Lymph nodes that are swollen but not tender can be signs of a serious problem. In some cases, the swollen lymph node will get smaller as other symptoms go away. If a lymph node is swollen and painful or if the swelling lasts more than a few days, also see a doctor. Read this article in Spanish. Lymph nodes may become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including infection, virus, or cancer.
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Lymphocytes are white blood cells. Your lymphocyte counts can help your doctor diagnose an infection or other condition. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Less common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:. When a person has cancer or a severe infection, they may have many swollen lymph nodes. Swelling in a single lymph node is less likely to be a sign of a serious issue.
The right treatment for swollen lymph nodes depends on the cause. When a person has no symptoms of infection, the swelling often goes away on its own. When infections cause a reactive lymph node, a person may require antibiotics. More severe infections may require a person to stay in the hospital or receive antibiotics through an intravenous needle. People with weak immune systems may also need to stay in the hospital, even for relatively minor infections.
Treatments are available for many forms of cancer, particularly if a doctor diagnoses them early. Depending on the type of cancer a person has, a doctor may recommend removing the lymph nodes, chemotherapy , or radiation. A person with swollen lymph nodes should not avoid the doctor because they fear cancer.
Delaying treatment gives the cancer time to grow and get worse. Swollen lymph nodes can be alarming, especially if the cause of the swelling is unclear. People who have HIV or AIDS , who take immune system-suppressing drugs, or whose doctors have told them they have a weak immune system, should call the doctor if their lymph nodes swell. For most people, it is safe to wait for 1—2 weeks to see if symptoms go away. See a doctor within a day or two if any of the following occur:.
If a person has no signs of an infection, a swollen lymph node might be a sign that the body has successfully fought off an infection. 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. Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the surrounding structures of the body. Imaging tests include:. If the swelling continues for several weeks or a person has other warning signs, a doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy.
During this procedure, the doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and remove a section of lymph node tissue to send to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Alternatively, they may opt for fine needle aspiration, which involves using a needle to remove some cells from the lymph node for analysis. Lymph node swelling will usually disappear once the infection clears.
The swelling may also go away when the person takes prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals. If an underlying medical condition is responsible for the lymph nodes swelling, treating this condition should reduce the swelling. Swollen lymph nodes are usually a symptom of another condition, such as an infection, and they tend to resolve on their own within several weeks.
It is best to consult a doctor if swollen lymph nodes persist for longer than 3 weeks or occur alongside other symptoms, such as high fever, abdominal pain, or night sweats. The cause of the swelling will determine the treatment. Read the article in Spanish. If your swollen lymph nodes are tender or painful, you might get some relief by doing the following:.
If you have swollen lymph nodes, you're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor. When you call to set up your appointment, you may be urged to seek immediate medical care if you're experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing. While you wait for your appointment, if your swollen nodes are painful, try easing your discomfort by using warm compresses and an OTC pain reliever, such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin IB, others or acetaminophen Tylenol, others.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis To diagnose what might be causing your swollen lymph nodes, your doctor may need: Your medical history.
Your doctor will want to know when and how your swollen lymph nodes developed and if you have any other signs or symptoms.
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