Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They help the body fight germs and infections. Lymphadenitis is a swelling of a lymph node. It can be caused by an infection or other condition.
The infection is most often in a nearby part of the body. A common example is the lumps on both sides of your neck under the jaw that get tender and bigger when you have a cold or sore throat. Sometimes the lymph node itself may be infected.
Usually the swollen lymph nodes go back to normal size without a problem. Treatment, if needed, focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics. This should bring the node back to normal size. An infection caused by a virus often goes away on its own. In rare cases, a badly infected node may need to be drained by your doctor.
Lymph nodes may remain swollen or firm long after an initial infection is gone. This is especially true in children, whose glands may decrease in size while remaining firm and visible for many weeks.
The three most common sites of swollen lymph nodes are the neck, armpit, and groin.
Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Any swollen lymph nodes that don't go away or return to normal size within about a month should be checked by your doctor.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures in the body that are sometimes incorrectly called "glands." They are part of the lymphatic system, which carries lymph fluid, nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, the body's defense system against disease.
Lymph nodes may be found separately or in groups. They may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an olive. Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms. Many lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt.
When a part of the body is infected, the nearby lymph nodes can become swollen. For example, if a person has a throat infection, the lymph nodes in the neck may swell and become tender.
Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.
Common sites for swollen lymph nodes include the neck, groin, and underarms.
When lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. This may be caused by:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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