What happens if your lymph nodes are infected

Causes of swollen lymph nodes include immune disorders and infection. Learn about treatment and much more. Lymphomas are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system operates throughout the body as the backbone of your immune system…. If you've ever had a surgery on your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage.

This is a technique used to remove waste…. Learn what causes mono and how…. A lymph node biopsy can help determine if you have an infection, an immune disorder, or cancer. Learn more about the purpose, procedure, and risks. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain. Learn how they work. Also discover which ones are safe for children, warnings, and other…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Lymph Node Inflammation Lymphadenitis. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.

Swollen lymph nodes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Swollen lymph nodes One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults. Accessed Sept. Jameson JL, et al. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The McGraw-Hill Companies; Merck Manual Professional Version.

Papadakis MA, et al. Lymphangitis and lymphadenitis. These include :. People with a malignant lymph node may notice that the node feels hard or rubbery. They may also experience systemic symptoms, such as fever , night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Sexually transmitted infections STIs , such as syphilis and gonorrhea , can cause swollen lymph nodes, typically in the groin area.

Lymph nodes in the groin are also known as inguinal lymph nodes. Recurring infections, lower body infections, and injury to the legs can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin. In many cases, swelling reduces and then disappears within 2 to 3 weeks once the body has successfully fought the infection. If the problem persists for longer than a couple of weeks, it might warrant a visit to the doctor. However, they may also order medical tests to determine the cause of the swelling.

These tests may include a routine blood test to look for signs of infection. Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the surrounding structures of the body. Imaging tests include:. If the swelling continues for several weeks or a person has other warning signs, a doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and remove a section of lymph node tissue to send to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

Alternatively, they may opt for fine needle aspiration, which involves using a needle to remove some cells from the lymph node for analysis. Lymph node swelling will usually disappear once the infection clears. The swelling may also go away when the person takes prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals. If an underlying medical condition is responsible for the lymph nodes swelling, treating this condition should reduce the swelling. Swollen lymph nodes are usually a symptom of another condition, such as an infection, and they tend to resolve on their own within several weeks.

It is best to consult a doctor if swollen lymph nodes persist for longer than 3 weeks or occur alongside other symptoms, such as high fever, abdominal pain, or night sweats. The cause of the swelling will determine the treatment. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, survival rate decreases. Lymphoma , which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell. They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline.

They may be tender as well. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms. The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis. After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases.

If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell. Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:. If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI. In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI. In this case, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This is a minimally invasive test that consists of using thin, needle-like tools to remove a sample of cells from the lymph node.

Swollen lymph nodes may become smaller on their own without any treatment. In some cases, the doctor may wish to monitor them without treatment. In the case of an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications to eliminate the condition responsible for the swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor might also recommend medications such as acetaminophen Tylenol and ibuprofen Advil, Motrin to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.