Why is the gland in my neck swollen

Lymph node locations Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections. Swollen lymph nodes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Swollen lymph nodes One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults.

Accessed Sept. Jameson JL, et al. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The McGraw-Hill Companies; Merck Manual Professional Version. Papadakis MA, et al.

Lymphangitis and lymphadenitis. McGraw-Hill Education; American Cancer Society. Lymph nodes and cancer. Related Mesentery Parts of the immune system Swollen lymph nodes. The term "swollen glands" usually refers to enlarged lymph nodes. In fact, lymph nodes are not actually glands. They are small bundles of white blood cells that are present in multiple areas throughout our body.

One of the ways the body's immune system responds to infections and inflammation is to greatly increase the number of white cells in the lymph nodes causing them to swell. Most often swollen lymph nodes are caused by an infection or some other benign condition. Less commonly, lymph nodes enlarge related to cancer. The parts of the body where people and their doctors can see or feel swollen lymph nodes include the neck, armpit, and groin areas.

This guide will focus only on "swollen glands" in the neck. By answering a short series of questions, you will learn about the most common reasons for your swollen glands in the neck. Yes, the glands are swollen only in my neck. No, my glands are swollen beyond my neck. The approach to gland swelling in areas outside of the neck or in multiple areas of the body is different from the approach to swollen glands confined to the neck.

If you feel swollen lymph nodes in other areas of your body, please visit our Health Decision Guide called Swollen Glands General. To continue reading this article, you must log in. Already a member? Login ». Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body.

They can be found underneath the skin in many areas, including:. Lymph nodes also act like a military checkpoint. When faced with infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells. Lymphadenopathy is another name for swelling in the lymph nodes. The symptoms that may be present along with swollen lymph nodes are:. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin may cause pain when walking or bending. Swollen lymph nodes are one sign that your lymphatic system is working to rid your body of infection and illness.

For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection , such as the common cold. Sexually transmitted infections STIs such as syphilis or gonorrhea can bring about lymph node swelling in the groin area.

Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers , can cause lymph nodes throughout the body to swell. Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. 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:.