Swollen Glands And Other Lumps Under The Skin: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• A breast lump: Go to the topic Breast Problems.
• A lump on the testicle: Go to the topic Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
• A skin lump or growth: Go to the topic Skin Changes.
• A bump or lump on the foot, toe, or heel: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury.
• A bump or lump on the hand or wrist: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury.
• A lump in or around the anus: Go to the topic Rectal Problems.
• A lump at the site of an insect bite or sting: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.

Yes

Do you have a lump that pulsates like a heartbeat?

Yes

Do you have a soft lump that does not go away or goes away when you press on it or gets bigger when you cough?

Yes

Do you have a lump or swollen gland in your neck or throat?

Yes

Do you have a painful lump or swollen gland with shaking chills or a fever?

Yes

Do you think you have a skin infection?

Yes

Do you have a lump or swollen gland that is not painful or tender?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• A lump in the groin: Go to the topic Groin Problems and Injuries.
• A sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
• An earache: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 4 and Older.
• A cough: Go to the topic Coughs.
• Cold symptoms: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older or Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	May 08, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer