Back neck lymph nodes swollen skin#

Occasionally, further tests may be necessary to assess and monitor your condition. In many cases, lymphoedema can be diagnosed from your symptoms and medical history, and by examining the affected body part and measuring the distance around it to see if it's enlarged. They may refer you to a specialist lymphoedema treatment centre for further assessment. See a GP if you experience the typical symptoms of lymphoedema, such as swelling in your arms and legs. Any planned treatment you have will try to avoid causing damage to your lymph nodes.Ĭancer Research UK has more information about lymphoedema and cancer. Your treatment team will let you know if you're at risk of getting lymphoedema from your cancer or cancer treatment.

Back neck lymph nodes swollen skin#

People who have treatment for skin cancer (melanoma) in the lymph nodes in the groin can also get lymphoedema. Secondary lymphoedema often affects people with cancers that involve the lymph system or who've had treatment to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer, vulval cancer, penile cancer, and head and neck cancer. Primary lymphoedema is rare and secondary lymphoedema is much more common. Lymphoedema is thought to affect more than 200,000 people in the UK. Read more about the causes of lymphoedema Who's affected

secondary lymphoedema – caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system it can be the result of a cancer treatment, an infection, injury, inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement.

primary lymphoedema – caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system it can develop at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood.

The main functions of the lymphatic system are helping fight infection and draining excess fluid from tissues. Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. Signs of lymphoedema in the head and neck may include swelling or heaviness in the face, mouth or throat, and problems with swallowing and speech.

wart-like growths developing on the skin.

developing hard, tight or thickened skin.

Other symptoms in an affected body part can include: Without treatment, it will usually become more severe and persistent. It may get worse during the day and go down overnight. It can be difficult to fit into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight.Īt first, the swelling may be soft and easy to push in, leaving a dent, and may come and go. The main symptom of lymphoedema is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. It's important that lymphoedema is identified and treated as soon as possible. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. They may prescribe a treatment, depending on the cause.Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. If you see a GP, they will help identify what is causing the swollen glands.

rarely caused by anything more serious, like cancer of the blood system ( leukaemia) or lymph system (lymphoma), or spread of cancer from another part of the body nearby.

often caused by common illnesses like colds, tonsillitis and ear or throat infections.

But don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried. Causes of swollen glandsīelow are some of the most common causes of swollen glands. You should go to your nearest emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance if you have swollen glands and you're finding it very difficult to breathe, or difficult to swallow your own saliva (causing you to drool).

you have swollen glands and no other signs of illness or infection.

you're having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) for more than three or four days.

they feel hard or don't move when you press them.

your swollen glands are getting bigger or they haven't gone down within three weeks.

taking painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (don't give aspirin to children under 16).

drinking plenty of fluids (to avoid dehydration).

Swollen glands usually go down in two or three weeks when the infection has gone. You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or fever. Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells.

Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it. Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps: See the advice below to find out if you need to see your GP.

Occasionally they can be a sign of more serious illness. They usually get better by themselves in two to three weeks.

Swollen glands are usually a sign the body is fighting an infection.