When is lymph node considered enlarged

They can become swollen from inflammatory conditions, an abscess, cancer, and most commonly from infection. Common areas where lymph nodes can be felt include the groin, armpit, behind the ears, back of the head, sides of the neck and under the jaw and chin.

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.

Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt with the fingers include:. Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Infections that can cause them include:. Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the cause and the body parts involved.

Swollen lymph nodes that appear suddenly and are painful are usually due to injury or infection. Slow, painless swelling may be due to cancer or a tumor. Painful lymph nodes are generally a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The soreness usually goes away in a couple of days, without treatment. Call or click here for more information.

They are found throughout the body, but they can only be seen or felt if they are swollen or enlarged. They may indicate a common infection or a medical condition, like an immune disorder or sometimes, but rarely, a certain type of cancer.

Here is a deeper insight to help you understand all you need to know about lymph nodes. Some common locations where swollen lymph nodes appear, and their names include:. Several conditions can result in swollen lymph nodes, including infections, viruses, inflammatory diseases, and some cancers.

Skip to navigation menu Skip to content. High Priority Alert. Close alert. Informational Alert. Lymph Nodes - Swollen. Is this your child's symptom? Increased size of one or more lymph nodes. Most are in the neck. This is the size of a pea or baked bean. The cervical neck nodes are most commonly involved. This is because of the many respiratory infections that occur during childhood.

Viral Throat Infection. This is the most common cause of swollen nodes in the neck. They are the same on each side. Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Many lymph nodes are located in your head and neck region. Lymph nodes that frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When your lymph nodes first swell, you might notice:. Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:. Some swollen lymph nodes return to normal when the underlying condition, such as a minor infection, gets better.

See your doctor if you're concerned or if your swollen lymph nodes:. Seek immediate medical care if you're having difficulty swallowing or breathing. Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped clusters of cells.

Inside lymph nodes are a combination of different types of immune system cells. These specialized cells filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.

Lymph nodes are located in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. You may be more likely to notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.