Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the Skin

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• A new pulsating lump in the abdomen, groin, or leg that occurs with pain in the back, abdomen, groin, or leg
• A rapidly forming lump in the throat that is causing any difficulty breathing:
  • In a child
  • In an adult or older child

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.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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