Overview

Swollen glands in the neck, also known as cervical lymphadenopathy, occur when the lymph nodes in the neck become enlarged due to infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infection and disease. Swelling of these glands is commonly a sign that the body is responding to an infection or illness. In most cases, swollen neck glands are harmless and resolve on their own, but persistent or severe swelling may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Causes

There are various causes of swollen glands in the neck, ranging from mild infections to serious diseases. Common causes include:

• Viral infections: Such as the common cold, flu, mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), or COVID-19.
• Bacterial infections: Including strep throat, tonsillitis, ear infections, and dental abscesses.
• Skin infections: Infections of the scalp or skin near the neck can cause localized lymph node swelling.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause lymph node enlargement.
• Cancer: Lymphoma, leukemia, or metastasis from other cancers can lead to persistent swollen lymph nodes.
• HIV infection: Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is a common feature of HIV.
• Other rare infections: Tuberculosis and cat-scratch disease may also cause swollen neck glands.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is noticeable swelling or lumps in the neck area, but other associated symptoms may include:

• Tenderness and pain: Swollen lymph nodes may be tender to the touch or cause discomfort when moving the neck.
• Redness and warmth: The skin over the swollen area may appear red and feel warm.
• Fever: A common accompanying symptom, especially in infections.
• Sore throat: Especially if the swelling is due to throat or tonsil infections.
• Fatigue: General feeling of tiredness and malaise.
• Difficulty swallowing: Enlarged nodes may cause discomfort while swallowing.
• Night sweats and weight loss: These could be warning signs of more serious conditions like lymphoma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing swollen glands in the neck involves a clinical evaluation and, in some cases, further diagnostic testing:

• Physical examination: A doctor will assess the size, consistency, and tenderness of the lymph nodes.
• Medical history: Information about recent illnesses, infections, and other symptoms is important for diagnosis.
• Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC), infection markers, and specific tests for viral or bacterial infections.
• Throat swab: To check for strep throat or other bacterial infections.
• Imaging studies: Ultrasound or CT scan may be used to get detailed images of the swollen glands.
• Biopsy: In cases of persistent or suspicious swelling, a biopsy may be performed to rule out cancer or other serious conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for swollen glands in the neck depends on the underlying cause:

• Viral infections: Usually resolve on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Bacterial infections: Treated with antibiotics, especially in cases like strep throat or dental infections.
• Pain relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the swollen area can help reduce discomfort.
• Treatment of underlying diseases: Autoimmune conditions are managed with medications like steroids or immunosuppressants; cancer treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
• HIV treatment: Antiretroviral therapy helps manage HIV-associated lymphadenopathy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for swollen glands in the neck depends on the cause. In most cases, particularly with viral infections, the swelling subsides within a few days to weeks without complications. Bacterial infections also generally respond well to antibiotics.

If the swollen glands are due to chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer, the prognosis varies based on early detection and appropriate treatment. Persistent swelling lasting more than two weeks, especially when accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or hard, non-tender nodes, should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional for further investigation.