Enlarged Lymph Nodes

The lumps that you feel in your neck or under your jaw when you have a cold or a sore throat are called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the body's immune system. They help to destroy infectious germs, such as viruses (e.g., the common cold virus) and bacteria (e.g., strep). The lymph nodes make antibodies that will help keep you from being infected with a particular germ in the future.

Lymph nodes are located in the areas beside the head and the neck region. They can be found in the armpits, the groin, above the elbow, and deep inside the chest and the abdomen (belly). Their function is the same regardless of their location.

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When lymph nodes are active in fighting infection, they may become swollen and painful. Usually, the pain is mild, and the lymph node does not get much bigger than 2 centimeters (slightly under 1 inch) in size.

While lymph nodes are the most common cause of a lump or a bump in the neck, there are other, much less common causes, e.g., cysts from abnormalities of fetal development or thyroid gland enlargement. Usually, your doctor can tell the difference on a physical examination.

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Frequently, children have enlarged lymph nodes. The immune system of a child is constantly being exposed to germs that it has never seen before, and the lymph nodes may swell in reacting to those germs. In contrast, the immune system of an adult has seen most of the common germs, and has developed immunity to them.

Therefore, the lymph glands do not need to work so hard, and they are much less likely to become swollen. In fact, a study published in 1975 showed that 100% of children who are under 12 years of age had lymph nodes that could be felt in the neck.

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In children, once a lymph node becomes enlarged, it may stay enlarged for a long time. Sometimes, several lymph nodes can become enlarged at the same time. Usually, the lymph node will begin to decrease in size within two to three weeks, but a little bump (less than 1 centimeter, or 1/4 to 1/2 inches, in size) may be present for months.

However, lymph nodes should not continue to grow in size (especially grow greater than 1 inch in diameter). If they do, you should contact your doctor. Your doctor may want to measure the lymph node and record the findings in your chart for accurate comparison on your next examination.

Typically, a fever accompanies enlarged nodes when it is part of an infectious process. You also may have a sore throat, enlarged tonsils, an earache, a dental problem, or skin irritation or infection. Often, the problem that caused the swollen gland will bring you to your doctor and not the swollen lymph node.

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Generally, enlarged lymph nodes are evaluated by a physical examination. Your doctor will note:

• the size and the location of the enlarged lymph node;


• if one or more lymph nodes are involved;


• if the node is tender


• if it is associated with redness of the overlying skin; and


• how it feels, e.g., soft, firm, rubbery, or hard.

Your doctor will examine the areas that the lymph node drains. For example, a lymph node under the jaw should prompt a careful examination of the mouth and the throat. Your doctor also will look for abnormalities that often are seen with enlarged lymph nodes, such as a skin rash or a swollen liver and/or spleen.

Enlarged lymph nodes that grow progressively or are very large in size (generally more than 3 centimeters, or 1 1/4 inches) may require more extensive evaluations, to include a blood count; blood tests for infections, e.g., mono; a skin test for TB; or an x-ray. This is particularly true if you have been losing weight, have joint pain or swelling, have persistent fevers and/or night sweats, or have other abnormalities that are found on a physical examination.

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Sometimes, an enlarged lymph node needs no treatment at all, particularly if it is enlarged because it is fighting a viral infection. Occasionally, antibiotics will be prescribed if the lymph node is infected with a bacterial germ or is enlarged due to a bacterial infection (e.g., strep throat). If the lymph node tenderness is a problem, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to ease the discomfort.

Although steroids (prednisone) will cause the lymph nodes to decrease in size, regardless of the cause of the enlargement, it is strongly discouraged because it could mask a serious underlying cause of the enlarged nodes, delay the correct diagnosis, and, possibly, complicate the treatment.

Rarely, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the lymph node so that it can be examined under the microscope for the presence of cancer or unusual infections. Usually, a course of antibiotics is administered first, before surgery is recommended. However, surgery is most likely to happen if:

• the lymph node is large (greater than 3 centimeters, or 1 1/4 inches);


• there are other abnormal physical examination findings, e.g., an enlarged liver and/or spleen;


• the blood count is abnormal; or


• the chest x-ray shows enlarged nodes.

Most people worry that a persistently enlarged lymph node is something very serious, like cancer. In children, this is rare. Even if your doctor recommends a lymph node biopsy, it is not very likely to show cancer. In fact, in one study of 239 children who underwent lymph node biopsy, only 13% of the removed lymph nodes showed cancer.

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The lymph node itself may become infected (called lymphadenitis), which can be very painful, and is associated with redness and swelling. Usually, it requires antibiotics for treatment. Infrequently, the lymph node may have a pus pocket inside of it (i.e., an abscess) that requires an operation to drain it.

An enlarged lymph node that is felt immediately above the collarbone is unusual and seldom is associated with infection. If it occurs, you should contact your doctor, as it may be a sign of a more serious condition. For example, in teenagers, swollen glands felt right above the collarbone could be the first sign of Hodgkin's disease, a type of cancer that occurs in the lymph nodes.

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Enlarged lymph nodes cannot be prevented. The lymph node helps the body to fight infection, and, in the process, the lymph gland may increase in size. This is normal. The lymph tissue decreases in size after puberty, and it becomes less noticeable. However, you should contact your doctor if:

• the lymph nodes are larger than 3 centimeters, or 1 1/4 inches;


• there are signs or symptoms of an infection, such as a sore throat, a fever, or an earache;


• the lymph nodes are felt above the collarbone, regardless of their size; or


• you have persistently enlarged nodes, lasting three or more weeks.

About the Author

Dr. Albano is a board certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist.

She graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine and did both her pediatric residency as well as hematology/oncology fellowship at The Children's Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Besides a full time practice in clinical oncology, Dr. Albano is actively involved in research in infections that occur in immunocompromised patients and their treatment.

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