Swollen glands, or lymph nodes, in the neck can be worrisome. The cause usually is not serious, according to Medline Plus. Lymph glands are part of the immune system, and they most often swell in response to infection. A variety of disorders can cause swollen glands in the neck, and the symptom can occasionally signify a serious disorder.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or "mono," commonly causes swollen glands in the neck. Other symptoms of this contagious viral infection include a severely sore throat, fatigue and fever. It spreads through close contact with saliva, and is also known as "the kissing disease." It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, and most commonly occurs in children and teenagers, although it can occur at any age, notes an article by Mark H. Ebell, M.D in the October 1, 2004 journal "American Family Physician." Similar symptoms can also result from other infections. The spleen typically enlarges, and rupture is a rare complication, occurring in one out of 1000 patients. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms of fever, inflammation, dehydration and pain. Patients should return to normal activites as their energy level allows, Dr. Ebell advises.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph system, is unknown, although the Epstein-Barr virus infection is suspected. Hodgkin lymphoma is not a contagious disease. Usually, an enlarged lymph gland in the neck is the first symptom, although the glands in the groin or armpits may be affected. Pain in the enlarged glands may occur when alcohol is consumed. Drenching night sweats, fevers, fatigue, itchy skin and weight loss are also common symptoms. If Hodgkin lymphoma affects lymph glands in the chest, a cough and chest pain can result. The lymph system fights infection throughout the body, and includes many organs,
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a viral infection that affects lymphocytes, or white blood cells that fight infection. It spreads through blood, semen and vaginal fluid, commonly during unprotected sex or sharing needles and syringes. There are usually no signs of the disease right after the infection starts, although flu-like symptoms, such as swollen glands in the neck or other parts of the body, fever, headache, sore throat and rash can occur two to four weeks later. Many symptom-free years may follow, but the infection can be spread to others during this time, notes MayoClinic.com. Advanced disease causes unexplained weight loss, night sweats, diarrhea, infections, swollen glands and white spots in the mouth.
