Status: 12.10.2023, 16:35 PM
By: Juliane Gutmann
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Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits or neck can be an indication of an infection. Learn more about the most common triggering diseases.
Sensitive and swollen lymph nodes indicate active defense reactions of the immune system against pathogens. The enlargements are often discovered during a medical examination, when the affected person seeks medical help for other symptoms, such as fever. As a rule, swollen lymph nodes have harmless causes, such as viral infections, according to information from the German Family Insurance (DFV). A visit to the doctor is recommended if the swelling persists for more than three weeks without noticing other symptoms of infection, such as a sore throat and fatigue.
Even if the lymph nodes are only swollen on one side, for example in the right armpit, the DFV recommends a visit to the doctor. The same goes for unwanted weight loss or night sweats that occur at the same time. Likewise, if there is severe pain in a lymph node or pus leakage, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as the MSD Manual informs.
Possible causes of swollen lymph nodes, according to MSD Manual and DFV
Lymph nodes are often swollen when an infection in the body takes over. © Frank Hoermann/Sven Simon/Imago
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- Viral infections such as measles, glandular fever or HIV infection
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as tonsillitis
- Other bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, gingivitis, chlamydia or diphtheria
- Infections near the swollen lymph node
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lymph node swelling for no apparent reason (idiopathic lymphadenopathy): This usually resolves on its own without harming the patient.
- Cancers: Swollen lymph nodes may indicate leukemia, lymph node cancer, or lymph node metastases. However, it is estimated that less than one percent of people with swollen lymph nodes will be diagnosed with cancer, according to the MSD Manual.
Why do lymph nodes swell?
Lymph nodes are important components of the immune system. There are around 700 of them in the body. They check the lymphatic fluid for possible disease-causing elements. Bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells are usually filtered out by the lymph nodes, preventing them from spreading throughout the body through the blood. B and T lymphocytes, which are located in the lymph nodes, are of particular importance here. They stimulate the production of antibodies to neutralize pathogens. As a result, lymph node swelling can occur, according to the German Center for Infection Research.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
This article was created with the help of machine support and carefully reviewed by editor Juliane Gutmann before publication.