Lymph Nodes

Learn symptoms, causes, how to treat pediatric lymph nodes, and when to contact a pediatric surgeon in Singapore.

What Are Lymph Nodes In Children?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that are part of the immune system, helping the body fight infections and diseases. They are located throughout the body, with clusters commonly found in the neck, armpits, groin, and behind the ears.
When lymph nodes detect an infection or other problems in the body, they often swell as they work to fight off the threat. While this swelling is usually a normal response to infection and resolves on its own, persistent or unusual enlargement may require professional swollen lymph node treatment and evaluation.
Understanding when swollen lymph nodes need medical attention helps parents make informed decisions about their child's health.

Common Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can present with various symptoms depending on the location, size, and underlying cause.

Physical Signs

Visible swelling in affected areas, most commonly in the neck, behind the ears, under the jaw, in the armpits, or in the groin
Movable lumps beneath the skin that can be felt when gently touched
Size increase ranging from pea-sized to larger than a grape
Tenderness or pain when the swollen lymph node is touched or during movement
Redness and warmth around the swollen node, particularly if infection is present
Multiple enlarged nodes in one area or throughout the body

Associated Symptoms

The symptoms accompanying swollen lymph nodes often provide clues to the underlying cause:
Fever indicating the body is fighting infection
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing with neck lymph node swelling
Runny nose and cough suggesting respiratory infection
Ear pain when lymph nodes near the ears are swollen
Skin infections or wounds near the swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue or lethargy especially with persistent enlargement
Night sweats in some cases
Unexplained weight loss which may indicate more serious conditions
Persistent fever lasting more than a few days

When to Seek Evaluation

The swollen lymph node is larger than 2 centimeters (about the size of a grape)
It has been present for more than 2-3 weeks without improvement
It continues to grow in size
It feels hard or immobile rather than soft and movable
It is accompanied by persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
It appears in multiple locations throughout the body
It makes your child have difficulty breathing or swallowing

What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes in Children?

Lymph nodes can become swollen or enlarged due to various reasons. Understanding the cause is essential for appropriate lymph node management.

Infections

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in children is infection. The body's immune system responds to infections by activating lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge.
Viral infections are the leading cause of lymph nodes in children. The common cold often makes the glands in the neck swell, and the flu can cause swelling in several parts of the body. Other common childhood viruses, such as chickenpox or measles, can have the same effect.
Bacterial infections also commonly cause swollen lymph nodes. Strep throat usually causes the glands in the neck to swell, while ear infections can affect the area around the ear and side of the neck. Skin infections like impetigo or cellulitis can cause nearby glands to enlarge, and dental infections may lead to swelling under the jaw.
Other infections like fungal infections and tuberculosis in some cases can cause long-lasting swelling that needs specific lymph node treatment.

Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions

Sometimes, swollen lymph nodes in children happen when the immune system becomes overactive, rather than fighting an infection. Conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Kawasaki disease, or lupus can cause this type of swelling. These conditions are less common, but doctors may check for them if lymph nodes stay enlarged for a long time without signs of infection.

Cancerous Conditions

While rare in children, lymph nodes can enlarge due to cancerous conditions. Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, causes painless and firm lymph nodes that slowly get larger. Leukemia, a blood cancer, may present with widespread swelling along with other symptoms. If the swelling doesn’t go away or keeps increasing, doctors may order tests such as lymph node ultrasound, lymph nodes MRI, or lymph node removal for biopsy.

Medication Reactions

Certain medicines can make lymph nodes swell as a side effect. This reaction is usually mild and goes away once the medication is stopped. If you notice swelling after your child starts a new medicine, let your doctor know so they can check whether it’s related.

Post-Vaccination Response

It's normal for lymph nodes near a vaccination site to temporarily swell as the immune system responds to the vaccine. This typically resolves within a few weeks.

Consequences of Untreated Swollen Lymph Nodes

While most swollen lymph nodes in children are benign and resolve with time, failing to properly evaluate and treat persistent or concerning lymph nodes can have serious consequences.

Delayed Diagnosis of Serious Conditions

The most significant risk of not seeking appropriate lymph node management is missing serious underlying conditions. Cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia require early diagnosis and treatment for the best outcomes. Delaying evaluation can allow these conditions to progress, potentially reducing treatment success rates.
Tuberculosis and other chronic infections need specific treatment that differs from common bacterial infections. Without proper diagnosis through examination and sometimes lymph node ultrasound or lymph nodes MRI, these conditions may worsen.

Progression of Infections

Untreated bacterial infections causing lymph node swelling can progress to more serious complications. Abscessed lymph nodes can develop when infection becomes severe, requiring drainage or lymph node removal. Spreading infections can affect surrounding tissues or enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis. Chronic infections may cause permanent lymph node enlargement or scarring.

Persistent Discomfort

Large or tender lymph nodes can cause ongoing pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing if located in the neck, restricted movement if located near joints, and interference with daily activities and sleep. Appropriate swollen lymph node treatment provides relief from these symptoms.

How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes in Children

Treatment depends on finding the cause of the swelling. At The Little Surgery, Dr. Ong Lin Yin provides comprehensive lymph node management from initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up.

Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis

Proper swollen lymph node treatment begins with thorough assessment to determine the cause of enlargement.
We perform a detailed physical examination, where the doctor gently feels the lymph nodes to check their size, shape, and tenderness. Soft and tender nodes usually mean infection, while hard or fixed ones may need closer checking.
Parents will be asked about their child's symptoms, recent illnesses, vaccinations, exposures to infections, travel history, and any other relevant medical information to help identify the likely cause.
Blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of infection, assess immune system function, screen for specific infections, and evaluate for blood disorders or cancers when indicated. When needed, we utilize advanced imaging for better evaluation, such as lymph node ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans.
Once the underlying cause is identified through proper lymph node management, treatment can be tailored appropriately.

Treatment for Infections

Viral infections (like colds or the flu) usually don’t need special medicine. Rest, fluids, and fever relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen are enough. The swelling often goes down in 2–3 weeks.
Bacterial infections (like strep throat or skin infections) are treated with antibiotics. It’s important to finish the full course even if your child feels better. If pus collects, the doctor may need to drain it.
Other infections (such as fungal or tuberculosis) need specific medication depending on the germ found.

Treatment for Inflammatory Conditions

If lymph node swelling in children is due to an overactive immune system, medications such as NSAIDs, immune-modulating drugs, or corticosteroids in certain cases may be used.

Lymph Node Removal (Biopsy or Excision)

Lymph node removal is typically performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made over the lymph node. The entire lymph node or a portion is carefully removed and sent to pathology to find the exact cause of enlargement. The incision is closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring.
Most children go home the same day. The area may be tender for a few days. Results from pathology typically take several days to a week. Based on results, further treatment may be recommended if needed.

Treatment for Cancerous Conditions

If evaluation including lymph node ultrasound, lymph nodes MRI, and lymph node removal for biopsy confirms cancer, treatment involves specialized oncology care. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical removal of affected lymph nodes, targeted therapies, or combinations of these approaches. Dr. Ong works closely with pediatric oncology specialists to coordinate comprehensive care.

Supportive Care Measures

Regardless of the underlying cause, certain supportive measures help children feel better while receiving swollen lymph node treatment. These include adequate rest to help the body fight infection, proper hydration, pain management with appropriate medications, warm compresses applied to tender lymph nodes for comfort, and avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort in the affected area.
After initial treatment, regular follow-up ensures proper lymph node management. We monitor lymph node size, adjust treatment plans based on response, and provide ongoing guidance throughout the healing process.

Why Choose The Little Surgery for Lymph Nodes Management

The Little Surgery provides comprehensive lymph node management, including thorough evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing with lymph node ultrasound and MRI when needed, appropriate treatment, and expert lymph node removal when necessary.

Experienced Pediatric Surgeon

Dr. Ong Lin Yin brings over 20 years of experience in paediatric surgery, including extensive expertise in evaluating and treating swollen lymph nodes in children. As the former Head of Department of Paediatric Surgery at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, she has successfully treated numerous cases ranging from simple reactive lymph nodes to complex conditions requiring surgical intervention.

Comprehensive Care

At The Little Surgery, we take a complete approach to managing swollen lymph nodes in children. Each child receives a careful evaluation with physical examination, relevant blood tests, and imaging to identify the exact cause of swelling. If surgery or lymph node removal is required, Dr. Ong performs it with precision and care to ensure accurate diagnosis, gentle handling, and minimal scarring.
For more complex cases, our team works closely with pediatric specialists such as infectious disease doctors, oncologists, and radiologists. This coordinated approach ensures your child receives the safest and most effective care at every stage.

Family-centered Approach

We understand that discovering a lump or swollen lymph node in your child can be worrying. Dr. Ong provides clear communication about findings and what they mean, thorough explanation of diagnostic and treatment options, and compassionate support throughout the process. As a mother herself, she understands parental concerns and provides reassurance while ensuring thorough evaluation.

Contact The Little Surgery Today

If your child has swollen lymph nodes that concern you, we're here to help.
Contact The Little Surgery today and take the first step toward ensuring your child's health and happiness.

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