Swollen lymph nodes

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Your lymphatic system comprises a network of organs, vessels, and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Of some 600 lymph nodes, the majority are located in your head and neck region. The lymph nodes that most frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area.

You may have the following signs and symptoms, depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes:

  • Enlargement of the affected lymph nodes to 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) or more
  • Tender and painful lymph nodes
  • Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
  • General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body — which may indicate an infection, such as HIV or mononucleosis, or immune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Red, inflamed skin over the swollen lymph node
  • Swollen limb, possibly indicating lymph system blockage caused by swelling in a lymph node too far under your skin to feel
  • Hardened, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, possibly indicating a tumor (rare)

When to see a doctor
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, or have been present for more than two weeks
  • Feel hard or fixed
  • Are accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
  • Are accompanied by a sore throat or by difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Are red, warm and tender
References
  1. Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.
  2. Schmitt, DB. Swollen lymph nodes brief version. In: Burley J, et al., eds. Pediatric Advisor. Broomfield, Co.: Clinical Reference Systems; 2008.
  3. Rubinovitch B, et al. Generalized and regional lymphadenopathy. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2004:197.
  4. Neck swelling. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/514.html#4. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.
  5. Lowry PA. Hematologic malignancies. In: Noble J, et al. Noble: Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2001:1074.

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Jan. 24, 2009

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