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What are swollen lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system of the human body. They protect the human body from harmful germs and infections like tonsils, spleen, and adenoids.
Lymph nodes have a round, bean-like shape. They are present around the neck, under the arms, and between the crease of the thigh and torso. Sometimes they can be felt as small bumps due to swelling.
Lymph nodes swell when there is an infection or tumor in the body.
The swelling subsides after the infection is cured. Not all diseases cause swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes medications and cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes. Therefore, you should consult a doctor when swollen lymph nodes persist for more than 10 days. Also, if the swelling increases causing pain, fever, sore throat, or other complications, you should see your doctor.
The swollen lymph node is one of the signs of infection, cancer, or autoimmune disorders. The area of inflammation should be seriously considered. For example, if it is around the neck, it could be the result of an upper respiratory tract infection.
A lymph node that is located in the groin could indicate an infection that involves the genitals. If a lymph node is in the body’s interior, it could mean a severe disease such as cancer.
What causes swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes (immune cells). Lymphocytes attack viruses, bacteria, and other things that make you sick. When you are fighting off harmful bacteria, viruses or other germs, our body produces more of these immune cells – this causes inflammation.
Your lymph nodes encounter all kinds of germs, so they swell for a variety of reasons. In general, this is something that is comparatively easy to treat, such as:
a bacterial infection such as a skin infection, ear infection or infected tooth
cold virus
Although it is not common, swollen lymph nodes can be a more serious condition. They can include:
- Immune system problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Tuberculosis (TB), an infection that usually affects the lungs
Certain types of cancer, including:
leukemia (blood cancer)
leukemia: is a rare complication after a splenic T-cell lymphoma. We describe a 65-year-old man who presented with fever and leukopenia 8 months after splenectomy for a splenic T cell lymphoma. His leukocyte count was 1,200/microliter (80.1% blasts, 12% promyelocytes). Bone marrow examination revealed an abnormal population of atypical blast cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated the presence of a der(12), t(12;14), del(13q) chromosome abnormality in bone marrow cells. These findings indicated that acute promyelocytic leukemia had developed. In this patient, acute promyelocytic leukemia developed without any evidence of systemic dissemination of the original lymphoma. Splenectomy for a splenic T cell lymphoma might predispose to the development of acute promyelocytic leukemia, and this patient might have been at high risk for this complication.
Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
cancer of the lymphatic system and the most common and fatal cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer in women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the United States (Jemal et al., CA Cancer J. Clin., 55:171-192 (2005); Poulakis, et al., “Global Cancer Facts and Figures 2003” Cancer Prev. and Control, 8:5-28 (2003)).
Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are present throughout the body. They are a part of the lymphatic system.
Swollen lymph nodes also show these symptoms:
- pain
- tenderness in lymph nodes
- The swelling increases in size as the days pass.
- fever
- night sweats
- Reduce weight
- running nose
- Sore throat.
Diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes
It is important to note that swollen lymph nodes are not a disease, but a symptom. Diagnosis helps to identify the causes of inflammation. Your doctor may do a physical exam and check your medical history for swollen lymph nodes, such as:
pain or tenderness when touched
- Location of nodes to detect any disease specific to that part of the body
- size of lymph nodes
- to check whether they are hard or rubberized
Sometimes, swollen lymph nodes can be a reaction to medications such as the anti-seizure drug phenytoin. Your doctor will also analyze your current medications.
In severe cases, when swollen lymph nodes enlarge for no apparent reason, the doctor will suggest undergoing other tests such as blood tests, biopsy or imaging scans.
Treatment of swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes return to their normal size after the infection subsides. Treatment for a swollen lymph node depends on other factors that cause the swelling. Common treatment methods include:
When a bacterial infection occurs, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. It will take seven to ten days for the lymph nodes to return to normal.
Immune system disorders – The need for medication for autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis will vary depending on the severity of the disease.
Cancer – Almost all types of cancer cause swollen lymph nodes. Thus the treatment method will be different for each type of cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do swollen lymph nodes indicate something serious?
In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are normal and get better on their own. However, some cases can be a sign of something more serious. You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- If you have hard, painful lumps that attach to the skin and grow rapidly.
- If the lymph nodes are more than an inch in diameter.
- If the lymph nodes make your skin red or swollen.
- If the lumps shed pus or other substances.
- If you experience night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a long-lasting fever.
- If you have swollen lumps near your collarbone or your lower neck (these could be a sign of cancer).
How do you detect a cancerous lymph node?
How long does it take for swollen lymph nodes in the neck to go away?
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are very common due to a viral infection, burn, abscess or upper respiratory infection. The swelling will gradually subside over 2-10 days. If the swelling does not go away even after ten days, you should consult a doctor.
Can stress cause lymph nodes to swell?
The ones that have grown to be large are probably the most prone to bacterial/viral infections.
Some people have a particular lymph node swelling that is a characteristic of stress and anxiety. Stress causes lymph to go into spasm and swell.
I have had a severe chronic stress reaction to a lot of stress. One doctor even wrote a test for me to look for “stress antibodies.” If you have such a thing it would be nice to know about it. My stress reaction is not chronic like yours is, but it started as a result of my being in a car accident. I was able to train my body to handle stress without so much of a problem by practicing yoga.
No, there is no connection between stress and swollen glands.
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