June 12, 2025 | They are shaped like beans, and you have somewhere between 400 and 800 of them throughout your body. Lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in the body being able to fight off infections. They work as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of the body. Lymph nodes are connected by tubes, called lymphatic vessels, which collect excess fluid, or lymph, from around your cells. As the lymph moves through your lymph nodes, immune cells destroy foreign invaders and remove damaged, abnormal and cancerous cells. Then the lymph moves back into your lymphatic system and, eventually, back into your blood. Lymph nodes are found in clusters behind your ear, around your jaw and at the base of your skull. They are also found around the sides of your neck, in your armpits, your chest, abdomen, pelvis and in the groin.

June 12, 2025 | Any infection can cause swollen lymph nodes, it can be a sign that your body is fighting off the germs. A common example is strep throat, which usually causes swollen, tender lymph nodes in the front of your neck. Other infections, such as Lyme disease or mononucleosis, can cause different patterns of swollen lymph nodes in your body. There are some locations in your body where swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of serious disease. Lymphoma, for example, is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The chronic disease lupus causes swelling and irritation called inflammation that can affect the skin, heart and lungs. You should check with a medical professional if you have noticeable lymph nodes in your elbow or upper chest, above your collarbone. If you notice any swollen lymph nodes that are painful or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical advice.

June 12, 2025 | There are a number of conditions that can increase a person’s risk for swollen lymph nodes. Old age is one of them, aging increases the risk of getting infections, immune system disorders and cancer. High-risk behaviors are another one. Having sex without protection and injecting illicit drugs increases the risk of infections such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. A weakened immune system can also lead to problems with lymph nodes. This can be as a result of This can be from an illness or a medication that suppresses the immune system. Silicone breast implants and certain medicines have also been shown to cause swollen lymph nodes. When an infection that causes swollen lymph nodes isn’t treated, a collection of pus may form. These are called abscesses. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. An abscess might need to be drained and treated with an antibiotic.

June 12, 2025 | When your lymph glands swell up or are painful, it could be a sign that you’re fighting off germs or that there’s an issue with your immune system. Finding the cause of swollen lymph nodes usually starts with a review of the patient’s medical history, including a discussion about when and how the swollen nodes started and if there are any other symptoms. A physical exam will include checking lymph nodes just under the skin to see where they are and how they feel, and how big, tender and warm they are. A complete blood count, or CBC, and other tests can look for the cause of the swollen lymph nodes while a chest X-ray or CT scan of the affected area may show the source of the infection or find any possible tumors. In some cases, a mammogram may be necessary. If necessary, a biopsy may be ordered, which involves removing a sample of the lymph node or the whole lymph node and sending it to a lab for study.

June 12, 2025 | Generally, lymph nodes themselves aren’t treated. This is common if your physician determines that the lymph node has no concerning features and if it goes away on its own. Any possible treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. The usual treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by an immune disorder or cancer will focus on the disease’s symptoms. If your swollen lymph nodes are tender or painful, a warm compress may provide some relief. Dip a washcloth in hot water and wring it out and then place it on the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen may be warranted. Aspirin is not an option, particularly for children or teen-agers, as it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition, in young people who have the flu or chicken pox.