Armpit lumps are usually harmless and caused by a swollen lymph node or gland. However, some armpit lumps can indicate a more serious condition, such….
Why are my lymph nodes swollen? Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Overview How to check Causes When to see a doctor Diagnosis Treatment Summary Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a common infection, but they can also signal a medical condition, such as an immune disorder or, rarely, a type of cancer. What are swollen lymph nodes? Share on Pinterest The immune cells in lymph nodes help fight infection. How to check lymph nodes for swelling. Causes of swollen lymph nodes.
Share on Pinterest Colds and flu may cause swollen lymph nodes. When to see a doctor. How to treat swollen lymph nodes. Share on Pinterest Drinking plenty of fluids will help reduce symptoms that an infection may cause. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.
Related Coverage. What causes a lump under the chin? What causes a lump on the collarbone? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. What to know about lymphoma. What causes lumps behind the ear? Any cancers that spread in the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, survival rate decreases. Lymphoma , which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell.
They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline. They may be tender as well. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms.
The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis. After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases.
If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell.
Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:. If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI. In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI.
In this case, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This is a minimally invasive test that consists of using thin, needle-like tools to remove a sample of cells from the lymph node. Swollen lymph nodes may become smaller on their own without any treatment. 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. The inset shows three swollen lymph nodes below the lower jaw.
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.
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? The thyroid gland sits in your neck in front of your windpipe. It can become swollen if it's not working properly. Are there any symptoms of infection? Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it? Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system , peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?
Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area. Do you think you may have a fever? Does the lump hurt? How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?
Has the pain lasted for more than 3 days? Is it a soft lump near the belly button, the groin, or the site of a past surgery? This type of lump could be a hernia. Does the pain go away when you press on the lump? Have you had the lump or swollen gland for more than 2 weeks? These include: Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker. Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners anticoagulants , medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse. Recent health events , such as surgery or injury.
These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious. Your health habits and lifestyle , such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home Treatment You have answered all the questions. Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms. Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect. You may need care sooner. Pain in adults and older children Severe pain 8 to 10 : The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain 5 to 7 : The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there. Mild pain 1 to 4 : You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities. Symptoms of infection may include: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
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