Swollen lymph nodes how does it feel

Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers , can cause lymph nodes throughout the body to swell. Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Any cancers that spread in the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, survival rate decreases. Lymphoma , which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell. They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline.

They may be tender as well. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms. The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis.

After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases. If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell. Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:. If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI.

In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI. In this case, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This is a minimally invasive test that consists of using thin, needle-like tools to remove a sample of cells from the lymph node. Swollen lymph nodes may become smaller on their own without any treatment.

In some cases, the doctor may wish to monitor them without treatment. In the case of an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications to eliminate the condition responsible for the swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor might also recommend medications such as acetaminophen Tylenol and ibuprofen Advil, Motrin to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their normal size until the cancer is treated. Cancer treatment may involve removing the tumor or any affected lymph nodes. For example, an ear infection may cause swollen lymph nodes near the ear, while someone with an upper respiratory tract infection may notice swollen lymph nodes in their neck. People can check whether their lymph nodes are swollen by gently pressing around the area, such as the side of the neck.

Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps, and they may be the size of a pea or a grape. They might be tender to the touch, which indicates inflammation. In some cases, the lymph nodes will also look larger than usual. Lymph nodes appear in parallel on both sides of the body. People can check the nodes on each side and compare them to see if one is larger than the other, which is likely to indicate swelling.

Many people with swollen glands also experience pain while making sudden or strained movements. Such movements include sharply turning the neck, bobbing the head, or eating foods that are difficult to chew. Swollen lymph nodes often occur alongside other symptoms. These vary depending on the underlying problem but may include a sore throat , cough, or flu-like symptoms.

Many different conditions cause the lymph nodes to swell, particularly the nodes in the head and neck. These conditions include autoimmune disorders, specific types of cancer , and common infections, such as the flu.

Certain medications, such as antimalarials and antiseizure drugs, can also cause swelling. Most people have localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up. 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.

Page last reviewed: 25 September Next review due: 25 September Swollen glands. Check if your glands are swollen Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps: on each side of the neck under the chin in the armpits around the groin Glands known as lymph glands or lymph nodes swell near an infection to help your body fight it.

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.