Swollen lymph nodes — which specialty
A lump you can feel in the neck, armpit or groin.
Usually seen by
General internal medicineHaematology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- ENT — for a neck node with a persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Oncology — if referred from a previous assessment
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- A node enlarging quickly over weeks
- A node that is hard, painless and does not move
- A node with weight loss, prolonged fever or night sweats
- A node above the collarbone
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- Where, how many, and how big — compared with a pea or a grape
- How long it has been there and whether it is growing
- Whether it hurts when pressed
- Whether there has been an infection nearby recently
- Whether there is fever, weight loss or night sweats
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- The size and the date, measured with a ruler rather than estimated
- Previous ultrasound results if any
What a first visit usually involves
- Examination of every node group, not only the one you point to
- Ultrasound of the node
- Biopsy if indicated