Swollen lymph nodes

Finding the cause of swollen lymph nodes involves the following:

• Your medical history. This includes how the swollen lymph nodes started and if there are other symptoms.
• A physical exam. This includes checking lymph nodes just under the skin to see where they are and how they feel, and how big, tender and warm they are.
• Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) and other tests can look for the cause of the swollen lymph nodes.
• Imaging studies. A chest X-ray or CT scan of the affected area might show sources of infection or find tumors. Sometimes, a mammogram might be used.
• Lymph node biopsy. A sample from a lymph node or a whole lymph node might be removed and sent to a lab for study.

The swelling of lymph nodes caused by a virus usually goes down after the virus goes away. Antibiotics don't help viral infections. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause.

• Infection. The usual treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Swollen lymph nodes that are due to an HIV infection will need treatment for HIV.
• Immune disorder. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis targets the cause.
• Cancer. Swollen nodes caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

If your swollen lymph nodes are tender or painful, you might get some relief from the following:

• Apply a warm compress. Dip a washcloth in hot water and wring it out. Put it on the affected area.

• Take a pain reliever you can get without a prescription. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

  Do not give children or teenagers aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare life-threatening condition, in children or teenagers who have the flu or chickenpox.

You'll likely start by first seeing your family healthcare professional. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they started. Include every symptom that you've had since your lymph nodes began to swell.
• Possible sources of infection. These may include travel abroad, hiking in areas known to have ticks, eating undercooked meat, being scratched by a cat, or having high-risk sex or sex with a new partner.
• Key medical information, including other conditions you have. List all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses.
• List questions to ask at your appointment.

For swollen lymph nodes, some basic questions to ask include:

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Can I infect others? How can I lower the risk?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?

What to expect from your doctor

Questions your healthcare professional might ask include:

• Have your lymph nodes gotten larger over time?
• Are your lymph nodes tender?
• What, if anything, makes your symptoms worse?
• What makes your symptoms better?
• Have you had regular cancer screenings, such as mammograms?

What you can do in the meantime

While you wait for your appointment, if your swollen nodes are painful, try using warm compresses. And you can take a pain reliever you can get without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).