Why you shouldn’t panic when your lymph nodes swell

Whether it’s a run-of-the-mill virus or a sign of cancer, swollen lymph nodes indicate that your body’s built-in defense system is kicking into gear.  

“Lymph nodes are small tissues that swell when your body fights illnesses,” says Dr. Teresa M. Chirayil, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “They act as filters by clearing out germs and waste from your body.” 

You might have swollen lymph nodes if you feel a bump under the skin that is tender to the touch.

Swelling of the lymph nodes is often a reaction to an upper respiratory infection, but it can have many causes – including cancer. However, Dr. Chirayil reassures that swollen lymph nodes as a result of cancer isn’t that common.

“In the primary care setting, only about 1.1% of swollen lymph node cases end up as cancer diagnoses,” she says. “This percentage can increase after a certain age and with other risk factors, but patients shouldn’t panic. A lot of times swollen lymph nodes are a sign of regular infections or illnesses.” 

In fact, the swelling of lymph nodes is a good thing. It’s a sign your body is having a normal immune response and fighting invading viruses and bacteria.  

While the possibility of a cancer diagnosis isn’t entirely out of the question, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce your cancer risk, like focusing on maintaining a healthy weight, limiting tobacco and alcohol use, and prioritizing a healthy diet.  

Risk factors and symptoms that may increase your risk of developing swollen lymph nodes as a result of cancer: 

• Older than 40 years old 
• Male 
• White 
• Swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone (supraclavicular) 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Night sweats 
• Fever 

If you have concerns about the reasoning behind your swollen lymph nodes, talk to your primary care provider. 

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