Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck

The body's immune system has the lymphatic system as one of its vital parts. This lymphatic system consists of what is called the lymph nodes. These nodes are distributed all over the body. Their main function is to trap and filter foreign particles entering the body. Lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system as they contain white blood cells. Apart from affecting the neck, swelling of lymph nodes also occur in other parts of the body such as the groin and under arms. However, this condition may also occur in other areas of the body. Lymph nodes found in the neck are also known as cervical lymph nodes. The various causes of and treatment options available for this medical problem have been discussed as follows.

Causes

Ailments like common cold, sore throat, strep throat, tuberculosis and tonsillitis may cause the lymph nodes swelling in the neck. Certain viral and bacterial infections in the body also may increase the chances of the same. Infections like rubella, toxoplasmosis and peritonsillar abscess are also known to be the possible offenders. Another cause could be epiglottitis, which is inflammation of the epiglottis (flap that sits at the base of the tongue).

The sexually transmitted disease syphilis has also been found to be among the culprits that leads to this disease, and so have HIV and AIDS. Sinus infection, infection of the ear, skin infection, acne, impetigo (a very contagious infection of the skin), sebaceous cysts, gum disease and dental infection are some other causes. Problems such as mouth cancer, larynx cancer, oral cancer, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and leukemia are also included in the list.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend upon the location of the enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Tenderness of the nodes may be felt under the skin around the ears, under the chin or on the upper portion of the neck. This tenderness may not be painful at all for the patient. Common and probable symptoms include swollen or enlarged lumps in the neck or back of the head. A lump in the neck may indicate the spread of cancer in lymph nodes in the neck. The skin over the swollen lymph nodes becomes red and gets inflamed. Other symptoms may include various indications of upper respiratory infection. A rare symptom may be a rapid growth of the nodes, which gets more hardened and firm in due time. This might indicate possible chances of a developing tumor.

Treatment

This condition is dealt with by eliminating its underlying cause. For example, if the cause is bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be administered. In case the cause is suspected to be a type of cancer, then the treatment may include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Swollen lymph nodes return to their normal size once the cause is eliminated or treated. However, if the swelling stays then doctor's consultation is a must.

Applying warmth to the swollen area helps in relieving pain or discomfort. This can be done by holding a cloth that has been dipped in warm water and wrung. Pain relievers are also helpful, but must be taken after consulting with the doctor.

Preventing swollen lymph nodes in neck depends upon the prevention of its underlying causes. It is most unlikely that complete prevention of all diseases and infections discussed above would be possible. However, putting a conscious effort into following the preventive methods does help in reducing the chances of contracting such an ailment.