Swollen lymph nodes – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Viral Infections: Common colds, flu, mononucleosis, measles, and other viral infections are frequent causes of swollen lymph nodes. These often affect nodes in the neck, groin, or armpits.
• Bacterial Infections: Strep throat, ear infections, sinus infections, skin infections, and other bacterial infections can also cause lymph node swelling.
• Fungal Infections: Less common, but fungal infections can lead to swollen lymph nodes.
• Parasitic Infections: Certain parasitic infections can cause lymph node swelling.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Cancer: Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), leukemia, and other cancers can sometimes cause swollen lymph nodes. This is less common but more concerning when nodes are persistently swollen, hard, or fixed.
• Medications: Some medications can have swollen lymph nodes as a side effect.
• Other Causes: Less common causes include reactions to vaccinations or certain medical conditions.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Exam: Careful examination of the lymph nodes, noting their size, location, consistency (soft or hard), and tenderness. The doctor will also examine the ears, nose, throat, and other areas.
• Patient History: Gathering information about any other symptoms (such as sore throat, fever, fatigue, weight loss), recent illnesses, travel history, and relevant medical history.
• Blood Tests: May be done to check for infection or other underlying conditions.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of a lymph node may be necessary to determine the cause of the swelling, especially if cancer is suspected.
• Imaging: In some cases, imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to evaluate the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.

Treatment:

• Viral Infections: Usually resolve on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
• Other Infections: Treatment will depend on the specific infection.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Treatment will depend on the specific autoimmune disease and may involve medications to suppress the immune system.
• Cancer: Treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
• Medications: If medication is causing the swelling, the doctor may adjust the dose or recommend an alternative.

Important Considerations:

• Most swollen lymph nodes are benign and will resolve on their own within a few weeks.
• Consult a healthcare professional if the swollen lymph nodes are large, hard, fixed (don’t move), or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, night sweats, persistent fatigue, or unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• If the swelling persists for more than a few weeks without any other symptoms, it’s also important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Don’t delay seeking medical advice for persistent or concerning lymph node swelling.