At Fishtown Medicine, our goal is to catch health issues early and keep you feeling your best. A common question we see is about swollen lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes are small glands in your body that help you fight infections and illness. They often swell when your immune system is busy fighting something off, like a cold or minor infection.
When Swollen Lymph Nodes Usually Aren’t Serious
Recently had a mild illness like a cold, sore throat, or flu
Swollen spot feels soft, moves easily under the skin
Swelling decreases gradually over days or weeks
When You Should See Us
Lymph nodes stay swollen more than four weeks
Nodes feel firm, hard, or fixed in place
Rapid increase in size or number of lumps
You experience unexplained weight loss, night sweats, ongoing fatigue, fever, or itching
Multiple swollen nodes in different areas of your body
Patient Example
Recently, a 29-year-old patient came to us with swelling in his left neck and armpit lasting over 4 months. The lymph nodes didn’t hurt and hadn’t changed size much, but they persisted. Because the swelling didn’t improve, we advised an evaluation. Persistent, painless swelling can sometimes be a sign of conditions like lymphoma or autoimmune disorders, which benefit from early detection and treatment.
At Fishtown Medicine, we start by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your overall health. We then carefully examine your lymph nodes. Depending on our findings, we may recommend further tests such as blood work, ultrasound imaging, or even a biopsy (taking a small sample of the node) to make sure everything’s okay.
Early evaluation provides peace of mind and can lead to better health outcomes. If you're unsure or concerned about your lymph nodes, it's always better to reach out and let us help.
TLDR
Swollen lymph nodes usually aren't serious and resolve quickly. However, if swelling lasts over 4 weeks or comes with other unusual symptoms, schedule a check-up with your preventive care physician.