MedDroid
Check my symptoms
Swollen lymph nodes: causes, warning signs & what to do
Swollen glands in the neck, armpit or groin usually mean your body is fighting an infection nearby. Most settle within a couple of weeks.
Common causes of swollen lymph nodes
- Viral or bacterial infection (throat, cold, skin)
- Dental or ear infection (neck glands)
- Glandular fever (mononucleosis)
- Skin infection near the node
- Tuberculosis in some regions
- Rarely, lymphoma or other cancer
When to see a doctor urgently
- A hard, fixed, painless node that keeps growing — get reviewed
- Swollen glands with unexplained weight loss, night sweats and fever
- A node larger than ~2 cm lasting over 2–4 weeks
- Swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing
Frequently asked questions
How long should swollen glands last?
Glands that swell with an infection usually shrink within 2–3 weeks. A node that persists beyond a month, keeps growing or feels hard and fixed should be checked.
Are swollen lymph nodes a sign of cancer?
Usually not — infection is far more common. But painless, hard, growing nodes, especially with weight loss or night sweats, need medical assessment.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.