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. Lymph node swelling will usually disappear once the infection clears. The swelling may also go away when the person takes prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals. If an underlying medical condition is responsible for the lymph nodes swelling, treating this condition should reduce the swelling.
Swollen lymph nodes are usually a symptom of another condition, such as an infection, and they tend to resolve on their own within several weeks. It is best to consult a doctor if swollen lymph nodes persist for longer than 3 weeks or occur alongside other symptoms, such as high fever, abdominal pain, or night sweats. The cause of the swelling will determine the treatment.
Read the article in Spanish. A lump under the chin may be hard or soft, and tender or painless. This is not always a cause for concern. Learn about causes and when to see a doctor. On its journey more tissue and waste material is collected. The fluid lymph that accumulates firstly drains into larger lymph vessels, then into ducts in the neck, before emptying into the blood stream.
Lymph nodes are small oval clumps of lymphatic tissue found at intervals along the vessels. These lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and cells from the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the blood stream.
Lymph nodes can only be felt in the areas listed:. Usually lymph nodes are not enlarged and thus not able to be felt, but if you have previously had an infection such as tonsillitis you may have noticed and felt lymph nodes becoming enlarged, painful and tender.
Lymph nodes can also become enlarged due to cancer cells lodging in them. Checking your lymph nodes once a month is sufficient and this can be done at the same time as you check your skin for any changing moles. Checking them more often may result indifficulty noticing any change. Do not panic if you feel a lymph node as it may well be due to an infection, but if it has not gone away in a week contact your doctor or specialist nurse.
Diagram how to check the lymph nodes in your armpitRemove all clothing down to the waist to get easy access to the armpits. To check the left side, lift your arm slightly then place the fingers of your right hand high into the armpit and then lower your arm. The purpose of this information is to help you understand why you have your nodes checked at your follow-up appointments. It explains which lymph nodes you need to check and how to undertake this procedure yourself.
The aim is to ensure that if in the unlikely case there is spread of your skin cancer to the lymph nodes, it is detected and reported to your doctor or nurse straight away rather than waiting until your next clinic appointment. Introduction You have been diagnosed with a skin cancer that on occasions can spread into the lymphatic system.
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; Merck Manual Professional Version. Papadakis MA, et al. Lymphangitis and lymphadenitis. McGraw-Hill Education; American Cancer Society. Lymph nodes and cancer. Related Mesentery Parts of the immune system Swollen lymph nodes. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
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