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Swollen Glands, Hernias, and Other Lumps Under the Skin

Overview

Most swollen glands or lumps under the skin aren't cause for concern. The glands (lymph nodes, Opens dialog) on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears often swell when you have a cold or sore throat.

More serious infections may cause the glands to get bigger and become very firm and tender. Glands can also swell, Opens dialog and become tender after an injury, such as a cut or bite, or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.

Swollen glands, Opens dialog and other lumps under the skin can be caused by many different things, including illness, infection, or another cause.

Infections

Swollen glands often occur when the body fights infections from colds, insect bites, or small cuts. More serious infections may cause the glands to get bigger and become firm, hard, or tender. Examples of such infections include:

Noncancerous (benign) growths

Types of noncancerous (benign) growths, which are usually harmless, include:

Hernias, aneurysms, or nodules

Hernias, Opens dialog and aneurysms, Opens dialog are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. A nodule is usually a growth on a gland. A hernia, aneurysm, or nodule may be felt under the skin. But you may not be able to see it. These types of lumps may need to be checked by a doctor.

  • An inguinal hernia, Opens dialog is a soft lump in the groin, Opens dialog or near the navel. It may be more visible when you cough. Hernias that disappear when you press on them may not need any treatment. Hernias that don't disappear when you press on them may be more serious and need medical treatment.
  • A bulging section in the wall of a blood vessel (aneurysm) may feel like a throbbing lump in the belly, in the groin, or behind the knee. It can cause serious problems if it involves the blood vessels in the brain or the belly. Aneurysms may be a medical emergency and may require care right away.
  • A thyroid nodule, Opens dialog is an abnormal growth on the thyroid gland., Opens dialog An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter, Opens dialog) is in the neck just below the Adam's apple.

Swelling caused by cancer

A lump caused by cancer is usually hard, irregularly shaped, and firmly fixed under the skin or deep in tissue. They usually don't cause pain. But some types of cancerous lumps are painful. Most lumps aren't caused by cancer.

Other causes

Swelling may also be caused by:

Information about Swollen Glands, Hernias, and Other Lumps Under the Skin

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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