And 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. Lymph nodes generally are not tender or painful. Most lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt. 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:. 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 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. Russo MD - Internal Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. This enlargement is more common in certain areas of the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin.
A swollen lymph node may be painful and tender to the touch. In some cases, it will be visibly enlarged under the skin, but in others, it will be smaller or deeper in the body and only apparent when touching the area.
However, other viral conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes with no other visible symptoms. These include:. The flu is a respiratory infection that can also cause the lymph nodes to swell.
The symptoms of the flu are similar to those of other respiratory viruses, but they tend to be more severe. They also often develop suddenly rather than gradually. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, but these symptoms are more common in children. While a person has the flu, they should stay at home and rest, avoiding contact with others. Most people recover from the flu without treatment, but it can sometimes cause complications.
People who are most at risk of complications include:. People in these groups may need antiviral medication to prevent severe symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever , is the result of a viral infection.
It can cause lymph nodes in the neck and armpits to swell. Mono also causes symptoms such as:. Mono will eventually go away on its own. Most people recover in 2—4 weeks , but some experience symptoms for longer. Resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter OTC pain relievers can help during recovery. Bacterial infections can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. Some examples of infections that could affect the nodes in the armpit include:.
Cellulitis is a skin infection. It occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and infect the deeper layers, potentially as a result of an injury that led to an area of broken skin.
Cellulitis may cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, an infection in the arm may cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to enlarge. Common symptoms of cellulitis at the infection site include:. Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics.
A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe or they require IV antibiotics, which a doctor administers directly into a vein.
Lyme disease spreads via the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3—30 days after the tick bite occurred. A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat Lyme disease.
Abscesses are localized collections of pus caused by infections. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. An abscess may require drainage and antibiotic treatment. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. 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.
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