Health Library Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the SkinFrom Healthwise

Most swollen glands or lumps under the skin are not cause for concern. The glands (lymph nodes) on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat.

More serious infections may cause the glands to enlarge and become very firm and tender. Glands can also swell and become tender after an injury, such as a cut or bite, or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.

See pictures of swollen lymph nodes and common sites of swollen lymph nodes.

Swollen glands and other lumps under the skin can be caused by many different things, including illness, infection, or another cause:

Infections

Swollen glands commonly develop when the body fights infections from colds, insect bites, or small cuts. More serious infections may cause the glands to enlarge and become firm, hard, or tender. Examples of such infections include:

• Bacterial infections, such as:
  • Strep throat, caused by the streptococcus bacterium.
  • A boil (abscess), similar to a large pimple. A boil may develop when a hair follicle or the skin becomes infected. A sweat gland abscess may form one or more boil-like lumps in the armpit.
• Viral infections, such as:
  • A viral infection of the skin (molluscum contagiosum), which causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps.
  • Measles, rubella, chickenpox, or mumps.
  • AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which develops in the late stage of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some diseases.
  • Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), which also causes fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or cytomegalovirus (CMV), a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis.
• Other infections, such as:
  • Lyme disease, an infection that is spread by certain types of ticks.
  • Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease.

Noncancerous (benign) growths

Types of noncancerous (benign) growths, which are usually harmless, include:

• A lipoma, a smooth, rubbery, dome-shaped lump that is easily movable under the skin.
• A cyst, a sac of fluid and debris that sometimes hurts.
  • Cystic lesions from acne are large pimples that occur deep under the skin.
  • Branchial cleft cysts are found in the neck and do not usually cause problems unless they become infected. These cysts are most common in teenagers.
  • An epidermal cyst (also called a sebaceous cyst) often appears on the scalp, ears, face, and back.
  • A ganglion is a soft, rubbery lump (a type of cyst) on the front or back of the wrist.
• A thyroid nodule, which is an abnormal growth on the thyroid gland, or an enlarged thyroid gland ( goiter) in the neck just below the Adam's apple. Tonsillitis may also cause swelling in the neck.
• A salivary gland problem, such as inflammation, a salivary stone, an infection, or a tumor.
• An inflammation of fatty tissue under the skin (erythema nodosum) or overgrown scar tissue (keloid).

Hernias or aneurysms

Hernias or aneurysms are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. A hernia or aneurysm may not be visible and may not cause problems.

• An inguinal hernia is a soft lump in the groin or near the navel that disappears when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough.
• A bulging section in the wall of a blood vessel (aneurysm) may feel like a pulsating lump in the abdomen, in the groin, or behind the knee. It can cause serious problems if it involves the blood vessels in the brain or the abdomen. Aneurysms may be a medical emergency and may require immediate evaluation.

Swelling caused by cancer

A lump caused by cancer is usually hard, irregularly shaped, and firmly fixed under the skin or deep in tissue. Although they usually do not cause pain, some types of cancerous lumps are painful. Most lumps are not caused by cancer.

Other causes

Swelling may also be caused by:

• A side effect of a medicine, such as phenytoin (Dilantin).
• Other medical conditions and diseases, such as lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to help you decide if and when you need to see a health professional.

• A new pulsating lump in the abdomen, groin, or leg that occurs with pain in the back, abdomen, groin, or leg
• A rapidly forming lump in the throat that is causing any difficulty breathing:
  • In a child
  • In an adult or older child

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• A breast lump: Go to the topic Breast Problems.
• A lump on the testicle: Go to the topic Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
• A skin lump or growth: Go to the topic Skin Changes.
• A bump or lump on the foot, toe, or heel: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury.
• A bump or lump on the hand or wrist: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury.
• A lump in or around the anus: Go to the topic Rectal Problems.
• A lump at the site of an insect bite or sting: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.

	Yes	Do you have a lump that pulsates like a heartbeat?
When to See a Doctor See significance of a lump that pulsates like a heartbeat if you need information to help you answer the question below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have a lump in your belly that pulsates like a heartbeat? Yes Do you have a lump in your groin that pulsates like a heartbeat? Yes Do you have a lump behind your knee that pulsates like a heartbeat? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have a soft lump that does not go away or goes away when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough?
When to See a Doctor See significance of a soft lump that does not go away or goes away when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have a lump in your groin that hurts and does not go away when you press on it? Yes Do you have a lump in your belly, near your navel, that hurts and does not go away when you press on it? Yes Do you have a lump at the site of a previous surgery that hurts and does not go away when you press on it? You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have a painless, soft lump in your groin that goes away when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough or strain? Yes Do you have a painless, soft lump near your navel that goes away when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough or strain? Yes Do you have a painless, soft lump at the site of a previous surgery that goes away when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough or strain? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have a lump or swollen gland in your neck or throat?
When to See a Doctor See significance of a lump or swollen gland in the neck or throat if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Has a lump formed rapidly in your throat, but you are not having trouble breathing? Yes Are you having severe trouble swallowing but no trouble breathing? Yes Is your baby having trouble swallowing or refusing to eat but no trouble breathing? Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have a hard lump in your neck with pain or a feeling of fullness in your throat? Yes Do you have a hard lump in your neck with trouble swallowing? Yes Do you have a hard lump in your neck with unexplained hoarseness? Yes Do you have a lump or swelling in your neck and symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had a lump or swollen gland for 2 weeks or longer that is not getting smaller or less tender? You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had a lump or swollen gland for 2 weeks or longer that seems to be improving but has not gone away? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have a painful lump or swollen gland with shaking chills or a fever?
When to See a Doctor See significance of a painful lump or swollen gland with shaking chills or a fever if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Do you have severe pain? Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have moderate pain? Yes Do you have shaking chills and know or think you have a fever? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had mild pain for 48 hours or longer? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you think you have a skin infection?
When to See a Doctor See significance of a skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have diabetes? Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease? Yes Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system? Yes Do you have red streaks extending away from the affected area? Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area? Yes Do you have pus draining from the affected area? Yes Do you know or think you have fever? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around a lump or swollen gland for 24 hours or longer? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have a lump or swollen gland that is not painful or tender?
When to See a Doctor See significance of a lump or swollen gland that is not painful or tender if you need information to help you answer the question below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had a painless lump or swollen gland for 2 weeks or longer? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• A lump in the groin: Go to the topic Groin Problems and Injuries.
• A sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
• An earache: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 4 and Older.
• A cough: Go to the topic Coughs.
• Cold symptoms: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older or Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

The following home treatment measures may help you treat a painful lump or swollen gland.

• Avoid irritation.
  • Do not squeeze, scratch, or pick at the lump. Do not stick a needle in it.
  • Leave the lump exposed to the air whenever possible.
  • Adjust your clothing to avoid rubbing the lump.
• Prevent infection. Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or puncture a painful lump. Doing this can irritate or inflame the lump, push any existing infection deeper into the skin, or cause severe bleeding.
• Apply warm, wet washcloths to the painful lump for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. If you prefer, you can also use a hot water bottle over a damp towel. The heat and moisture can soothe the lump, increase blood circulation to the area, and speed healing. It can also bring a lump caused by infection to a head (but it may take 5 to 7 days). Be careful not to burn your skin. Do not use water that is warmer than bathwater.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• A lump or swollen gland gets worse or does not go away after 2 weeks of home treatment.
• A skin infection develops.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
• New symptoms develop.

Wash your hands frequently during cold and cough season. This may help prevent some upper respiratory infections that cause glands to swell.

Measures to decrease your risk of infection

• Keep your skin clean.
  • Wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser. Do not use soaps and skin cleansers that contain irritating substances.
  • Rinse your skin thoroughly after you wash it and gently pat it dry.
  • Wash soon after participating in activities that cause you to sweat.
• Do not use skin care products that contain oil because they may clog your pores. Instead, use water-based skin care products. Read the labels on products and look for the terms oil-free or hypoallergenic.
• Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or puncture a painful lump. Doing this can irritate or inflame the lump, push any existing infection deeper into the skin, or cause severe bleeding.
• Prevent irritation by wearing soft, cotton clothing or moleskin under sports equipment (if possible). Parts of equipment (such as chin straps) can rub your skin and irritate it. Adjust your clothing so that belts and straps or elastic from bras or underwear do not rub against your skin.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• When did you first notice the lump or swollen gland?
• Has the lump changed? Has it gotten bigger or smaller? Has the color of the lump changed?
• Have you had any recent illness or injury?
• Have you had a similar problem in the past in the same area or a different area?
  • Were your symptoms evaluated?
  • Was there a diagnosis?
  • How was it treated?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines have you taken or used? Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?

• Acne Vulgaris
• Breast Problems
• Coughs
• Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
• Ganglions
• Groin Problems and Injuries
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Inguinal Hernia
• Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites
• Male Genital Problems and Injuries
• Rectal Problems
• Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger
• Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older
• Skin Changes
• Sore Throat
• Thyroid Nodules

Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.