Why does my lymph node hurt

A swollen occipital lymph node feels like a bump on the back of your head. We'll go over potential causes, their additional symptoms, and when it's…. Learn more here. A T cell count is a blood test that measures the number of T cells, which are white blood cells that fight disease.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells. Your lymphocyte counts can help your doctor diagnose an infection or other condition. Your thyroid gland is responsible for growth and metabolism in your body.

Here are 10 common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, or low thyroid…. Bladderwrack is an edible brown seaweed that has been used as a natural medicine for centuries. This article reviews the benefits, uses, and side…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes. Causes of swollen lymph nodes. Detecting swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes. Treatment of swollen lymph nodes. Prevention of swollen lymph nodes. When to see a doctor.

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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. 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.

The site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause. The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:. Glands can also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.

Glands in the armpit axillary lymph nodes may swell from an injury or infection to the arm or hand. A rare cause of axillary swelling may be breast cancer or lymphoma. The lymph nodes in the groin femoral or inguinal lymph nodes may swell from an injury or infection in the foot, leg, groin, or genitals. In rare cases, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma may cause a lump in this area. Glands above the collarbone supraclavicular lymph nodes may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen.

What does it mean when lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body? This may be caused by: A viral illness, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox varicella , or mumps.

Mononucleosis Epstein-Barr virus , which results in fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or cytomegalovirus CMV , a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis. A bacterial illness, such as strep throat caused by the streptococcus bacterium or Lyme disease a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks. Side effects of phenytoin Dilantin , a medicine used to prevent seizures.

Side effects of measles-mumps-rubella MMR vaccination. Cancer, such as leukemia , Hodgkin disease , and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some disease. Syphilis , a sexually transmitted infection. How are swollen lymph nodes treated? How long will lymph nodes remain swollen? Current as of: July 1, I want to All rights reserved.