Swollen lymph nodes can occur all over the body. However, in the case of diseases, they occur particularly frequently in the groin, neck, armpits or behind the ear. What does the location tell you about the cause?
Swollen lymph nodes on the neck
Behind swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be various causes – especially often a cold or tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) is the trigger. This is because an infection of the upper respiratory tract also affects the lymph nodes in the neck: they swell and react sensitively to pressure. The swelling causes the feeling of having a thick throat.
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
In the groin, lymph nodes may be palpable in isolated areas – even if they are not swollen. If they swell, STDs such as infection with chlamydia or gonorrhea (gonorrhea) may be the trigger. Likewise, swelling can be caused by inflammation of the feet or legs.
In addition, it is also conceivable that swollen lymph nodes in the groin are triggered by an abscess in the surrounding area. Then the actual cause is often an infection in the intestine or anus.
Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit
The lymph nodes in the armpits filter the lymph from the arms, that is why they can swell in case of a local inflammation in the hands or arms. In addition, a wide variety of infectious diseases can also trigger the symptoms. If the swelling persists over a longer period of time, you should definitely consult a doctor, because malignant diseases such as breast cancer, skin cancer or lymph node cancer can also make themselves felt through swollen lymph nodes.
In the case of swelling under the armpits, it should always be clarified first whether it is actually swollen lymph nodes or whether there is not another cause such as a sweat gland abscess.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and ears
Similar to the lymph nodes in the neck, the lymph nodes in the ear often swell with a cold or respiratory infection. In addition, however, other causes – for example, inflammation of the gums – can be the trigger.
The lymph nodes in the neck can also swell with a disease of the nasopharynx. In addition, diseases of the parotid gland as well as the scalp are also possible causes.
Location of the swollen lymph nodes provides clues
The exact location of the swollen lymph nodes can usually provide initial clues as to the underlying cause. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck may indicate inflamed tonsils or a diseased lower pharynx, but they may also indicate diseases of the thyroid gland, arms, and abdominal and chest organs.
In diseases of the chest, such as tuberculosis, the lymph nodes above the collarbone are often also swollen. On the other hand, if the swelling is below the lower jaw, a disease of the oral cavity is probably the cause.
