Common Benign Causes
- Upper respiratory tract infections (colds, tonsillitis) — neck lymph nodes
- Skin infections near the affected lymph node area
- Dental infections — jaw/neck nodes
- Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) — widespread, prolonged swelling
- Localised skin cuts, insect bites, or scratches
Red Flags Suggesting Further Investigation
| Feature | Concern Level |
|---|---|
| Size >2-3cm | Higher concern |
| Hard, rubbery, or fixed (doesn't move under skin) | Higher concern — possible lymphoma or metastatic cancer |
| Persisting beyond 4-6 weeks without explanation | Warrants investigation |
| Associated with night sweats, weight loss, fever | Suggests lymphoma — needs urgent assessment |
| Multiple sites, especially above and below the diaphragm | More concerning pattern |
| Soft, tender, mobile, recent infection | Usually benign — reactive to infection |
Investigation If Concerning
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FBC with differential | Infection pattern vs abnormal cells (leukaemia) |
| ESR/CRP | Inflammation marker |
| LDH | Elevated in lymphoma |
| Monospot/EBV serology | Glandular fever |
| Ultrasound/biopsy | Definitive assessment of persistent nodes |
See a Doctor Urgently IfLymph node swelling is hard, non-tender, rapidly growing, or accompanied by unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fever — these features warrant prompt assessment to exclude lymphoma or other serious causes.
Location Gives CluesNeck nodes often relate to throat/dental infections; armpit nodes to arm/hand infections or (rarely) breast issues; groin nodes to leg/foot infections or (rarely) pelvic conditions. Persistent nodes in unusual locations deserve more thorough assessment.
How long should swollen lymph nodes take to go down?
Most infection-related swelling resolves within 2-3 weeks as the infection clears. Persisting beyond 4-6 weeks without an obvious ongoing cause warrants medical assessment.
Are swollen lymph nodes always a sign of cancer?
No — the vast majority of swollen lymph nodes are due to common infections and resolve on their own. Cancer-related lymph node swelling has specific concerning features (hard, fixed, persistent, systemic symptoms) as outlined above.
Can stress cause swollen lymph nodes?
Not directly, but stress can make you more susceptible to infections (through immune suppression), which can then cause reactive lymph node swelling.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.