Breast cancer, for example, can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit.Īn enlarged lymph node near a cancerous tumor is often suspected of also being cancerous. Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells, can cause inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes.Ĭancers that form in other organs or tissue may spread to the lymphatic system. Lymphoma actually originates in the lymph glands. CancerĬertain types of cancer directly involve the lymphatic system. Treatments vary, depending on the cause, but anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and in serious cases, immunosuppressant drugs may be necessary. Immune system disorderįlare-ups of autoimmune disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes in an armpit. Antibiotics and rest are usually enough to overcome a bacterial infection. Some common bacterial infections on the arm or surrounding chest wall, including staphylococcus and streptococcus, can lead to an enlarged lymph node in the armpit and elsewhere in the body. For certain viral infections, like HIV, antiviral medications may be necessary. In many cases, rest, fluids, and time are all that you can do while your immune system fights off the virus. These viruses may also cause lymph nodes in the neck to become enlarged, too. More serious viral infections that may cause lymph node enlargement include herpes, rubella, and HIV. The potential causes of a swollen lymph node in the armpit can include: Viral infectionĬommon viruses can trigger swelling in one or more lymph nodes in the armpit. When lymph nodes in the armpit become swollen, your body may be fighting a viral infection, or any of several other conditions. A swollen lymph node in the neck, for example, is often a sign of an upper respiratory infection. The location of swollen lymph nodes usually suggests the cause of the problem. What does having swollen lymph nodes mean?

Lymph node on back of neck swollen