequently.

Get vaccinated against conditions such as shingles, tuberculosis, and the flu.

Avoid sharing food, beverages, or personal items such as towels with anyone who has a contagious infection such as mono or a cold.

Use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual activity.

Ask your doctor about switching your medications if you're having an adverse or allergic reaction.

Avoid feral cats or letting your pet cats play outdoors.

If you experience any of the symptoms that sometimes accompany swollen lymph nodes, or if you have painful swollen lymph nodes and no other symptoms, talk with a doctor. Lymph nodes that are swollen but not tender can be signs of a serious problem.

In some cases, the swollen lymph node will get smaller as other symptoms go away. If a lymph node is swollen and painful or if the swelling lasts more than a few days, also see a doctor.

When should you worry about a swollen lymph node?

You should seek medical advice if lymph nodes:

are very swollen

are becoming bigger

either are tender or are not tender

do not resolve within a few days

occur with other symptoms you have concerns about

What is the main cause of swollen lymph nodes?

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes occur alongside an infection. They are a sign that the body is fighting the infection and stopping it from causing serious harm in the body.

In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes made be a sign of cancer, including lymphoma or leukemia. These lymph nodes tend to not be tender and not associated with an obvious infection or injury.

They may also occur with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus.

Are swollen lymph nodes serious?

In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are not serious but indicate that the immune system is doing its job. However, they can indicate an infection that needs medical attention.

Persistent swelling in the lymph nodes that occurs without other signs of an infection can indicate some types of cancer.

What does a swollen lymph feel like?

You may be able to feel a swollen lymph node with your fingers, although this is not always possible, as some are quite deep in the body or do not swell enough to become noticeable.

Sometimes, there is pain with the swelling, or it may be painful, for example, to turn the head.

Swelling without pain may be a sign of a tumor. Under the arm, it may indicate that breast cancer is spreading.

Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign of an infection somewhere in the body. You may notice swelling and tenderness, for instance, in the neck, groin, or armpits, alongside other symptoms, such as a sore throat.

Swelling in the lymph nodes can occur with some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. If you have concerns about swollen lymph nodes, it is best to seek medical help, especially if the swelling persists or if you have other worrisome symptoms.

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Are Swollen Glands A Symptom Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

You have hundreds of lymph nodes throughout your body, and large clusters of them in three particular areas: your neck, your armpits, and your groin.

Lymph nodes (also known as glands) filter waste out of lymph fluid, which contains white blood cells that help fight infection, notes the Cleveland Clinic. In a nutshell, lymph nodes help keep you healthy.

Lymph Nodes May Become Enlarged

When lymph nodes become swollen or enlarged, doctors refer to the condition as lymphadenopathy. Sometimes the swelling is localized (in only one place in the body), and sometimes it is diffuse (throughout the body).

A lump that you see or feel, especially in your neck, armpit, or groin, can be a symptom of lymphadenopathy. Some swollen lymph nodes are only slightly noticeable. The lump may or may not be tender or painful, and you may feel one lump or several. Swollen glands may accompany a sore throat — which can cause painful swallowing and may feel like there is a soreness, discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat — depending on the cause of the pain.

If you've ever experienced this symptom and you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may have wondered whether the two are related.

According to Scott Zashin, MD, an internist and rheumatologist in Dallas, there are several common causes of lymphadenopathy, and most are not directly related to rheumatoid arthritis. But some are in the same general category of rheumatic diseases as RA.

RELATED: What Does Arthritis Pain Feel Like?

Is RA Behind the Swelling in Your Lymph Nodes? Probably Not

Dr. Zashin explains some of the possible root causes of swollen glands:

An Infection Both viral and bacterial infections can cause lymph node swelling, including strep throat, COVID-19, or the common cold, which can include a sore or scratchy throat, a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, a headache, aching joints or fatigue, measles, mononucleosis, an ear infection, a tooth infection, HIV, or a skin infection. If the trigger is a bacterial infection, you may need an antibiotic. If it's a viral infection, you may just have to wait it out.

Sjögrens Syndrome Some people who have inflammatory arthritis also develop Sjögren's syndrome. Common symptoms of this autoimmune disease include dry eyes, mouth, and skin, as well as swelling of the parotid glands, located in front of and below the ears, notes the Mayo Clinic. Some people with Sjögren's syndrome may have enlarged lymph nodes, notes the Arthritis Foundation.

Still's Disease This form of inflammatory arthritis is rare in adults, but people with adult-onset Still's disease may develop lymphadenopathy. People with Still's disease who have swollen lymph nodes may also have a fever, rash, and an enlarged liver, notes research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Cancer Many kinds of cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes. People who have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as those who have Sjögren's syndrome, are at a slightly higher risk of developing lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, compared with those who don't have these conditions. "Lymphoma is not common with rheumatoid arthritis, but it does correlate with disease activity. So the higher the disease activity, the higher the risk of lymphoma," says Zashin. While early studies hinted that some drugs used to treat RA, known as biologics, might increase lymphoma risk, subsequent longitudinal studies, where researchers studied patients over a period of time, have not confirmed this risk, notes the Arthritis Foundation. Beyond swollen nodes, other common symptoms of lymphoma include weight loss, rash, fever, and unusual fatigue or bleeding.

Very Active, Uncontrolled Rheumatoid Arthritis, Especially if the Condition Has Lasted for Many Years "It's rare, but you can sometimes see lymph node enlargement related to rheumatoid arthritis activity," Zashin says. "This is usually more of a diagnosis of exclusion." In other words, your doctor will probably want to rule out other possible causes of swollen glands first, such as infection or cancer, before blaming your rheumatoid arthritis. "I would refer a patient to an oncologist, unless I saw an obvious reason for it, like if the patient has mono or another infection," he says.

RELATED: 7 Unusual Symptoms That Could Be Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes

Treatment of swollen lymph nodes varies widely, depending on the cause. If you alert your doctor to your symptoms right away, you can work together to figure out next steps. You might be prescribed antibiotics, advised to watch your condition to see if it gets worse, or be called into the office for a biopsy. Whether the cause is serious or not, your doctor can help steer you in the right direction and get you feeling your best again.

Preauricular Lymph Nodes: What To Know

The preauricular lymph nodes sit just in front of the ears. These tiny nodes play a vital role in protecting the body against infections and disease.

In this article, we provide information on the preauricular lymph nodes (PLNs) and other parts of the lymphatic system.

We also look at what conditions and health issues can cause the PLNs to swell.

The human body contains about 800 small glands called lymph nodes. These play an essential role in the function of the immune system.

The PLNs are a group of lymph nodes that sit just in front of the ears. These lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it arrives from the scalp, neck, and various parts of the face.

A network of vessels called the lymphatic system connects the lymph nodes.

Lymph vessels take excess fluid from the body's tissues and direct it toward nearby lymph nodes. The lymph nodes contain immune cells that detect and destroy bacteria, viruses, and damaged cells in the fluid.

At the end of this filtering process, the lymph nodes release the clean fluid back into the blood.

Most healthy lymph nodes are so small that a person is unable to feel them. They typically are 1-2 centimeters (cm) in size.

Sometimes, a lymph node or multiple lymph nodes may swell as they work hard to remove harmful substances from the lymph fluid.

There are two types of swelling, which usually signal a problem somewhere in the body.

Localized lymphadenopathy refers to swelling in a single lymph node or a small cluster of lymph nodes, such as the PLNs. It happens when there's a problem in nearby tissues, such as infection, inflammation, or cancer.

Generalized lymphadenopathy is swelling in multiple lymph nodes throughout the body caused by certain infections, diseases, and medications.

The following are potential causes of swelling in the PLNs.

Salivary gland infections

The parotid glands are a type of large salivary gland. They sit over the upper jaw, one in front of each ear.

Parotid gland infections may cause swelling of the PLNs.

Other possible symptoms of a salivary gland infection include:

Salivary gland infections are usually bacterial. Risk factors for these types of infection include:

Otitis externa

Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is a condition that causes inflammation, irritation, or an infection of the ear canal. It can sometimes cause the lymph nodes around the ear to swell.

Other common symptoms include:

Otitis externa often occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear, leading to the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Viral conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, which people commonly call pinkeye, refers to inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva within the eye. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the whites of the eyes.

Conjunctivitis may be caused by:

viral or bacterial infection of the eye

allergies

irritants

Viral conjunctivitis may cause the PLNs to swell and become tender.

Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis usually begin in one eye and spread to the other within a few days. These may include:

People with conjunctivitis may also experience symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infections.

Learn more about home remedies for conjunctivitis.

Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome

Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome (POS) is a type of conjunctivitis that usually affects one eye.

A person with POS may notice small tan nodules within the white of the eye and swelling of the nearby PLNs.

Other symptoms of POS may include:

redness, tenderness, or inflammation of the eye

fever

other signs of illness

The most common cause of POS is cat scratch fever, which can occur when a person receives a bite or scratch from a cat that exposes them to harmful bacteria.

Other causes of POS include:

Dental problems

Some dental problems can also cause the PLNs to swell.

For example, a fluid-filled sac called a dentigerous cyst might develop between the jawbone and a partially erupted tooth.

The cyst typically does not cause any symptoms. However, without treatment, the cyst may become infected. This infection can spread to the PLNs, causing them to swell.

Other symptoms of a dentigerous cyst include:

pain and swelling in and around the affected tooth

an accumulation of pus within the cyst

displacement of surrounding teeth

Lymphoma

Most causes of swollen PLNs are due to viral or bacterial infections. However, in very rare cases, a painless swelling in any of the lymph nodes could be a sign of lymphoma.

Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the cells of the lymphatic system. The most common types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lymphoma may occur in any lymph node, but it usually affects those in the neck, armpit, or groin.

People should see a doctor as soon as possible if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

nodes in the neck that cause difficulties breathing or swallowing

a fever over 104°F

a lymph node that gets much larger over 6 hours or less

redness of the skin covering the node

People should also speak to a doctor if they experience more than one swollen lymph node, or if a lymph node has any of the following characteristics:

measures at least 1 inch in diameter

feels tender to the touch

appears swollen without any obvious cause

lasts more than a month

limits the ability to move part of the body

comes with a fever lasting more than 3 days

The above symptoms may indicate a serious infection, which a doctor can help treat.

The type of treatment for a swollen PLN will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, the lymph nodes return to their normal size with the right treatment.

Infectious causes

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Resting, getting plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help a person recover from a viral infection.

Dental causes

For a dentigerous cyst, a doctor or dentist will usually refer the person to an oral surgeon.

The surgeon may drain the cyst or remove it entirely. They may also remove the unerupted tooth.

Lymphoma

Treatment options for lymphoma will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. People should talk to their oncologist, a cancer specialist, for more information about their treatment plan.

What are the early warning signs of lymphoma?

A common sign of lymphoma is one or multiple swollen lymph nodes that are painless and do not go away. Other signs and symptoms include:

What causes posterior auricular lymph nodes to swell?

Posterior auricular lymph nodes may become swollen for a variety of reasons, such as:

salivary gland infections

ear infections

eye infections

dental problems

lymphoma

The PLNs are part of the body's lymphatic system. This helps protect the body against infections and disease.

Many different conditions can cause swollen PLNs, but infections are the most common cause.

In most cases, the swollen node will return to its normal size once the underlying issue has resolved, often with treatment from a doctor.

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