This is because they can grow big enough to press down on surrounding nerves or other organs, causing pain. Lymph nodes that are around 1 or 2 inches or bigger are not normal and should be carefully inspected by a GP. Because the swollen lymph nodes are often painless, they can sometimes grow in size before a person even notices them. You should make an appointment with your GP if you have a swollen gland and no other signs of illness or infection.
They are hard or unmovable — Unfortunately, apart from being painless and abnormally large, swollen lymph nodes in leukaemia or lymphoma tend to feel quite similar to infected lymph nodes.
However, occasionally they can feel very hard and cannot be moved when pushed. Healthy lymph nodes are more rubbery than the surrounding tissue but are not solid like stone. Any lumps on the neck, groin or armpits that are hard, very enlarged, and do not move when pushed may indicate lymphoma or another type of cancer and should be investigated by your GP.
You are also experiencing other symptoms of leukaemia — Leukaemia symptoms normally occur in clusters. If you notice any other symptoms such as night sweats , persistent fever more than days , or unexplained weight loss , visit your doctor immediately. Headaches as a sign of leukaemia One such pain often reported to precede diagnoses of leukaemia are headaches. Could you SpotLeukaemia? Go to A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics antibiotics do not work on viral infections.
Page last reviewed: 25 September Next review due: 25 September Swollen glands. Learn about what causes swollen lymph nodes. A lump under the chin may be hard or soft, and tender or painless. This is not always a cause for concern. Learn about causes and when to see a doctor. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. With about nodes and a vast network of vessels penetrating nearly every tissue, the lymphatic…. What to know about reactive lymph nodes.
Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Symptoms Causes Treatment When to see a doctor Outlook When the body fights an infection or injury, lymph nodes sometimes swell. Share on Pinterest Lymph nodes often swell under the arms and in the neck. When to see a doctor.
Share on Pinterest A person should see a doctor if a fever develops alongside swollen lymph nodes. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Why are my lymph nodes swollen? About swollen glands Swollen lymph glands are usually a sign of infection and tend to go down when you recover.
Urgent advice: See your GP if you have swollen glands and:. If necessary, your GP may request some tests to help identify the cause. These can include: blood tests an ultrasound scan a computerised tomography CT scan a biopsy where a small sample of fluid is taken from the swelling and tested Common causes of swollen glands Swollen glands are usually caused by a relatively minor viral or bacterial infection, including: a cold tonsillitis glandular fever a throat infection an ear infection a dental abscess cellulitis a skin infection The glands in the affected area will often become suddenly tender or painful.
These infections usually clear up on their own, and the swollen glands will soon go down. Swollen glands are more likely to be caused by cancer if they: don't go away within a few weeks and slowly get bigger are painless and firm or hard when you touch them occur with other symptoms, such as night sweats and weight loss See your GP if your glands have been swollen for more than a couple of weeks.
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