Inflamed Lymph Node in the Neck: Causes and What It Means

You have felt a firm lump in your neck, and it hurts when pressed. Most likely it is a lymph node that has joined the fight against an infection. Below — what it means and when it is time to see a doctor.

What are lymph nodes in the neck and why are they needed

The human body has about 600 lymph nodes. They are part of the immune system: the nodes help recognize and destroy infections.

In the neck, the nodes run in chains on both sides, as well as under the jaw, behind the ears, and at the back of the head.

Normally, only the submandibular, axillary, and inguinal nodes can be felt. The normal diameter is up to 1 cm. In a child, a node larger than 1 cm is already considered enlarged.

A node enlarges next to the source of infection — that is how the body fights it.

Why a lymph node in the neck becomes inflamed: main causes

Infections are the most common cause. These are sore throat, tonsillitis, otitis, and other infections of the ear and throat, as well as a cold and flu.

Other causes include a tooth abscess, gingivitis, stomatitis, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, and skin infections.

Viral diseases also cause cervical nodes: Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, measles, hepatitis, HIV. Some cases are related to taking certain medications.

Less often, the enlargement is due to autoimmune diseases and tumors — leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease. A nearby lymph node often becomes the first place where cancer spreads.

Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis: how inflammation manifests

The node feels like a painful bump on the side of the neck or under the chin. Sometimes only one node enlarges.

There are often other symptoms: sore throat, cough, high fever. Night sweats and weight loss may occur.

The pain appears due to stretching of the capsule when the node grows rapidly. It does not distinguish a benign process from a malignant one.

Painful nodes usually mean a fight against infection. The discomfort resolves within a couple of days, but the node returns to its previous size after a few weeks. Enlargement due to infection usually resolves within 1–2 weeks.

How inflammation differs from other causes of enlargement

Sudden and painful enlargement is more often related to infection or injury. Slow and painless enlargement — to a tumor.

Consistency is also informative. A stone-hard node is typical of metastases, a firm elastic one — of lymphoma, a soft one — of inflammation. When suppuration occurs, fluctuation appears.

The node may be enlarged on one side or in several groups at once — this is localized and generalized lymphadenopathy.

If the node does not move under the fingers, this is a reason for examination.

How the cause is determined: examination and workup

The doctor palpates all groups of nodes: submandibular, anterior and posterior cervical, supraclavicular, axillary, inguinal. Notes the size, tenderness, consistency, mobility, and connection between them.

Next, the areas from which lymph flows to the node are examined: looking for inflammation, skin damage, tumors. At the first visit, generalized lymphadenopathy is found in only 17% of patients.

Workups include a complete blood count with a leukocyte differential, liver and kidney tests. Lymph node biopsy, chest X-ray, and CT of the chest and abdominal cavity are used. A similar breakdown of causes is in the article about enlarged lymph nodes.

When an inflamed lymph node in the neck requires an urgent visit to the doctor

Some situations cannot wait. See a doctor soon if:

• the node is growing or does not shrink within a week;
• it is firm and does not move when pressed;
• there is night sweating or a very high fever;
• apart from the node, there are no other signs of illness;
• the node is located above the collarbone or just below it.

A red and painful node, fever, unexplained weight loss are also reasons to see a doctor.

Enlargement of a lymph node by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 — if, against the background of an enlarged node, it is difficult to swallow or difficult to breathe.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer