Swollen Lymph Nodes

Diagnosis

Finding the cause of swollen lymph nodes involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests:

• Medical history. Your healthcare professional will ask when the swelling began and whether you have other symptoms.

• Physical exam. Lymph nodes just under the skin are checked for location, size, tenderness, and warmth.

• Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) and other tests may help identify infections or other causes.

• Imaging studies. Chest X-ray, CT scan, or mammogram may be used to look for infections, tumors, or other underlying conditions.

• Lymph node biopsy. A sample or the entire lymph node may be removed for laboratory examination.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the swollen lymph nodes:

• Infection. Swelling caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Viral infections typically resolve on their own, and antibiotics are not effective. Swelling due to HIV requires treatment for the infection.

• Immune disorder. Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are treated by addressing the underlying immune disorder.

• Cancer. Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer itself. Depending on the type, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.