Swollen Glands in the Neck

When lymph nodes enlarge in response to an infection or some other immune system trigger, they may become painful or tender with or without fever. Lymph nodes that are painful or tender are usually associated with an infection, but with many infections the lymph nodes do not cause discomfort.

Let's see if you have any other symptoms that suggest the cause of the swollen lymph nodes.

In addition to swollen lymph nodes in the neck, do you have a sore throat or yellow-white patches on your tonsils?

Yes, I have one or both of these symptoms.

No, I do not have a sore throat or patches.

START OVER    PREVIOUS

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.

Related About.com Content

• Infectious Disease

• Lymphoma