What makes neck glands swell

The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:.

Wash your hands frequently during cold and cough season. This may help prevent some upper respiratory infections that cause glands to swell. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Updated visitor guidelines. Topic Overview Most swollen glands or lumps under the skin are not cause for concern. Infections Swollen glands commonly develop when the body fights infections from colds, insect bites, or small cuts. Examples of such infections include: Bacterial infections , such as: Strep throat, caused by the streptococcus bacterium.

A boil abscess , similar to a large pimple. A boil may develop when a hair follicle or the skin becomes infected. A sweat gland abscess may form one or more lumps in the armpit that look like boils.

Viral infections , such as: A viral infection of the skin molluscum contagiosum , which causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. Measles , rubella , chickenpox , or mumps. AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , which develops in the late stage of HIV human immunodeficiency virus infection. This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some diseases. These viruses cause fever, sore throat, and fatigue. Other infections, such as: Lyme disease , an infection that is spread by certain types of ticks.

Syphilis , a sexually transmitted infection. Noncancerous benign growths Types of noncancerous benign growths, which are usually harmless, include: A lipoma , a smooth, rubbery, dome-shaped lump that is easily movable under the skin.

A cyst , a sac of fluid and debris that sometimes hurts. Cystic lesions from acne are large pimples that occur deep under the skin.

Branchial cleft cysts are found in the neck and do not usually cause problems unless they become infected. These cysts are most common in teenagers. An epidermal cyst often appears on the scalp, ears, face, or back. A ganglion is a soft, rubbery lump a type of cyst on the front or back of the wrist. Tonsillitis , which may also cause swelling in the neck. A salivary gland problem, such as inflammation, a salivary stone, an infection, or a tumor. An inflammation of fatty tissue under the skin erythema nodosum or overgrown scar tissue keloid.

Hernias, aneurysms, or nodules Hernias or aneurysms are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. An inguinal hernia is a soft lump in the groin or near the navel. It may be more visible when you cough. Hernias that disappear when you press on them may not need any treatment. Hernias that don't disappear when you press on them may be more serious and need medical treatment.

A bulging section in the wall of a blood vessel aneurysm may feel like a pulsating lump in the abdomen, in the groin, or behind the knee.

It can cause serious problems if it involves the blood vessels in the brain or the abdomen. Aneurysms may be a medical emergency and may require immediate evaluation. A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth on the thyroid gland. An enlarged thyroid gland goiter is in the neck just below the Adam's apple.

Swelling caused by cancer A lump caused by cancer is usually hard, irregularly shaped, and firmly fixed under the skin or deep in tissue. Other causes Swelling may also be caused by: A side effect of a medicine, such as phenytoin Dilantin.

Check Your Symptoms Are you concerned about swollen glands or other lumps under the skin? How old are you? Less than 12 years. Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question? The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have. If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.

If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice once as "male" and once as "female". This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you. Can you feel a lump in the neck or throat? Did the lump develop quickly over hours?

Are you having trouble breathing more than a stuffy nose? Are you having trouble swallowing? Can you swallow food or fluids at all? Is your voice hoarse for no clear reason? Do you have any symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism? Back to Health A to Z.

Swollen glands are a sign the body is fighting an infection. They usually get better by themselves within 2 weeks. Glands known as lymph glands or lymph nodes swell near an infection to help your body fight it. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. 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. Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their normal size until the cancer is treated.

Cancer treatment may involve removing the tumor or any affected lymph nodes. It may also involve chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that may cause them. Some steps you can take are below:. If you experience any of the symptoms that sometimes accompany swollen lymph nodes, or if you have painful swollen lymph nodes and no other symptoms, talk with a doctor.

Lymph nodes that are swollen but not tender can be signs of a serious problem. In some cases, the swollen lymph node will get smaller as other symptoms go away. If a lymph node is swollen and painful or if the swelling lasts more than a few days, also see a doctor. Read this article in Spanish. Lymph nodes may become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including infection, virus, or cancer. Learn about symptoms of and treatments for….

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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.

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