How long can glands stay swollen

Print Click here to print this page This will open your print options in a new window. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window. Last updated:. How can we improve this page? Email Address e. Message Maximum of characters. Send feedback. Also on NHS inform. 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.

If a person has no signs of an infection, a swollen lymph node might be a sign that the body has successfully fought off an infection. It is safe to wait for about 2 weeks to see if the swelling decreases. If the swelling does not go away, or if the lymph node is hard or larger than 1.

Lymph nodes swell for many reasons, most of which are relatively harmless. A doctor can help with determining whether a person has a serious infection that warrants treatment, as well as assessing for other potential causes of reactive lymph nodes.

Sometimes lymph nodes remain swollen long after an infection has disappeared. As long as the lymph node does not change or become hard, this is not typically a sign of a problem. If a person notices that a lymph nodes changes, hardens, or grows very large, they should see a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a temporary infection, but they can also be a sign of some medical conditions, including certain immune disorders….

Adenopathy is any disease or inflammation that involves glandular tissue or lymph nodes. Learn about what causes swollen lymph nodes. A lump under the chin may be hard or soft, and tender or painless.

This is not always a cause for concern. Learn about causes and when to see a doctor. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. With about nodes and a vast network of vessels penetrating nearly every tissue, the lymphatic….

What to know about reactive lymph nodes. For example, infectious mononucleosis might be the problem if your child has a fever and a bad sore throat but not strep , is very weak, and has swollen but not red, hot, or tender glands, although mononucleosis occurs more often in older children.

Special tests can confirm this diagnosis. In cases where the cause of a swollen gland is unclear, the pediatrician also may want to do a tuberculosis skin test. If the cause of prolonged swelling of lymph nodes cannot be found in any other way, it may be necessary to perform a biopsy remove a piece of tissue from the gland and examine it under a microscope.

In rare cases this may reveal a tumor or fungus infection, which would require special treatment. The only swollen glands that are preventable are those that are caused by bacterial infections in the surrounding tissue. In cases of suspected infection, you can avoid involving the lymph nodes by properly cleaning all wounds and receiving early antibiotic treatment.

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