Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck Explained

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be a sign of an infectious disease, such as the common cold, mumps, rubella, strep throat, ear infection, or mononucleosis, as well as an infected wound. Less commonly, swollen neck lymph nodes can also indicate certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin lymphoma).

Lymph nodes are an important part of your body’s immune system. Your body relies on the lymphatic system to fight off germs, infections, and abnormal substances such as cancer cells.

Learn more about the causes and treatment options for swollen neck lymph nodes here.

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck is a viral infection such as the common cold. Bacterial infections that can cause swollen neck lymph nodes include an infected tooth and strep throat. Immune system disorders and some types of cancer can also lead to swollen neck lymph nodes.

The vast majority of people with swollen lymph nodes will not have a cancerous or bacterial cause. This is especially the case in children.

The more common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes include viral and bacterial infections. Left untreated, some of these diseases can lead to serious complications and secondary illnesses. Infections that commonly cause swollen neck lymph nodes include:

• common cold (viral respiratory infection)
• ear infection
• infected tooth (abscessed tooth)
• influenza (flu)
• measles (contagious viral infection also known as rubeola)
• German measles (contagious viral infection also known as rubella)
• mononucleosis (viral infection)
• mumps (viral infection that affects the salivary glands in the neck)
• strep throat (bacterial throat infection)
• tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils in the back of the throat)
• abrasions of the skin around the neck and in the scalp, such as repeated scratching of the scalp, or infected ear piercings

Learn how to treat the flu at home here.

Less common, but potentially life threatening infectious diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes include:

• HIV
• cat scratch fever (bacterial infection from being scratched or bitten by a cat that carries the bacteria)
• cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
• infected wound
• certain sexually transmitted infections
• toxoplasmosis (parasitic infection)
• tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)

Swollen neck lymph nodes can also be caused by problems with the immune system itself, such as:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• lupus
• sarcoidosis
• amyloidosis

The most notable life threatening diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes are different types of cancers including:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease)
• leukemia
• metastasized cancer that has traveled to the lymph nodes
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• head and neck cancer

Learn to tell the difference between a lump and a lymph node here.

Medications that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

• allopurinol
• penicillin
• sulfonamides
• hydralazine
• atenolol
• primidone
• captopril
• carbamazepine
• cephalosporin(s)
• gold
• phenytoin
• pyrimethamine
• quinidine 
• sulindac

Swollen neck lymph nodes often occur with other symptoms that vary in severity depending on the underlying cause.

Swollen neck lymph nodes may occur with other symptoms, including:

• bleeding gums
• cold or flu-like symptoms (runny nose, fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches, and pains)
• drooling
• earache
• genital sores (indication of syphilis)
• joint pain
• rash
• tender, warm, and red lymph nodes
• unexplained loss of appetite

In some cases, swollen neck lymph nodes may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life threatening condition that should be evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:

• difficulty swallowing
• high fever 
• respiratory or breathing problems
• vomiting blood

Viral infections that cause swollen neck lymph nodes can often be treated with self-care measures at home and the swelling will go away as your body fights off the infection. Self-care measures include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, warm compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

However, some infections that are due to bacteria or other pathogens need medical attention. 

Seek prompt medical care if your lymph nodes have been swollen for more than 2 weeks, feel irregular, or are red, tender, hard, or if swelling is increasing.

Swollen neck lymph nodes due to a viral infection often get better without treatment.

For persistent or chronic swelling, redness, and pain, it is important to seek medical care because these are symptoms of a possible bacterial infection. Bacterial infections will need to be treated with antibiotics and a treatment plan designed by your doctor. Left untreated, a localized bacterial infection can spread to the blood and quickly become life threatening.

In addition, untreated or poorly controlled lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers can spread and lead to loss of life.

Swollen neck lymph nodes are enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area and under the chin. Lymph nodes are small clusters of immune cells that function as part of the body’s immune system.

Swollen neck lymph nodes can result from infection, malignancy, and autoimmune disorders. Swollen neck lymph nodes are also known as lymphadenitis, lymphadenopathy, swollen nodes, or swollen glands.