Swollen Lymph Nodes: What Causes Enlarged Glands and When to See a Doctor?
Swollen lymph nodes are a common condition that affects both children and adults. When lymph nodes swell, they often become tender and larger than usual. In young children, you may notice small lumps on the neck or in the armpit. Swollen lymph nodes indicate that your immune system is working to protect your body against viruses and bacteria. This can happen, for example, if you or your child gets strep throat or catches a cold. Lymph nodes may also swell if there is an infection in a wound. You should have swollen lymph nodes examined by a doctor if they are larger than two centimeters, feel hard or immobile, or are very painful.
Quick Facts
- Medical Term
- Lymphadenopathy
- ICD-10 Code
- R59 (Enlarged lymph nodes)
- Most Common Cause
- Viral infections (cold, flu)
- When to Worry
- Nodes >2cm, hard, or immobile
- Recovery Time
- Usually 2-4 weeks
- Common Locations
- Neck, armpits, groin
Key Takeaways
- Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection and typically resolve on their own within 2-4 weeks.
- The most common cause is viral infections like the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis, which do not require antibiotic treatment.
- Seek medical attention if lymph nodes are larger than 2 centimeters, feel hard or rubbery, don't move when pressed, or persist for more than 4 weeks.
- Children commonly have palpable lymph nodes even when healthy, especially during winter months when infections are more frequent.
- Cancer causing swollen lymph nodes is rare and usually accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fever.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause - viral infections resolve on their own, while bacterial infections may require antibiotics.
What Are Lymph Nodes and What Do They Do?
Quick Answer: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that filter lymph fluid and help fight infections. They are part of your lymphatic system and immune system, acting as checkpoints that trap harmful substances like bacteria and viruses.
Lymph nodes are an essential part of both your lymphatic system and immune system. They function as filters that cleanse lymph fluid of harmful substances and defend your body against bacteria and other microorganisms. Understanding how lymph nodes work helps explain why they swell when you're fighting an infection and when swelling might indicate something more serious.
Your body contains approximately 600 lymph nodes, though most of them cannot be felt under normal circumstances. These small organs are typically about the size of a grain of rice in adults and are not noticeable unless they become enlarged. Lymph nodes are strategically positioned throughout your body to monitor and filter the lymph fluid that circulates through your tissues.
Where Are Lymph Nodes Located?
Lymph nodes are often grouped together in specific areas of the body, making them easier to detect when they swell. Understanding these locations can help you identify swollen lymph nodes and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.
Under the Jaw
Filter lymph from mouth, teeth, throat
Neck (Cervical)
Filter lymph from head, face, scalp
Armpits (Axillary)
Filter lymph from arms, chest, breast
Groin (Inguinal)
Filter lymph from legs, lower abdomen
Behind Breastbone
Not palpable, visible on imaging
Abdomen
Along major blood vessels
How Lymph Nodes Work
When harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, or abnormal cells enter your body, they travel through the lymphatic vessels along with lymph fluid. As this fluid passes through lymph nodes, specialized immune cells inside the nodes identify and attack these invaders. This process is crucial for preventing infections from spreading throughout your body.
Inside each lymph node, white blood cells called lymphocytes multiply rapidly when they detect a threat. This multiplication is what causes the lymph node to swell. The swelling is actually a positive sign - it means your immune system has detected something potentially harmful and is responding appropriately.
Did You Know?
Lymph nodes in children are often more prominent and easier to feel than those in adults, even when the child is completely healthy. This is because children's immune systems are constantly encountering new pathogens and building immunity.
What Are the Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Quick Answer: Swollen lymph nodes typically feel like soft, moveable lumps under the skin that may be tender to touch. You might notice pain when moving certain body parts, such as turning your head if neck nodes are affected.
The symptoms of swollen lymph nodes can vary depending on the underlying cause and location of the affected nodes. Recognizing these symptoms can help you determine when home care is appropriate and when you should seek medical attention.
Common Symptoms
Palpable Lumps
Soft, moveable bumps under the skin that weren't noticeable before
Tenderness
Pain or discomfort when pressing on the swollen area
Pain with Movement
Discomfort when turning head, chewing, or moving arms
Visible Swelling
Noticeable enlargement in neck, armpit, or groin area
Symptoms in Adults vs. Children
Adults with swollen lymph nodes often experience tenderness and pain, especially when the swelling is due to an infection. The discomfort may be particularly noticeable during certain movements. For example, if lymph nodes under the jaw are swollen, it may hurt when you turn your head or chew food.
Children, on the other hand, usually have fewer symptoms from swollen lymph nodes. While they may have tender nodes, it's less common than in adults. Parents often discover their child's swollen lymph nodes by chance, perhaps while bathing or dressing them. Some children may tilt their head toward the side with the tender lymph nodes to minimize discomfort.
When Swelling Occurs Without Pain
Sometimes lymph nodes swell but are not tender or painful. This is often because lymph nodes can take a long time to return to their normal size after an infection in the nose, throat, or mouth, such as a common cold. In some cases, lymph nodes may never completely return to their previous size after an infection has healed, remaining slightly larger than before.
Seasonal Patterns in Children
In children between ages one and six, infections can occur frequently, especially during winter months when respiratory illnesses are more common. During this time, you may be able to feel your child's lymph nodes on the neck more or less clearly throughout the entire season. These lymph nodes typically feel like small beans and are nothing to worry about as long as they remain small and mobile.
For Parents
It's completely normal to feel small lymph nodes on your child's neck, especially during cold and flu season. As long as the nodes are smaller than 1 centimeter, move freely when touched, and your child is otherwise well, there's usually no cause for concern.
What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Quick Answer: The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is a viral infection like the common cold or flu. Other causes include bacterial infections, autoimmune conditions, and rarely, cancer. The location of the swelling often indicates where the infection is located.
There are many reasons why lymph nodes may swell. Understanding the various causes can help you assess your situation and determine whether you need medical attention. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are a sign of a minor infection that will resolve on its own.
Viral Infections
Viral infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. When you catch a cold, develop the flu, or contract mononucleosis (mono), your lymph nodes spring into action to fight off the invading virus. This causes them to swell, often on both sides of the neck simultaneously.
Common viral causes include:
- Common cold - Usually causes mild, bilateral neck swelling
- Influenza (flu) - Can cause widespread lymph node swelling
- Mononucleosis (mono) - Often causes significant neck lymph node swelling, especially in teenagers and young adults
- Upper respiratory infections - Frequently cause neck and jaw lymph node swelling
- Childhood viral illnesses - Measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can all cause lymph node swelling
Viral infections typically do not require specific treatment, as the body's immune system will clear the infection on its own. The lymph node swelling usually resolves within a few weeks as the infection clears.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can also cause lymph nodes to swell, often on both sides of the affected area. Unlike viral infections, bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment to resolve completely.
Common bacterial causes include:
- Strep throat - A bacterial infection that commonly causes swollen neck lymph nodes
- Dental infections - Can cause swelling in lymph nodes under the jaw
- Skin infections - Including cellulitis and infected wounds, causing swelling in nearby lymph nodes
- Cat scratch disease - Caused by bacteria transmitted through cat scratches or bites
- Sexually transmitted infections - Some STIs can cause groin lymph node swelling
Direct Infection of Lymph Nodes
Children can sometimes develop an infection directly in a lymph node on one side of the neck, without any connection to strep throat. This condition is usually caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. When this happens, the affected area becomes painful, and the skin over the lymph node may turn red. The child may also develop a fever.
Less Common Causes
Several less common conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes:
Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)
Tularemia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through mosquito bites or contact with infected animals. It first causes a small sore or bump at the site of infection, which may be slow to heal. The lymph nodes closest to the infection site can swell significantly. Other symptoms include fever, skin rash, headache, and nausea.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a contagious lung disease that is relatively uncommon in developed countries. Sometimes tuberculosis can affect the lymph nodes, causing swelling typically on one side of the neck without tenderness. You usually don't feel sick when you have lymph node tuberculosis, and this form is not contagious.
Autoimmune Conditions
Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases can cause widespread lymph node swelling as the immune system becomes overactive.
Medications
Certain medications, including some anti-seizure drugs and antibiotics, can cause lymph node swelling as a side effect.
When Swollen Lymph Nodes May Indicate Cancer
It's important to note that cancer is a rare cause of swollen lymph nodes. However, cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can cause lymph node swelling. Children who develop swollen lymph nodes due to these conditions usually have other accompanying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever, or unusual fatigue.
Important
While cancer is a rare cause of swollen lymph nodes, you should see a doctor if lymph nodes are larger than 2 centimeters, feel hard or rubbery, don't move when pressed, or are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fever.
Unknown Causes
Sometimes it can be difficult for doctors to determine why lymph nodes are swollen. In these cases, you may be asked to wait and observe whether the swelling resolves on its own. This observation period can last up to three weeks, during which most non-concerning cases will show improvement.
When Should I See a Doctor About Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Quick Answer: See a doctor if your lymph nodes are larger than 1.5-2 centimeters without a severe throat infection, feel hard or immobile, are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever, or if swelling occurs in multiple areas of your body simultaneously.
While most swollen lymph nodes are caused by minor infections and resolve on their own, certain signs and symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Knowing when to seek care can help you get appropriate treatment when needed while avoiding unnecessary worry about benign conditions.
Seek Medical Attention If You Notice:
- Lymph nodes swelling in connection with an infected wound - This may indicate the infection is spreading and could require antibiotics
- Lymph nodes larger than 1.5 centimeters without a severe throat infection - Larger nodes deserve evaluation
- Lymph nodes that feel hard or rubbery - Healthy lymph nodes are usually soft
- Lymph nodes that feel fixed in place and don't move when pressed - Mobile nodes are typically benign
- Swelling in multiple areas of the body simultaneously - Such as neck and armpits together
- Accompanied by paleness, fatigue, or fever - Especially if these symptoms persist
- Swelling that persists for more than 4 weeks without improvement
- Lymph nodes that continue to grow larger over time
- Unexplained weight loss - Losing weight without trying
- Night sweats - Waking up with soaked bedding
Seek Immediate Medical Care If:
- You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- The lymph node swelling is accompanied by high fever
- The skin over the lymph node is red, warm, and rapidly spreading
- You experience severe pain that is getting worse
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you visit a healthcare provider for swollen lymph nodes, they will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for your appointment and provide useful information to your doctor.
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the swelling, whether you've been sick recently, and if you have any other symptoms. They may also ask about your medical history, medications, recent travel, and potential exposures to infections.
Physical Examination
The examination typically includes:
- Visual inspection - Looking for visible swelling or redness
- Palpation - Feeling the lymph nodes to assess size, texture, tenderness, and mobility
- Checking other lymph node locations - Examining nodes in the neck, behind the ears, in the armpits, and groin to see if swelling is localized or widespread
Lymph nodes that can be felt during examination are located on the sides of the neck, in the back of the neck, in the hollow above the collarbone, in the armpits, and in the groin area.
How Are Swollen Lymph Nodes Diagnosed?
Quick Answer: Diagnosis begins with a physical examination where the doctor assesses the size, location, texture, and mobility of swollen lymph nodes. Additional tests such as blood work, ultrasound, or biopsy may be ordered depending on the findings.
Diagnosing the cause of swollen lymph nodes involves a systematic approach that starts with your symptoms and physical examination, and may include various tests depending on what the initial evaluation reveals.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will first observe whether your lymph nodes are visibly swollen from the outside and check if the overlying skin appears red. They will then examine the lymph nodes with their fingers to assess several important characteristics:
- Size - Measuring how enlarged the nodes are
- Texture - Determining if they feel soft, firm, or hard
- Tenderness - Checking if they are painful when touched
- Mobility - Seeing if they move freely or feel fixed in place
- Shape - Noting whether they have a regular or irregular shape
After examining the affected lymph nodes, your doctor will check other lymph node locations throughout your body to determine if swelling is localized to one area or spread across multiple regions.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the lymph nodes. It can help determine if there is pus inside a lymph node (suggesting an abscess) and reveal additional swollen lymph nodes that cannot be felt during examination. Ultrasound is painless and does not involve radiation, making it safe for all patients including children and pregnant women.
Chest X-ray
In some cases, your doctor may order a chest X-ray to check whether lymph nodes inside the chest are enlarged. These internal lymph nodes cannot be felt during physical examination but may be visible on imaging studies.
CT Scan or MRI
These more detailed imaging studies may be ordered if initial tests raise concerns or if your doctor needs to evaluate lymph nodes in areas that are difficult to visualize with other methods.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can provide valuable information about what might be causing your lymph node swelling:
- Complete blood count (CBC) - Evaluates the number and types of blood cells, which can indicate infection, inflammation, or blood disorders
- Inflammatory markers - Tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can indicate inflammation or infection
- Specific infection tests - Blood tests for mononucleosis, HIV, tuberculosis, or other infections may be performed based on your symptoms and risk factors
Lymph Node Biopsy
If the cause of lymph node swelling remains unclear after initial testing, or if there is concern about a more serious condition, your doctor may recommend obtaining a sample of tissue from the lymph node for examination.
Fine Needle Aspiration
This procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the lymph node to withdraw a small sample of cells. The procedure takes only a few minutes and feels like a small pinprick. The collected sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope to look for signs of infection, cancer, or other abnormalities.
Core Needle Biopsy
Sometimes a larger sample is needed for accurate diagnosis. In this case, a slightly thicker needle is used to obtain a core of tissue. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area first, making the procedure more comfortable.
Excisional Biopsy
Occasionally, the entire swollen lymph node needs to be surgically removed for thorough examination. This procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and provides the most complete sample for diagnosis. Children undergoing lymph node biopsy are often given sedation to help them remain still and comfortable during the procedure.
What Happens to the Sample?
Biopsy samples are examined by pathologists - doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases by studying cells and tissues. They look for specific patterns and characteristics that can identify infections, cancers, or other conditions affecting the lymph nodes.
How Are Swollen Lymph Nodes Treated?
Quick Answer: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Viral infections require no specific treatment and resolve on their own. Bacterial infections may need antibiotics. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications and warm compresses.
The treatment for swollen lymph nodes depends entirely on what is causing them to swell. In many cases, the lymph nodes will return to normal size once the underlying condition is treated or resolves on its own.
Treatment for Viral Infections
Most viral infections that cause swollen lymph nodes, such as the common cold or flu, do not require specific treatment. Your body's immune system will fight off the virus, and the lymph nodes will gradually return to their normal size as you recover. During this time, supportive care measures can help you feel more comfortable:
- Rest - Getting adequate sleep helps your immune system fight infection
- Hydration - Drinking plenty of fluids keeps you hydrated and helps thin mucus
- Pain relievers - Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce discomfort and fever
- Warm compresses - Applying a warm, damp cloth to the swollen area can provide soothing relief
Treatment for Bacterial Infections
When swollen lymph nodes are caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment is often necessary. The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Strep Throat
If your swollen lymph nodes are caused by strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. After a few days of treatment, you should notice improvement, and the lymph node swelling typically resolves completely within about a week.
Direct Lymph Node Infection
When children develop a bacterial infection directly in a lymph node (lymphadenitis), antibiotics are the primary treatment. Sometimes, pus accumulates inside the lymph node and needs to be drained. This can be done either by inserting a needle to withdraw the pus or through a small surgical procedure. Your healthcare provider will explain how the procedure works if drainage is necessary.
Tularemia
Tularemia is treated with specific antibiotics that are effective against the bacteria that cause this disease. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.
Treatment for Tuberculosis
Lymph node tuberculosis is treated the same way as tuberculosis affecting the lungs. Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken for several months to completely eliminate the bacteria. It's crucial to complete the entire course of treatment, even if you feel better before finishing, to prevent the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Managing Symptoms at Home
While waiting for swollen lymph nodes to resolve, whether you're treating an underlying condition or simply waiting for a viral infection to clear, several home remedies can help manage discomfort:
Home Care Tips
- Apply warm compresses - A warm, wet washcloth applied to the area several times daily can ease tenderness
- Take pain relievers - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce pain and any associated fever
- Get plenty of rest - Your body heals faster when you're well-rested
- Stay hydrated - Drink water, herbal tea, and clear broths
- Avoid irritating the area - Don't squeeze or constantly feel the swollen lymph nodes
When Additional Treatment Is Needed
If swollen lymph nodes are caused by conditions other than common infections, treatment will be tailored to the specific diagnosis:
- Autoimmune conditions - May require medications that suppress or modify the immune system
- Cancer - Treatment depends on the type and stage but may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of approaches
- Abscess formation - Requires drainage, either through needle aspiration or surgical incision
How Can I Check My Lymph Nodes at Home?
Quick Answer: You can check your lymph nodes by gently pressing along both sides of your neck, behind your ears, in your armpits, and in your groin area. Use your fingertips to feel for any lumps that are larger than a pea, tender, or feel different from the surrounding tissue.
Being familiar with how your lymph nodes normally feel can help you notice changes that might require medical attention. Regular self-examination is particularly useful if you've had swollen lymph nodes before or if you have conditions that affect your immune system.
Step-by-Step Self-Examination
1. Checking Neck Lymph Nodes
Using your fingertips, gently press along both sides of your neck, starting just under your jaw and moving down toward your collarbone. You're feeling for any lumps or bumps that are larger than a small pea. It's normal to feel some small, soft nodes, especially if you've recently had a cold.
2. Checking Behind the Ears and Back of Head
Move your fingers behind each ear and then along the base of your skull where it meets your neck. These areas contain lymph nodes that may swell during ear infections or scalp conditions.
3. Checking Armpit Lymph Nodes
Raise one arm slightly and use your opposite hand to feel deep in the armpit area. Press gently against the chest wall to feel for any enlarged nodes. Repeat on the other side. Comparing both sides can help you identify asymmetric swelling.
4. Checking Groin Lymph Nodes
While lying down or standing, use your fingertips to feel along the crease where your leg meets your torso. These lymph nodes may swell in response to leg infections, skin conditions, or sexually transmitted infections.
5. Recording Your Findings
If you find any enlarged lymph nodes, make note of:
- The location of the swelling
- The approximate size (compare to common objects like a pea, grape, or golf ball)
- Whether the nodes are tender or painful
- Whether they move freely when you press on them
- The date you first noticed them
This information will be valuable if you need to see a healthcare provider.
Tip for Parents
When checking your child's lymph nodes, make it part of bath time or when they're relaxed. Use gentle pressure - you don't need to press hard. If your child is ticklish, try distracting them with a story or toy while you check.
Can Swollen Lymph Nodes Be Prevented?
Quick Answer: You can reduce your risk of swollen lymph nodes by preventing the infections that commonly cause them. Good hygiene practices, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy immune system are your best defenses.
Since swollen lymph nodes are usually a response to infection, preventing infections is the best way to reduce your chances of experiencing lymph node swelling. While you can't prevent all causes of lymphadenopathy, many common causes are avoidable.
Infection Prevention Strategies
- Wash your hands frequently - Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections
- Avoid touching your face - Viruses and bacteria can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay current on vaccinations - Vaccines protect against many infections that can cause lymph node swelling, including measles, mumps, and influenza
- Practice safe food handling - Proper cooking and storage of food prevents foodborne infections
- Treat wounds properly - Clean cuts and scrapes promptly and keep them covered to prevent infection
Supporting Your Immune System
A healthy immune system is better equipped to fight off infections quickly, potentially reducing the duration and severity of lymph node swelling:
- Get adequate sleep - Most adults need 7-9 hours per night; children need more
- Eat a balanced diet - Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly - Moderate physical activity supports immune function
- Manage stress - Chronic stress can weaken the immune system
- Don't smoke - Smoking impairs immune function and increases infection risk
- Limit alcohol consumption - Excessive alcohol can suppress immune responses
When Prevention Isn't Possible
Some causes of swollen lymph nodes, such as autoimmune conditions or certain cancers, cannot be prevented through lifestyle measures. If you have an underlying condition that affects your lymph nodes, working closely with your healthcare provider to manage that condition is the best approach to minimize complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swollen lymph nodes from a common infection typically begin to shrink within 2-3 weeks and return to normal size within 4-6 weeks. However, some lymph nodes may remain slightly enlarged for several months after an infection has cleared, which is usually not a cause for concern. If lymph nodes remain swollen for more than 4 weeks without improvement, or continue to grow larger, you should consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
You should seek medical attention if your swollen lymph nodes are larger than 2 centimeters (about the size of a grape), feel hard or rubbery, don't move when you press on them, persist for more than 4 weeks, are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fever, or if you notice swelling in multiple areas of your body simultaneously. Lymph nodes that appear red, warm, and very painful may indicate an infection in the node itself that requires prompt treatment.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are most commonly caused by viral infections like the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis (mono). Bacterial infections such as strep throat, dental infections, or skin infections on the head or face can also cause neck lymph node swelling. In children, ear infections are a frequent cause. Less commonly, neck lymph nodes may swell due to autoimmune conditions, certain medications, or rarely, cancers like lymphoma or metastatic cancer from other parts of the body.
Stress itself does not directly cause lymph nodes to swell. However, chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that can cause lymph node swelling. Additionally, during stressful periods, you may become more aware of normal lymph nodes that you hadn't noticed before. If you're concerned about lymph node swelling, it's worth getting evaluated to rule out an underlying infection or other treatable condition rather than attributing it solely to stress.
Yes, it is very common and usually normal for children to have palpable (able to be felt) lymph nodes. Children's immune systems are constantly encountering new viruses and bacteria, which causes their lymph nodes to work harder and often remain slightly enlarged. During winter months when respiratory infections are frequent, you may feel small, bean-sized nodes on your child's neck almost continuously. However, you should consult a pediatrician if lymph nodes are larger than 2 centimeters, feel hard, continue to grow, or if your child has accompanying symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
"Swollen glands" is simply a common, non-medical term for swollen lymph nodes. The term "glands" can be confusing because true glands (like salivary glands or thyroid gland) produce and secrete substances, while lymph nodes are part of the immune system and filter lymph fluid. When people refer to "swollen glands" in the neck, they are almost always describing swollen lymph nodes. Medical professionals use the term "lymphadenopathy" to describe enlarged lymph nodes.
References and Sources
This article is based on peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines from recognized medical organizations. All information has been reviewed by qualified medical professionals.
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- Bazemore AW, Smucker DR. Lymphadenopathy and malignancy. American Family Physician. 2002;66(11):2103-2110. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/1201/p2103.html
- Gaddey HL, Riegel AM. Unexplained Lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis. American Family Physician. 2016;94(11):896-903. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/1201/p896.html
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