Swollen Lymph Nodes: What to Know If It’s Not Cancer

The lymph nodes in your neck and other parts of your body can be swollen for years, but not be a sign of cancer. You might have a common cold or throat infection, or another health condition such as lupus or arthritis.

If you have a swollen lymph node on your neck or elsewhere for long periods of time, your first thought may be that you have cancer because swollen lymph nodes are sometimes linked with cancer. That may not necessarily be the case.

Although swollen lymph nodes are sometimes linked to cancer, more often than not they are benign (not cancerous) and occur as the result of an illness or other health condition. In fact, research shows that when swollen lymph nodes are biopsied for cancer, they rarely turn out to be malignant (cancerous).

This article will provide more detail on what causes beyond cancer might lead to swollen lymph nodes for long periods of time, and when you might consider consulting a physician about your symptoms.

When lymph nodes become swollen, the condition is called “ lymphadenopathy .”

Typically, lymph nodes stay swollen for about 2 weeks or so.

However, physicians may become concerned if your lymph node stays swollen for more than 4 weeks . Even if they remain swollen for that many weeks or longer, it’s rare that your swollen lymph node would indicate cancer.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are oval-shaped structures located throughout the body. They contain immune cells which help fight off viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. They are a major player in the body’s immune system. Lymph nodes tend to become swollen in response to an infection, or other health condition.

You have more than 800 lymph nodes scattered throughout your body. About one-third of them are located in your head and neck. When lymph nodes swell, this tends to happen in the neck, under the chin, or in the armpit or groin area.