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Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis
Circulation of lymph
Circulation of lymph
Swollen glands
Swollen glands

Glands - swollen
Definition:
The term "swollen glands" refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. In a child, a node is enlarged if it is larger than one centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter. See also lymphadenitis and lymphangitis.

Alternative Names:
Swollen glands; Swollen lymph nodes; Swollen lymph glands

Considerations:

The lymphatic system is a complex network of thin vessels, valves, ducts, nodes, and organs. It helps to protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by producing, filtering, and conveying lymph and by producing various blood cells.

The lymph system is present throughout the body. Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt (palpable nodes) include:

  • the groin area (inguinal region)
  • armpit (axilla)
  • the neck (there is a chain of lymph nodes on either side of the front of the neck, both sides of the neck, and down each side of the back of the neck)
  • under the jaw and chin
  • behind the ears
  • over the prominence on the back of the head (occiput)
Lymph nodes play an important part in the body's defense against infection. Swelling might occur even if the infection is trivial or not apparent. Swelling of lymph nodes generally results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. By far, the most common cause of lymph node enlargement is infection.

As a rule, when swelling appears suddenly and is painful, it is usually caused by injury or an infection. Enlargement that comes on gradually and painlessly may result from malignancy or tumor.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
Soreness in lymph glands usually disappears in a couple of days without treatment. If the glands are painful, it is because of the rapid swelling of the gland in the early stages of fighting the infection. It takes much longer for the gland to return to normal size than to swell, so be patient.

Follow prescribed therapy, if appropriate, to treat the underlying cause.
Call your health care provider if:
  • After several weeks of observation the glands don’t get smaller.
  • Swollen glands are red and tender.
  • Swollen glands are hard, irregular, or feel fixed in place.
  • Swollen glands are located just above the collar bone.
  • Swollen glands are located behind the ear.
  • One or more glands get larger over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.
  • There are symptoms of fever, night sweats, or weight loss with swollen glands.
  • Nodes larger than 1cm in diameter in children should be followed by a physician. It should shrink noticeably within 4-6 weeks, and should be less than one centimeter within 8-12 weeks.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
Your medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions may include:
  • location
    • Which node(s) are affected?
    • Is the swelling the same on both sides?
  • time pattern
    • When did the swelling begin?
    • How long has it lasted (how many months or weeks)?
    • Did it begin suddenly?
    • Did it develop gradually?
    • Is the swollen node increasing in size?
    • Is the number of nodes that are swollen increasing?
  • associated complaints
    • Is the node painful?
    • Is the skin over or around the node red?
    • Is the node tender when you gently press on it?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?
The physical examination may include pressing on many of the lymph nodes to look for size, texture, warmth, tenderness, and other features.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to swollen lymph nodes, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 3/3/2002
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M.; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford (3/3/2002). Previously reviewed by Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/5/2001).
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