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Lymph nodes in the neck can enlarge with a cold, throat inflammation, dental diseases, and other infectious or inflammatory processes. Most often, a person notices a small lump under the jaw or on the side of the neck by chance. In other cases, this is accompanied by pain, discomfort when swallowing, fever, and a feeling of weakness.

In most cases, enlargement of lymph nodes is related to the work of the immune system and goes away after recovery. However, if the lymph node continues to enlarge, becomes firm, and does not decrease for a long time, it is important to see a doctor and undergo an examination. In this article, we will look at where cervical lymph nodes are located, what the possible causes of their enlargement may be, why enlarged lymph nodes in the neck should not be ignored, and in which cases it is worth seeing a doctor.

Where lymph nodes are located in the neck

Several groups of lymph nodes are located in the neck. They are part of the lymphatic system and take part in the body’s immune defense. They are found under the lower jaw, under the chin, near the ears, on the front and side surfaces of the neck, and above the collarbones.

Cervical lymph nodes collect lymph from the scalp, nasopharynx, oral cavity, tonsils, teeth, thyroid gland, and other tissues in this area. Normally, they are usually not visible externally and do not cause discomfort.

In a healthy person, lymph nodes may not be palpable or may feel like small soft movable formations under the skin. Their visibility depends on individual characteristics of the body, body type, and the depth of their location.

What enlarged lymph nodes in the neck look like

An enlarged lymph node in the neck most often looks like a round or oval lump under the skin. Sometimes it can be noticed visually, especially if the node is located superficially or has enlarged significantly. However, more often a person finds it by chance — when touching the neck, shaving, or applying cosmetics.

Enlarged cervical lymph nodes may differ in size, density, and sensitivity. In acute infections, they more often become painful, soft or elastic, and may enlarge fairly quickly. After recovery, these changes usually gradually decrease. In chronic processes, lymph nodes sometimes remain moderately enlarged for longer.

During self-examination, it is worth paying attention to the following changes:

  • size — the lymph node is slightly enlarged or grows quickly;
  • pain — there is pain when touching, swallowing, or moving the neck;
  • mobility — the node moves easily under the skin or seems immobile;
  • consistency — soft, elastic, firm, or hard;
  • skin condition — there is redness, swelling, or a feeling of warmth;
  • duration of changes — the node gradually decreases or remains enlarged for several weeks.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not assessing the condition of lymph nodes only by their appearance or pain. Even if the lump is small and does not cause pronounced discomfort, its density, mobility, duration of enlargement, and accompanying symptoms are important. It is a comprehensive assessment that helps determine the possible cause of changes and decide whether additional examination is needed.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck: causes depending on location

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck: causes depending on location

The location of an enlarged lymph node helps roughly determine from which area an inflammatory or infectious process may be coming. For example, submandibular lymph nodes more often react to diseases of the teeth, gums, and tonsils, while posterior cervical lymph nodes react to scalp infections or certain viral diseases.

At the same time, it is impossible to determine the exact cause only by the location of the node. The same group of lymph nodes can enlarge with different diseases, so the doctor evaluates not only the location but also accompanying symptoms, examination results, and, if necessary, prescribes additional tests.

Location Possible causes What to pay attention to
Under the jaw Inflammation of the teeth, gums, tonsils, salivary glands. Sore throat, tooth decay, gum swelling, pain when swallowing.
On the side of the neck Viral infections, inflammation of the throat, ear, skin. Fever, runny nose, ear pain, rashes.
At the back of the neck Scalp infections, viral diseases. Skin irritation, wounds, rash, general weakness.
Above the collarbone Inflammatory processes, systemic diseases, less often — oncological processes. Prolonged enlargement, node density, weight loss, night sweats.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck on the right side

Enlargement of a lymph node on the right side of the neck is most often associated with inflammatory or infectious processes in nearby structures. The cause may be diseases of:

  • the tonsils;
  • the throat;
  • the ear;
  • the teeth;
  • the gums;
  • the salivary glands;
  • inflammation of soft tissues.

In acute inflammatory processes, the lymph node usually becomes painful, remains mobile, and may enlarge at the same time as sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, fever, or dental symptoms appear.

After a cold, sore throat, or dental treatment, the lymph node may remain enlarged for some time and gradually decrease as recovery progresses. If the lump continues to enlarge, becomes firm, less mobile, or does not decrease within several weeks, it is necessary to see a doctor for an examination.

Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck on one side on the left

Enlargement of a lymph node on the left side of the neck is also most often associated with local inflammatory or infectious processes. The cause may be diseases of the teeth and gums, inflammation of the tonsils, salivary glands, ear, as well as infections of the facial skin or scalp.

For assessing the condition, not only the location of the node is important, but also the nature of the changes. In acute inflammatory processes, the lymph node is more often painful, mobile, and may enlarge at the same time as sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, or pain in a tooth or gums appears.

Enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of the neck

Bilateral enlargement of cervical lymph nodes is more often observed with general infectious processes, when the immune system reacts not locally but in several areas at once. Such changes may occur with:

  • acute respiratory viral infections;
  • influenza;
  • sore throat;
  • infectious mononucleosis;
  • viral infections;
  • bacterial diseases.

In such cases, enlargement of lymph nodes is usually combined with other symptoms: fever, sore throat, runny nose, weakness, enlarged tonsils, or discomfort when swallowing.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: if lymph nodes enlarge simultaneously in different areas of the body, this may indicate a systemic process. This condition is called generalized lymphadenopathy, and it requires a step-by-step examination.

Main diseases that cause enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck

Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck is most often associated with upper respiratory tract infections, dental problems, or skin inflammation. Less often, the cause may be autoimmune processes, a reaction to medications, oncological diseases, or systemic disorders. According to American Family Physician, most cases of lymphadenopathy are benign, but the causes may include infectious, malignant, and autoimmune diseases.

Infectious diseases

The most common cause of enlargement of cervical nodes is infection. Lymph nodes react to viruses, bacteria, or fungal processes, so they can enlarge with a cold, influenza, sore throat, pharyngitis, otitis, sinusitis, skin infections, and other inflammatory conditions.

It is worth mentioning tonsillitis separately — inflammation of the tonsils. With it, the throat often hurts, the temperature rises, pain when swallowing appears, and the submandibular or anterior cervical nodes may become painful and enlarged.

Infectious causes also include:

  • acute respiratory viral infections;
  • bacterial sore throat;
  • infectious mononucleosis;
  • otitis and sinusitis;
  • inflammatory processes of the scalp and face;
  • tuberculosis and other specific infections;
  • infected wounds or purulent processes.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain: after an infection, the node does not always decrease immediately. Sometimes it takes several weeks for the node to return to its usual size. But if the pain intensifies, the skin becomes red, pulsation appears, or a high fever occurs, it is necessary to see a doctor.

Dental problems

Submandibular and submental lymph nodes often enlarge with diseases of the teeth and gums. The cause may be:

  • deep tooth decay;
  • periodontitis;
  • abscess;
  • gum inflammation;
  • complicated wisdom tooth eruption;
  • infection after injury to the oral mucosa.

In such cases, enlargement of lymph nodes may be combined with tooth pain, pain while chewing, gum swelling, bad breath, and, in some cases, fever. If the source of infection is not eliminated in time, inflammation may spread to surrounding tissues.

In severe purulent processes, the infection sometimes spreads from the area of the tooth or gums to the soft tissues of the jaw and neck. In such cases, not only dental treatment may be needed, but also surgical treatment of phlegmon — diffuse purulent inflammation of soft tissues.

Oncological diseases

In most cases, enlargement of lymph nodes is associated with infectious or inflammatory processes. However, sometimes such changes may be a manifestation of an oncological disease — lymphoma, leukemia, or metastatic involvement of lymph nodes in tumors of other organs.

More caution should be taken with lymph nodes that have the following signs:

  • painless;
  • firm or hard to the touch;
  • less mobile;
  • gradually enlarge;
  • do not decrease within several weeks;
  • are located above the collarbone;
  • enlarge simultaneously in several areas of the body.

General symptoms may also occur: unexplained weight loss, night sweats, prolonged fever, and pronounced weakness. In particular, according to Institut Curie, lymphoma may manifest as enlarged lymph nodes, as well as systemic symptoms, including fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not worrying immediately when an enlarged lymph node is found, but also not waiting for months. If the lump does not decrease, changes shape, becomes firm, or is accompanied by general symptoms, a medical examination is needed.

If a lymph node in the neck hurts: what this may mean

Pain in the area of a lymph node is most often associated with an inflammatory reaction of the body. When an infectious process occurs in the throat, oral cavity, ear, or soft tissues, lymph nodes become more actively involved in the immune response, which may cause them to enlarge and become sensitive.

In acute inflammation, an enlarged cervical lymph node is usually painful, mobile, and soft or elastic to the touch. Other symptoms may appear at the same time: sore throat, runny nose, discomfort when swallowing, gum inflammation, toothache, or fever.

Sometimes pain is accompanied by redness of the skin, a feeling of warmth in the area of the node, or pulsation. Such changes are more often observed in an active inflammatory process or suppuration.

What to do if a lymph node in the neck has enlarged

What to do if a lymph node in the neck has enlarged

The approach depends on what exactly accompanies the enlargement of the lymph node. If there is also a sore throat, runny nose, fever, dental problems, or signs of infection, it is important to treat the underlying cause, not the lymph node itself.

Before seeing a doctor, several simple recommendations can be followed:

  • drink enough fluids, especially with fever or an inflammatory process;
  • avoid hypothermia and additional irritation of the neck area;
  • temporarily limit intense physical activity in case of pronounced inflammation or weakness;
  • maintain oral hygiene if there are problems with teeth or gums;
  • monitor body temperature and general well-being;
  • observe changes in the lymph node — whether it is enlarging, whether pain or redness appears.

If the lymph node has enlarged against the background of a cold or sore throat, it may remain noticeable for some time after recovery and gradually decrease over several weeks.

When lymph nodes are enlarged, it is not recommended to:

  • warm the neck;
  • apply compresses;
  • actively massage the area of the node;
  • start taking antibiotics on one’s own;
  • apply ointments without a doctor’s prescription.

To clarify the structure, size, and condition of surrounding tissues, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound of the lymph nodes. Ultrasound examination helps assess the shape of the node, its contours, structure, and the presence of signs of an inflammatory process.

When to see a doctor

It is worth seeing a doctor if:

  • the lymph node has enlarged without an obvious cause;
  • it does not decrease within 2–4 weeks;
  • it gradually enlarges;
  • it becomes firm or less mobile;
  • severe pain, redness, or swelling appears;
  • the temperature rises at the same time;
  • night sweats, weakness, or weight loss are present;
  • lymph nodes enlarge in several areas of the body;
  • a supraclavicular lymph node is enlarged.

Situations in which enlargement of lymph nodes is not related to a recent cold or another obvious infection require particularly careful assessment. In such cases, the doctor may recommend additional examination to exclude systemic infections, autoimmune processes, or diseases of the lymphatic system.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not postponing a consultation if a lymph node causes discomfort, changes over time, or the cause of its enlargement remains unclear. Timely examination helps identify the source of the problem and choose the correct treatment approach.

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is not an instruction for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If symptoms of a disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Sources:

US National Library of Medicine

American Family Physician

Institut Curie