Swollen Gland in the Neck

Glands in the neck are lymph glands. When lymph glands (also call lymph nodes) get swollen, we call it lymphadenopathy. From a parent's point of view, you may only be aware that your child has lumps or bumps in his neck or around the back of the head.

Lymph glands (nodes) get swollen when the body is fighting infection or other inflammation. If you have an infection in your throat, the body will send white cells from the blood to fight the infection. Some of the white cells go to the lymph glands that are close by to complete the task of destroying the intruder infection. When this happens, the lymph glands (nodes) become larger and tender, causing what many parents describe as abnormal lumps and bumps.

What should I do when my child has a swollen gland in the neck?

Don't be too concerned about your child having a lump or bump in the neck. When your child has a swollen gland in the neck - it usually means that the body is doing its job.

Children have so many infections in the first years - usually upper respiratory tract infections - that their neck glands can seem swollen a lot of the time. You don't have to do anything special for a swollen gland in neck. Once your child has got over the infection, the glands should get smaller and less tender.

My child has ezcema and has glands at the back of her head and neck - why is that?

Children with ezcema have inflammation in the skin. The body's response to inflammation is similar to when there is an infection, so there is activity in the lymph glands (nodes) just like when there is an infection. It is normal for children with ezcema to have swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck region.

Are there any complictions of swollen neck glands?

Sometimes, the lymph gland (node) can get infected itself with a bacteria - we call this lymphadenitis. When this occurs, children may need an antibiotic or even surgical drainage. See you doctor if the skin over the lymph gland (node) becomes red and warm to touch.

Can a swollen gland in the neck be a sign of cancer?

Swollen neck glands which are not serious are common in children. Swollen neck glands due to cancer in children are uncommon but can occur. Most of the time, swollen neck glands will not be due to cancer. Most of the time, you do not need to be worried.

When should I be worried about swollen neck glands?

You should see you doctor for any of the following:

• redness of the skin over the lymph gland (node)
• a lymph gland (node) that seems to be attached to the skin overlying it - usually, you can feel the lymph node under the skin but it doesn't feel attached to the skin so it is easy to move under your fingers
• a lymph node that is larger than a cherry or small plum (about 2-3cm in diameter) and is not getting any smaller over 3 months. Lymph nodes that are less than 1 cm in diameter are usually not a problem, even if they stay for longer than 3 months.
• any swollen lymph glands (nodes) in the area behind the collar bones (clavicles)- we call this the supra-clavicular region
• any swollen lymph glands (nodes) that are associated with weight loss
• if there are other symptoms that are causing enough concern to see your doctor

Can children get swollen lymph glands anywhere other than the neck?

Yes, children often get swollen glands in the groin area. The same factors that would cause concern for neck glands apply, but like swollen neck glands, most of the time, small lumps and bumps in the groin are nothing to worry about as they are only swollen glands.