Glands above the collarbone supraclavicular lymph nodes may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen. What does it mean when lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body? This may be caused by: A viral illness, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox varicella , or mumps. Mononucleosis Epstein-Barr virus , which results in fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or cytomegalovirus CMV , a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis.
A bacterial illness, such as strep throat caused by the streptococcus bacterium or Lyme disease a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks. Side effects of phenytoin Dilantin , a medicine used to prevent seizures. Side effects of measles-mumps-rubella MMR vaccination. Cancer, such as leukemia , Hodgkin disease , and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some disease. Syphilis , a sexually transmitted infection. How are swollen lymph nodes treated? How long will lymph nodes remain swollen? Credits Current as of: July 1, Lymph nodes swell in this process. Lymph nodes may also swell in response to an injury as they work to prevent or stop an infection. Sometimes, lymph nodes can swell because of cancer.
Lymph nodes usually swell near the site of the injury. For example, lymph nodes behind or under the ears may swell when a person has an ear infection, while lymph nodes in the neck might swell in response to strep throat. The main symptom of a reactive lymph node is swelling. Sometimes, the area around the lymph node also swells. The body contains hundreds of lymph nodes, and they swell most often in the neck and around the face, along the groin, and under the arms.
When lymph nodes swell because of an infection or injury, the swollen lymph node is usually :. The swelling is usually only in a specific lymph node or group of lymph nodes. A person who has many swollen lymph nodes throughout the body may have a severe systemic infection or possibly certain types of cancer. Reactive lymph nodes often accompany an infection or injury.
A person might notice other symptoms of the infection, such as:. A swollen lymph node does not necessarily mean the infection is severe. Sometimes, a person may have an immune disorder that causes lymph nodes to swell. Less common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:. When a person has cancer or a severe infection, they may have many swollen lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Lymph nodes may be found singly or in groups. 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.
Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells. You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or high temperature. Things you can do yourself Swollen glands should go down within 2 weeks. You can help to ease the symptoms by: resting drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration taking painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen do not give aspirin to children under 16 Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:.
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