Swollen Glands in the Neck

Sometimes it is difficult to know if your "swollen glands" are enlarged lymph nodes or enlarged salivary glands. The main salivary glands are the parotid gland that sits on the sides of the face in front of the ears. The other salivary glands are located just under the jaw line. There are lymph nodes in the same areas. It can be difficult to determine if a swelling is a lymph node or salivary gland.

Call your doctor to schedule an appointment.

If a salivary gland is swollen, you may have a blocked salivary duct or an infection. There are also some rare disorders that can enlarge the salivary glands.

If you think that the swelling is in your lymph nodes or you are not sure, continue with this guide.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Faculty of Harvard Medical School Date Last Reviewed: 8/23/2006 Date Last Modified: 8/21/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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