Lymph nodes is one of the parts of the immune system in our body. There are about 300 of them in the neck region, about 3-5 mm in diameter. About 1/3 of the total number of lymph nodes are located in the neck.

Lymph node enlargement can grow for many reasons such as a cold sore in the mouth, tonsil infections, dental infections, as well as it can be an important findingin head and neck cancers.

What do lymph nodes do?

As an aid to immunity, i.e. reactionary growths, they are short-lived and usually have sensitive tissues. It can take up to 3-4 weeks to regress. If there is a recurrent infection during this time lymph node swellings can be perceived as longer lasting.

When should you consult a doctor for lymph nodes?

If the size of the lymph node in the neck area is gradually increasing (starting from 1 cm and gradually increasing), if the pain increases, if the number increases or if there are many lymph nodes adhered to each other, anEar, Nose and Throat doctor should be consulted.

New swellings lasting longer than one to two weeks should be consulted by a doctor for both treatment and diagnosis. In the first instance, your doctor lymph node swelling or neck infection He or she may have you do some blood tests, sometimes prescribe antibiotic treatments based on what you tell him or her and the results of his or her examination, and then call you back for a follow-up to see how the swelling in your neck is progressing. If there is no significant improvement and regression in the swelling, a follow-up visit should be made.