Glands, swollen

Alternative names:

swollen glands

Definition:

The enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. See also lymphadenitis and lymphangitis.

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, and over the occiput (prominence on the back of the head).

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:

• infectious
  • HIV disease or AIDS
  • infectious mononucleosis (behind the ears or neck)
  • rubella also known as German measles (behind the ears)
  • tuberculosis (above the collar bone)
  • mumps (salivary glands)
  • ear infections or sore throat (neck glands, sometimes)
  • infection in the scalp (behind the ears or in back of the head)
  • impacted tooth (swollen gums)

• immune or autoimmune
  • juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
  • serum sickness
  • HIV disease

• malignant
  • leukemia
  • Hodgkin's disease
  • non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

• other
  • canker sores
  • drugs (such as phenytoin)
  • typhoid vaccination
  • salivary duct stones

Note: There may be other causes of swollen glands. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for swollen glands, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.