What are swollen neck lymph nodes?
Swollen neck lymph nodes are enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area and under the chin. Lymph nodes are very small clusters of immune cells that function as part of the body’s immune system. There are more than 600 lymph nodes throughout the body, but the ones most frequently enlarged or swollen are the lymph nodes in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin. Swollen neck lymph nodes can occur in any age group or population, but generally occur most often in children.
Your body relies on the lymphatic system to fight off germs, infections, and abnormal substances such as cancer cells. Lymph nodes are an important part of your body’s immune system. Swollen neck lymph nodes can result from infection, malignancy and autoimmune disorders. Swollen neck lymph nodes are also known as lymphadenitis, lymphadenopathy, swollen nodes, or swollen glands.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be a sign of an infectious disease, such as the common cold, mumps, rubella, strep throat, ear infection, or mononucleosis, as well as an infected wound. Swollen neck lymph nodes can also indicate certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin lymphoma).
Swollen neck lymph nodes due to a viral infection often get better without treatment. However, some infections that are due to bacteria or other pathogens need medical attention. Seek prompt medical care if your lymph nodes have been swollen for more than two weeks, or are red, tender, hard , or irregular feeling, or if swelling is increasing.
What other symptoms might occur with swollen neck lymph nodes?
Swollen neck lymph nodes often occur with other symptoms that vary in severity depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Symptoms that may occur along with swollen neck lymph nodes
Swollen neck lymph nodes may occur with other symptoms including:
Cold or flu-like symptoms (runny nose, fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)
Drooling
Earache
Genital sores (indication of syphilis)
Joint pain
Tender, warm and red lymph nodes
Unexplained loss of appetite
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition
In some cases, swollen neck lymph nodes may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:
High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, and choking
Vomiting blood or black material (resembling coffee grounds)
What causes swollen neck lymph nodes?
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck is a viral infection such as the common cold. Bacterial infections that can cause swollen neck lymph nodes include an infected tooth and strep throat. Immune system disorders and some types of cancer can also lead to swollen neck lymph nodes.
Common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
The more common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes include viral and bacterial infections. Left untreated, some of these diseases can lead to serious complications and secondary illnesses. Infections that commonly cause swollen neck lymph nodes include:
Common cold (viral respiratory infection)
Infected tooth (abscessed tooth)
Influenza (flu)
Measles (contagious viral infection also known as rubeola)
German measles (contagious viral infection also known as rubella)
Mononucleosis (viral infection)
Mumps (viral infection that affects the salivary glands in the neck)
Strep throat (bacterial throat infection)
Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils in the back of the throat)
Other infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
Less common, but potentially life-threatening infectious diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes include:
Cat scratch fever (bacterial infection from being scratched or bitten by a cat that carries the bacteria)
Cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
Infected wound
Syphilis (sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria)
Toxoplasmosis (parasitic infection)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
Other noninfectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
Swollen neck lymph nodes can also be caused by noninfectious disorders such as:
Lymphatic obstruction (blockage in the lymph system)
Autoimmune diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes
Swollen neck lymph nodes can also be caused by problems with the immune system itself, such as:
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues)
Cancers that can cause swollen neck lymph nodes
The most notable life-threatening diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes are different types of cancers including:
Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease)
Metastasized cancer that has traveled to the lymph nodes
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Oral, mouth or larynx cancer
Viral infections that cause swollen neck lymph nodes can often be treated with self-care measures at home and the swelling will go away as your body fights off the infection. Self-care measures include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, warm compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
For persistent or chronic swelling, redness and pain, it is important to seek medical care because these are symptoms of a possible bacterial infection. Bacterial infections will need to be treated with antibiotics and a treatment plan designed by your doctor. Left untreated, a localized bacterial infection can spread to the blood and quickly become life threatening. In addition, untreated or poorly controlled lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers can spread and lead to loss of life.
Over time, untreated and/or undiagnosed swollen neck lymph nodes can lead to serious complications including:
