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Swollen glands

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lymphatic system
Lymphatic system
Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis
Circulation of lymph
Circulation of lymph
Lymphatic system
Lymphatic system
Swollen glands
Swollen glands

Alternative Names    Return to top

Glands - swollen; Swollen lymph nodes; Lymph nodes - swollen

Definition    Return to top

The term "swollen glands" refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes.

In a child, a node is considered enlarged if it is more than 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter.

See also: Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

Considerations    Return to top

Lymph nodes are glands that play an important part in your body's defense against infection. They produce lymph, which travels throughout your body in the lymph system, and filters impurities from the body.

Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt (with the fingers) include:

Lymph nodes can become swollen from infection, inflammatory conditions, an abscess, or cancer. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are rare. By far, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.

When swelling appears suddenly and is painful, it is usually caused by injury or an infection. Enlargement that comes on gradually and painlessly may, in some cases, result from cancer or a tumor.

Causes    Return to top

Infections that commonly cause swollen lymph nodes include mononucleosis, German measles (rubella), tuberculosis, mumps, ear infection, tonsillitis, an abscessed or impacted tooth, gingivitis (swelling of the gums), mouth sores, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Immune or autoimmune disorders that can cause swollen lymph nodes include rheumatoid arthritis and HIV. Cancers that can cause swollen glands include leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the type of problem and the body parts involved. Identifying the location can help determine the possible cause.

Swollen lymph nodes may also be caused by some medications (such phenytoin for seizures) or certain vaccinations (such as typhoid immunization).

Home Care    Return to top

Soreness in lymph glands usually disappears in a couple of days without treatment, but the nodes may not return to normal size for several weeks after the infection has cleared. Generally, if glands are painful, it is because they swell rapidly in the early stages of fighting an infection.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor if:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, checking all of your palpable lymph nodes for size, texture, warmth, tenderness, and other features.

Your doctor may ask the following medical history questions:

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

References    Return to top

Abeloff MD. Clinical Oncology. 3rd ed. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2004.

Bisno AL. Infectious Diseases Society of America. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Clin Infect Dis. 2002; 35(2): 113-125.

Vincent MT. Pharyngitis. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 69(6): 1465-1470.

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Kenneth M. Wener, MD, Department of Infectious Diseases. Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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