Swollen glands how long do they last

Swollen glands are more likely to be caused by cancer if they: don't go away within a few weeks and slowly get bigger are painless and firm or hard when you touch them occur with other symptoms, such as night sweats and weight loss See your GP if your glands have been swollen for more than a couple of weeks.

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Email Address e. Message Maximum of characters. Send feedback. Also on NHS inform. Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer.

Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections. They function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of your body.

In some cases, the passage of time and warm compresses may be all you need to treat swollen lymph nodes. If an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the cause. 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. As long as the lymph node does not change or become hard, this is not typically a sign of a problem. If a person notices that a lymph nodes changes, hardens, or grows very large, they should see a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a temporary infection, but they can also be a sign of some medical conditions, including certain immune disorders….

Adenopathy is any disease or inflammation that involves glandular tissue or lymph nodes. Learn about what causes swollen lymph nodes. A lump under the chin may be hard or soft, and tender or painless.

This is not always a cause for concern. Learn about causes and when to see a doctor. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. With about nodes and a vast network of vessels penetrating nearly every tissue, the lymphatic…. What to know about reactive lymph nodes. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Symptoms Causes Treatment When to see a doctor Outlook When the body fights an infection or injury, lymph nodes sometimes swell.

Share on Pinterest Lymph nodes often swell under the arms and in the neck. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A person should see a doctor if a fever develops alongside swollen lymph nodes.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Why are my lymph nodes swollen? What is adenopathy? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.