Short answer: Swollen lymph nodes are commonly due to infections or inflammation and are usually not dangerous. They can be concerning if they persist, are very large, hard, or accompanied by alarming symptoms. Seek medical evaluation if red flags appear. Details
- What swollen lymph nodes typically mean
- Most often caused by localized infections (e.g., throat, skin) or systemic infections (e.g., mono, HIV, TB) and tend to resolve on their own within days to a few weeks. They can also swell during inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. In these scenarios, the nodes are usually tender and moveable and soften as the illness passes.
- When swollen nodes might be more serious
- Less commonly, persistent swelling without a clear infection, nodes that are hard, fixed, or very large, or nodes that appear above the collarbone can signal more serious conditions such as cancer (lymphoma or leukemia) or certain infections like tuberculosis or sepsis. Cancer-related nodes often feel hard, may be immovable, and may be associated with systemic symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats, though not always.
- Red flags that warrant prompt medical care
- A lymph node that is very large (about an inch or more across) or that feels hard or stone-like
- Nodes that persist for more than 2 weeks or keep enlarging
- Accompanying symptoms such as high fever lasting several days, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue
- Nodes located above the collarbone or in multiple regions without an obvious infection
- Severe pain, redness, warmth, or pus drainage over a swollen node
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing due to very enlarged nodes or rapid onset swelling in the neck
- What to do next
- If you have no red flags and feel well, you can monitor for about a week to see if a minor infection resolves, but seek medical advice if it persists beyond 2–4 weeks or if you develop new symptoms.
- For children or adults with persistent or concerning lymph node swelling, a clinician may perform a physical exam and, if indicated, blood tests, imaging, or a fine-needle aspiration/biopsy to determine the cause.
- General guidance
- Most swollen nodes accompany benign infections and resolve without treatment; treatment focuses on the underlying cause (e.g., antiviral or antibiotic therapy when appropriate, or symptomatic care like rest and fluids).
* If there is any doubt, especially with new, enlarging, or hard nodes, or if systemic symptoms are present, consult a healthcare professional promptly for an evaluation.
If you’d like, provide details about the location of the swelling, how long it’s been there, whether it’s painful, and any accompanying symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss, recent infections). With that, a more tailored assessment and next steps can be outlined.
