Rarely, swollen lymph nodes at the base of your neck could indicate a type of cancer called lymphoma. Most often, it's the node that drains the tonsil. Although the finding of lymphadenopathy sometimes raises fears about serious illness, it is, in patients seen in primary care settings, usually a result of benign infectious causes. They should be examined right away. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Lymph nodes exist throughout the body, including in the back area of the skull, which is called the occipital region. Softer nodes are the result of infections or inflammatory conditions. MedScape. Other causes of generalized lymphadenopathy in HIV-infected patients include Kaposi's sarcoma, cytomegalovirus infection, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, cryptococcosis, syphilis and lymphoma. Immunization, measles (% of children ages 12-23 months). Can non-Hodgkin lymphoma be found early? Detangling your curls can be a headache (literally), and as, Change can be hard, but it's inevitable and sometimes very necessary - especially when it comes to our hair. Swollen lymph nodes. Psoriasis commonly affects the scalp, but it also occurs in other areas of the body, including the face, feet, and skin folds. Lymphadenopathy of the right supraclavicular node is associated with cancer in the mediastinum, lungs or esophagus. The presence or absence of tenderness does not reliably differentiate benign from malignant nodes.4. Generalized adenopathy should always prompt further clinical investigation. To adequately address their fears, the physician should ask the patient about his or her concerns and respond to questions about specific diagnoses. Of 2,556 patients in the study who presented with unexplained lymphadenopathy to their family physicians, 256 (10 percent) were referred to a subspecialist and 82 (3.2 percent) required a biopsy, but only 29 (1.1 percent) had a malignancy. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513317/, https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/mrsa-skin-infection-a-to-z, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rubella, https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/about/in-the-us.html, https://www.papaa.org/learn-about-psoriasis-and-psoriatic-arthritis/further-information/scalp-psoriasis/, https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html. The most common locations for them to develop are the side of your neck, armpit, and groin. A lump under the chin is most commonly caused by infection. The swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin are usually the most noticeable symptoms of the disease. However, it could cause the scab to take longer to heal or lead to an infection. In this article, we look at the causes of swollen occipital lymph nodes, when to see a doctor, and treatment options. This article goes over its potential benefits and downsides for treating or.
Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) - Cancer Research UK A feeling of heaviness or tightness. This happens because your lymph nodes are working hard to get rid of the bad cells.2. It isnt uncommon among young people. Overview. otitis media. These are located near the occipital bone which is found behind your skull.1. I have an itchy scalp and a swollen lymph node on the left side of my head at the lower skull line. The doctor may be able to recommend a therapist who can diagnose and help treat the condition. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Some of the most commonly noticeable areas are behind the ear or on the neck. Most complications are caused by cancer treatment and not the lymphoma. Will picking at scabs on the scalp cause hair loss? Here are some examples: Swollen lymph nodes around the neck are the most common. Your body contains up to 700 lymph nodes and the most common area for them are in your armpits, neck, and groin. These can usually be caused by several things. Recurring infections. Its a chronic skin condition. Swollen lymph nodes around the groin could mean a few different things. Learn more about these. The swollen nodes are usually to 1 inch (12 -25 mm) across. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. If a person suspects that they may have dermatillomania, they should discuss treatment options with a doctor. A large majority of cases of swollen lymph nodes are not due to a serious condition. Some medications are known to specifically cause lymphadenopathy (e.g., phenytoin [Dilantin]), while others, such as cephalosporins, penicillins or sulfonamides, are more likely to cause a serum sickness-like syndrome with fever, arthralgias and rash in addition to lymphadenopathy (Table 2). It takes about 2 weeks for symptoms to show up.
Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This has caused a lot of soreness and the lymph nodes behind my ear and on the side of my neck have become painfully swollen. Suppurant nodes may be fluctuant. But if you have swelling in multiple lymph nodes throughout your body, its best to see a healthcare professional.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Neck and Head Symptoms - Healthline They usually relate to scalp conditions, like seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes a viral infection could cause swelling in the lymph nodes in the occipital area of your body. Oral lymphomas are most common in people with an HIV infection.
4 Hard Bump on the Scalp Causes | How to Treat Scalp Bumps | Buoy Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Throat infections or respiratory problems are also common. In rare cases, the condition becomes more serious. Findings from this Dutch study revealed a 0.6 percent annual incidence of unexplained lymphadenopathy in the general population. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma can affect any of the lymph nodes in your body, including the occipital nodes in your head. However, swollen occipital lymph nodes could be a symptom of a more serious disease in the body.
(n.d.). Mononucleosis is most commonly due to Epstein-Barr virus infection. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Let's look at what we know. not bigger.
Pictures of Swollen Lymph Nodes - WebMD Healthcare professionals often use surgery to remove melanoma on the skin. A person should contact a doctor if they feel as though their picking is negatively affecting their life. If you have a respiratory infection, bacterial infection, or viral infection, you may also have a runny nose, fever, and sore throat. Head lice are tiny insects that attach to human hair and bite the scalp. If a doctor wishes to check for cancer, they may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin and sending it to a lab for testing. The vast majority of children around the world receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before beginning school. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. In primary care settings, patients 40 years of age and older with unexplained lymphadenopathy have about a 4 percent risk of cancer versus a 0.4 percent risk in patients younger than age 40.4. I will. It may be related to an eye infection. Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy occur concurrently in many conditions, including mononucleosis-type syndromes, lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma and sarcoidosis. Being a natural hair'd girl I, Blow drying. Female25: i think i might have a swollen lymph node in my groin area and my left labia majora is swollen and there are small sores on the inside.? Another viral infection that can cause your occipital lymph nodes to become enlarged is mononucleosis. Seborrheic Dermatitis What You Should Know Excessive scratching may cause open sores and a bacterial infection, which can lead to swollen lymph nodes. Doctors refer to nodes in this area as occipital lymph nodes. Occipital lymph nodes are those found on the back of your head, near the base of your skull.
Preauricular lymph nodes: Causes of swelling - Medical News Today Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? When they are normal in size, they are difficult to detect. Heres a general comparison of typical symptoms of lymphoma versus those of an infection: The National Health Service recommends seeing a doctor if: A diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma usually starts with a visit to your primary doctor. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people take the following steps for small wounds: If the scabs occur due to an underlying condition, a person should work with a doctor to determine the cause of the scabs and help prevent new ones from forming. Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria cause the majority of skin infections. It involves red sores that burst and crust over. Koroulakis, A., & Agarwal, M. (2019). Mono is spread through saliva, so avoid sharing food or drinks with others and cover your coughs and sneezes while you have symptoms. Pain is usually the result of an inflammatory process or suppuration, but pain may also result from hemorrhage into the necrotic center of a malignant node. If possible, the physician should not select inguinal and axillary nodes for biopsy, since they frequently show only reactive hyperplasia. Common Infections. Epstein-Barr virus infection may be confirmed by repeating the Monospot test in seven to 10 days. Bacterial Throat Infection. Pain/Tenderness. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. Numbness and tingling can be signs of nerve damage due to any cause. Typical conditions include tooth infections or viruses. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The occipital lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and are found at the back of your head. There is no specific treatment for rubella and doctors advise plenty of rest to help the body heal itself.7. Curcumin is a natural plant compound found in the Indian spice turmeric. Swollen lymph nodes can result from an infection or illness. Bacterial infections on your scalp could be a reason for swollen occipital lymph nodes. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Lymph nodes, including your occipital lymph nodes, are usually about the size of a small pea or bean and in normal circumstances, cant be felt. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. In primary care patients with unexplained lymphadenopathy, approximately three fourths of patients will present with localized lymphadenopathy and one fourth with generalized lymphadenopathy (Figure 1).2,3. An infection on your scalp will cause toxins and debris to drain through the lymph nodes at the back of your head. Chin J Cancer. (n.d.). Last medically reviewed on December 1, 2021.
What Causes Swollen Occipital Lymph Nodes? - Healthline Minor skin infections may only need at-home care, while more complex infections, such as ringworm, may require a prescription. TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/excoriation-disorder-skin-picking-or-dermatillomania, https://iocdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Skin-Picking-Disorder-Fact-Sheet.pdf, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars, https://www.bfrb.org/learn-about-bfrbs/skin-picking-disorder. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
The preauricular lymph nodes sit just in front of the ears. This article reviews the evaluation of patients with a central clinical finding of lymphadenopathy, emphasizing the identification of patients with serious illness. Sapkota S, et al. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. It is also possible that other conditions can lead to skin picking, so a person exhibiting this behavior may wish to contact a doctor for evaluation. Symptoms include ulcers, pain, and swelling. The lymph nodes feel very hard and dont move when you try to move them. If youre still debating trying a new look, parting with dry, dead length, or going all the way a la the, No matter how much stuff you put on top of your hair/scalp, you will never be able to put enough oils, serums or concoctions to make your hair healthy. Sakr M, et al. Learn about the causes and treatments, A person may have a dry scalp for many reasons. The most helpful findings are rash, mucous membrane lesions, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly or arthritis (Table 4). But, like any other type of infection, these conditions can act as a trigger. There are no other symptoms accompanying the lymph node swelling. Lymphoma of the sublingual gland: Clinical, morphological, histopathological, and genetic characterization. A person who compulsively picks at their scalp may have a skin picking disorder. These include toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, streptococcal pharyngitis, hepatitis B infection and acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. A warning sign that you should have the bump at the top of your neck checked out by a doctor is if the lump is very hard and continues to grow in size. Try washing your scalp frequently, daily would not be too much. This includes breast cancer. Localized adenopathy should prompt a search for an adjacent precipitating lesion and an examination of other nodal areas to rule out generalized lymphadenopathy. Cervical: Lymphadenopathy. What might bring about my swollen lymph node? Many factors go into your likelihood of survival with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A three- to four-week period of observation is prudent in patients with localized nodes and a benign clinical picture. A subset of patients will either have unexplained lymphadenopathy after the initial clinical evaluation or have a presumptive diagnosis that is made in the diagnostic or suggestive branches of the algorithm and is not confirmed by test results or by the clinical course. It circulates through body tissues picking up fats, microbes, and other undesirable supplies, elimination of extra tissue . I am having laser tattoo removal on the back of my neck. The sudden onset of numbness or tingling can be a sign of a stroke and warrants immediate . Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Although its not very common, cancer that spreads to the occipital lymph nodes can be caused by melanoma, cancer of the scalp, lung cancer, or thyroid cancer.9. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Other common infections can also cause swollen lymph nodes, such as: Abscessed or impacted teeth. Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy has the highest risk of malignancy, estimated as 90 percent in patients older than 40 years and 25 percent in those younger than age 40.4 Having the patient perform a Valsalva's maneuver during palpation of the supraclavicular fossae increases the chance of detecting a node. Some medical problems, such as infections, can cause them to swell. I think that the absolute worst part about the journey is the DETANGLING! The superficial lymph nodes of the head and neck receive lymph from the scalp, face and neck. The most common causes of swollen occipital lymph nodes include: If a person has an open cut or wound on their scalp, bacteria may enter the skin and cause an infection. Ely JW, et al. It usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, but it can also start in your skin.
What Causes Lumps Behind the Ears? - Healthline eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, nobleresearch.org/Doi/10.14312/2399-8172.2016-3, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5766074/, aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/head-lice, aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/impetigo, mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/melanoma/types-melanoma/nodular-melanoma, cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.html, psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/scalp, cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html, What You Need to Know About Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy), Signs of Bacterial Infection: Cuts, Burns, and in the Body, a pink rash that spreads from your face to your torso, arms, and legs, fever, usually no more than 102F (38.9C), lymph nodes remain swollen for more than 2 weeks, lymph nodes feel hard and dont move under your finger, swelling is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and intermittent fevers. im under 18yo. In fact, if you think of an imaginary line going just between the base of your ears along the back of your head, your occipital lymph nodes will be in the middle. If you have swelling in your occipital lymph nodes for more than 2 weeks or you notice other unusual symptoms, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Your lymph nodes play an important part in your immune health. Lymphedema signs and symptoms include: Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes. scabs that keep coming back or do not go away, scabs that do not go away within a few days of not picking at them. If the cancer affects your tonsils, you may experience: Other symptoms of lymphoma around your throat and nose include: Lymphoma can also develop inside your mouth. A more recent article on lymphadenopathy is available.
If the scalp is damaged, a person may need to apply topical medications to help the wounds heal. A person should see a doctor if they have signs and symptoms of an infection that do not get better within 23 days. They filter out bacteria and other invaders before these pathogens can return to the bloodstream.
Lymph Nodes - Swollen - Seattle Children's Hospital Lymph nodes can grow in size and appear as single or multiple bumps in your scalp as they respond to an infection due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses. swollen lymph node?? There are many conditions that can cause swelling in the occipital lymph nodes. For example, swelling in the lymph nodes of your throat typically indicates some type of throat infection. (2014). You may also experience fatigue, white patches on the tonsils, fever, and headache. The left supraclavicular (Virchow's) node receives lymphatic flow from the thorax and abdomen, and may signal pathology in the testes, ovaries, kidneys, pancreas, prostate, stomach or gallbladder. Distinguishing between localized and generalized lymphadenopathy is important in formulating a differential diagnosis.
Lymphedema - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic pain in your bones or joints. Rarely is it necessary to confirm the diagnosis with IgM viral capsid antigen or early antigen antibody titers. More immune cells may be going there, and more waste could be building up. Another common area is swollen lymph nodes behind the ear. Last medically reviewed on February 21, 2022. They are the same on each side. 11 /12. The action can sometimes be compulsive, Having a painful scalp when the hair moves may be normal, but it can also indicate an underlying skin condition. Copyright 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians. Your neck contains about 300 out of 800 of your bodys lymph nodes. Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymph nodes are connected to each other within the body. A person should try to stop picking at their scabs to prevent them from getting worse and to help them heal. People will most commonly get them on the scalp on the back of the head or on the cheek. According to Dr. Colin Tidy on Patient.info, most cases of swollen lymph nodes are due to an infection and usually, the node swelling passes when the infection has gone. Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes arent caused by lymphoma or other cancers. Use petroleum jelly to help keep the scab or wound moisturized. We avoid using tertiary references. In most patients, lymphadenopathy has a readily diagnosable infectious cause. There are several home remedies available that may reduce dryness and relieve the symptoms of a dry, With many blood vessels and nerve endings in this area, bleeding and painful scabs in the nose are common issues. Fama, J. M. (2020). Third, are there epidemiologic clues (Table 1) such as occupational exposures, recent travel or high-risk behaviors that suggest specific disorders? Non-Hodgkins lymphoma: A review. A more recent article on lymphadenopathy is available, HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B infection, Fishermen, fishmongers, slaughterhouse workers, Arizona, southern California, New Mexico, western Texas, Southeast Asia, India, northern Australia, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease), East Africa, Mediterranean, China, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, Chile, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Tongue, submaxillary gland, lips and mouth, conjunctivae, Infections of head, neck, sinuses, ears, eyes, scalp, pharynx, Lower lip, floor of mouth, tip of tongue, skin of cheek, Mononucleosis syndromes, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosiss, Scalp and neck, skin of arms and pectorals, thorax, cervical and axillary nodes, Tuberculosis, lymphoma, head and neck malignancy, Eyelids and conjunctivae, temporal region, pinna, Lung, retroperitoneal or gastrointestinal cancer, Lymphoma, thoracic or retroperitoneal cancer, bacterial or fungal infection, Infections, cat-scratch disease, lymphoma, breast cancer, silicone implants, brucellosis, melanoma, Infections, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, tularemia, secondary syphilis, Penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, perineum, gluteal region, lower abdominal wall, lower anal canal, Infections of the leg or foot, STDs (e.g., herpes simplex virus, gonococcal infection, syphilis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum), lymphoma, pelvic malignancy, bubonic plague, Fatigue, malaise, fever, atypical lymphocytosis, Often mild symptoms; patients may have hepatitis, IgM CMV antibody, viral culture of urine or blood, Fever in one third of patients; cervical or axillary nodes, Usually clinical criteria; biopsy if necessary, Pharyngitis due to group A streptococcus, gonococcus, Fever, pharyngeal exudates, cervical nodes, Arthritis, rash, serositis, renal, neurologic, hematologic disorders, Clinical criteria, antinuclear antibodies, complement levels, Fever, night sweats, weight loss in 20 to 30% of patients, Fever, malaise, arthralgia, urticaria; exposure to antisera or medications, Fever, conjunctivitis, rash, mucous membrane lesions, Febrile, acutely ill with cluster of tender nodes, Fever, chills, headache, abdominal complaints, Clinical criteria, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor. Examples include swollen lymph nodes, infections such as strep throat, and viruses. Palpable supraclavicular, popliteal, and iliac nodes, and epitrochlear nodes greater than . Usually, you wont be able to feel the occipital lymph nodes unless they are swollen for some reason. The lymph nodes have been swollen for 2-4 weeks and they continue to enlarge. They often show up behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. The occipital lymph nodes, as well as all lymph nodes found in the body, filter out impurities and harmful substances from the body. Treatment generally depends on how advanced the cancer is when its discovered and the specific type of lymphoma you have. If it does affect the scalp, the occipital lymph nodes may swell as they try to filter out cancer cells. Generally, lymph node swelling should go away when the underlying cause has been treated successfully. They are a sign that the immune system is fighting off an invader. This ring consists of your tonsils and other lymph tissue lining your throat. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. When lymph nodes become infected, it's usually because an infection started somewhere else in your body. Tidy says that lymphoma causes one or more swollen lymph nodes, usually in the side of the neck, groin, or armpit.10. Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In patients with unexplained localized lymphadenopathy and a reassuring clinical picture, a three- to four-week period of observation is appropriate before biopsy. It may take a few months of this, on regular basis for the scalp to be healthy and the You need to be seen by your physician or gynecologist as this may need some diagnosis test and physical exam before come to diagnosis , this may std o You are likely correct. A doctor can provide information about safe and effective treatment options. If they last for a long time or occur with concerning symptoms, you may need medical care. Because generalized lymphadenopathy almost always indicates that a significant systemic disease is present, the clinician should consider the diseases listed in Table 4 and proceed with specific testing as indicated. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4 percent of all cancers. abscess. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? It will likely consist of some combination of: Joining a support group can help you cope with and understand your condition. Rubella is a contagious viral infection. I also pick the skin on my scalp and sometimes the same thing happens to me, my lymph nodes swell and hurt. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Symptoms include swelling, fever, and tenderness. You can get a bacterial infection called cat-scratch disease if one scratches you, bites you, or licks an open wound on your skin. I just began the antibiotics yesterday, so if after a couple of days there's no change, I'll go to another clinic. To determine whether lice are present, a person should look for tiny insects or their eggs (nits) in the hair and scalp. A doctor can help rule out any serious conditions and prescribe treatment if necessary. If a person has a skin picking disorder, they may have other conditions alongside it. These cells live longer as a result of the mutation, so they begin to build up in your lymph nodes, making them swell. any idea what this could be? If a person has a skin picking disorder, repeatedly picking at the scalp can cause scarring, discoloration, or disfigurement, according to the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. i had my first session two weeks ago , its healing very well however i noticed a round hard painful lump at the base of my skull back of neck. They may indicate certain localized infections or injuries. (2021). We explain what to expect if you have this type of cancer. This is an important aspect of the examination, as a study of primary care physicians found that generalized lymphadenopathy was identified in only 17 percent of the patients in whom it was present.9 Careful palpation of the submandibular, anterior and posterior cervical, supraclavicular, axillary and inguinal nodes can be accomplished in a short time and will identify patients with generalized lymphadenopathy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Experts arent completely certain what causes lymphoma, but it develops when certain white blood cells in your body, called lymphocytes, mutate and begin multiplying at a faster rate than they typically would. For example, the National Health Service in the United Kingdom says that rubella can cause swelling in the glands in your neck and head. For example, the journal Pediatrics in Review reported that the fungal infection tinea capitis (commonly called ringworm) can affect the scalp and cause swelling in the occipital lymph nodes.6 Along with the swollen lymph nodes in your neck, you may have hair loss, dry scaling skin like dandruff, and yellow crusts on your scalp. I guess my question is, have any of you had the issue of your lymph nodes swelling? Usually, if only the occipital lymph nodes become swollen, it means that a person has some kind of infection or inflammation on their head or scalp. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Scalp bumps may be due to an injury to your scalp. Sometimes, these enlarged lymph nodes are confused with cancer of the lymph gland, or lymphoma. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of lymphoma you have and where it forms. Neck Pain and Headaches Could Your Neck Pain Cause a Headache? Usually, swollen occipital lymph nodes will be accompanied by other symptoms. (2020). They can do this, for example, if a person scratches and breaks the skin or hits their head on something and cuts the scalp. Because lymph nodes help in keeping your body healthy, they can become swollen if you have an illness or infection.