Certain medications, such as antimalarials and antiseizure drugs, can also cause swelling. Most people have localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up. When more than one region swells, this is called generalized lymphadenopathy, and it usually signifies a systemic, or body-wide, disease that may require medical attention. Cat scratch fever , which is also called cat scratch disease, can cause localized lymph node swelling in the area near the cat scratch.
Certain risk factors make a person more likely to have a malignant lymph problem, such as lymphoma. These include :. People with a malignant lymph node may notice that the node feels hard or rubbery. They may also experience systemic symptoms, such as fever , night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Sexually transmitted infections STIs , such as syphilis and gonorrhea , can cause swollen lymph nodes, typically in the groin area.
Lymph nodes in the groin are also known as inguinal lymph nodes. Recurring infections, lower body infections, and injury to the legs can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin. In many cases, swelling reduces and then disappears within 2 to 3 weeks once the body has successfully fought the infection.
If the problem persists for longer than a couple of weeks, it might warrant a visit to the doctor. However, they may also order medical tests to determine the cause of the swelling. These tests may include a routine blood test to look for signs of infection.
Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the surrounding structures of the body.
Imaging tests include:. If the swelling continues for several weeks or a person has other warning signs, a doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy.
During this procedure, the doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and remove a section of lymph node tissue to send to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Alternatively, they may opt for fine needle aspiration, which involves using a needle to remove some cells from the lymph node for analysis. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Lymph node locations Open pop-up dialog box Close. Lymph node locations Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections.
Swollen lymph nodes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Swollen lymph nodes One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
Show references Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults. Accessed Sept. Jameson JL, et al. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The McGraw-Hill Companies; 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 normal 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. The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that may cause them. Some steps you can take are below:. 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. Read this article in Spanish. Lymph nodes may become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including infection, virus, or cancer.
Learn about symptoms of and treatments for…. Lumps behind the ears are rarely a sign of a life-threatening problem. They may signal a need for medication, however, as in the case of an infection…. There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body that help fight infection, including the armpit. Lymph nodes produce immune cells to help fight infection.
They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. They can become swollen from inflammatory conditions, an abscess, cancer, and most commonly from infection.
Common areas where lymph nodes can be felt include the groin, armpit, behind the ears, back of the head, sides of the neck and under the jaw and chin.
Lymph nodes play an important part in the body's defense against infection. Swelling might occur even if the infection is trivial or not apparent. Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt with the fingers include:. Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Infections that can cause them include:. Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the cause and the body parts involved.
Swollen lymph nodes that appear suddenly and are painful are usually due to injury or infection. Slow, painless swelling may be due to cancer or a tumor.
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