Swollen lymph nodes and lymphadenitis: causes, red flags and which doctor to see
Lymph nodes are the immune system's "sentry posts": they enlarge in response to infections and usually shrink back within a couple of weeks. If a node keeps growing, is firm and painless, or persists longer than 2–3 weeks, see a general practitioner.
Common causes
- A response to infections — colds, sore throat, dental problems; when the node itself becomes inflamed, it is called lymphadenitis
- Skin infections near the node, including animal scratches
- Viral infections with long-lasting node enlargement (mononucleosis)
- A vaccine reaction
- More rarely — blood diseases and tumors, which is why persistent enlargement gets checked
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- A node over 2 cm, firm, fixed and growing
- Enlarged nodes with night sweats and weight loss
- A node with redness, severe pain and fever — possible suppuration
- Nodes enlarged in several areas at once
- Nodes above the collarbone — these always get checked
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
General practitioner
What to bring to the visit
- A timeline: when you noticed the node, whether it is growing
- Details of recent infections, animal scratches, travel
- Blood test results, if you have them
- A list of medicines you take
Frequently asked questions
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck: which doctor should I see?
Start with a general practitioner: they will examine the node, your throat, teeth and the skin nearby and, if needed, refer you to an ENT doctor, a dentist or an infectious disease specialist. After a cold or a sore throat, neck nodes usually shrink on their own within a couple of weeks; if swallowing becomes very difficult, see a doctor the same day, and if breathing is difficult, call 103.
What is lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph node itself, most often caused by a bacterial infection nearby: in the throat, a tooth or the skin. The node hurts, the skin over it may turn red, and there may be a fever. See a general practitioner within the next few days, and without delay if there is redness, severe pain and fever: the node may be filling with pus.
A swollen lymph node in the armpit or groin: what could it be?
A node in the armpit usually reacts to what is happening in the arm and breast: a scratch, an inflammation, a vaccine in the upper arm; a node in the groin reacts to an infection in the leg or the genital area. Start with a general practitioner; if you feel a lump in the breast near the armpit node, tell the doctor: you will need a breast examination by a breast specialist.
Does a swollen lymph node mean cancer?
Most often not: nodes usually swell because of an infection and shrink on their own, and blood diseases and tumors are a rare cause. That is why a node that keeps growing, is firm, does not move or lasts longer than 2–3 weeks should always be shown to a general practitioner: they will examine it and, if needed, order a complete blood count and an ultrasound. If there are any signs from the “When to seek urgent help” list, do not put off the visit.
Swollen lymph nodes in a child's neck: which doctor?
See a pediatrician. In children, neck nodes often swell with colds and sore throats and shrink as the child recovers; do not put off the visit if a node grows quickly, turns red and painful, the fever does not go away, or there are any signs from the “When to seek urgent help” list.
Can I warm up a swollen lymph node?
No: with inflammation, warming can speed up suppuration. Until a doctor examines you, do not warm or massage the nodes.
More in “General”
- Swollen legs
General practitioner
- Constant fatigue
General practitioner
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.