Swollen Lymph Nodes Weston: When to See a Doctor

Weston residents who notice swollen lymph nodes in their neck may wonder if they should seek medical advice. While most often a sign that the body is fighting off a common virus like a cold or the flu, internal medicine physician Daniel Sullivan, MD, notes that occasionally these lumps can indicate a more serious condition.

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, medically termed cervical lymphadenopathy, typically signal the body's immune response to infections such as a sore throat or ear infection. However, Dr. Sullivan explains that in some instances, this swelling can be an early indicator of cancer, either originating in the lymph nodes or spreading from another part of the body.

"Lymph nodes are the body’s sophisticated sewer system," Dr. Sullivan illustrated. "They get rid of things our body doesn’t want, like bacteria, viruses and other things that enter our system." While treating an underlying infection usually resolves the swelling, cancerous causes require different approaches.

Cancers that can be associated with swollen lymph nodes include leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, oral cancers and thyroid cancers. Dr. Sullivan also pointed out that swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of metastatic cancers, where cancer cells spread from an original tumor.

Distinguishing between swollen lymph nodes due to infection and those caused by cancer is not possible through self-examination alone. However, Dr. Sullivan offered some general characteristics to observe. Lymph nodes swollen from infection are often tender, while cancerous nodes may be painless. Nodes measuring 1.5 centimeters or larger, those that continue to grow, feel hard or rubbery, or seem fixed in place could warrant further investigation. Additionally, unexplained weight loss, fevers above 103 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two days, and drenching night sweats, known as "B symptoms," can accompany certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes resolve as infections clear. However, residents should consult a healthcare provider if swollen lymph nodes persist for two weeks or longer, are 1 centimeter or larger, feel firm or fixed, are painless, or are accompanied by symptoms like fever, weight loss or night sweats. "If it’s been going on for more than two weeks and they continue to get larger, that’s a red flag for us to look into causes beyond common infections," Dr. Sullivan advised.

When meeting with a healthcare provider, patients should be prepared to discuss their age, lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol use, and any history of skin cancer or HPV, as these factors can influence risk assessment. "Coming in and talking about your health history allows us to plan the best next steps in your care," Dr. Sullivan encouraged. "We can work to figure out a diagnosis and get started on the right treatment for you."