Swollen lymph nodes are a common sign that the body is actively fighting an infection. These small, bean-shaped glands are part of the lymphatic system, monitoring and filtering fluids. When they enlarge, it signals that the immune system is responding to a threat. This guide clarifies when urgent care is the appropriate setting for evaluation.
The Role of Lymph Nodes in the Body
Lymph nodes function as surveillance centers, containing immune cells that filter lymph fluid and trap pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Located in clusters throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin, they swell when an infection causes an influx of immune cells. This increase in cellular activity means the body is mounting a defense.
The most frequent reason for lymph node swelling (lymphadenopathy) is a common, self-limiting infection. Viral illnesses like the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis often cause nodes in the neck to enlarge. Bacterial infections such as strep throat, an infected tooth, or a minor skin infection can also trigger a localized swelling response.
Urgent Care Triage: When to Seek Immediate Treatment
Urgent care is appropriate for acute, localized lymph node swelling accompanied by mild to moderate symptoms. This setting is suitable when the swelling is tender or painful, often indicating an active, benign infection. Nodes that are movable and feel soft or rubbery beneath the skin are less concerning than those that are fixed.
Urgent care can provide a timely diagnosis if swollen nodes in the neck accompany a sore throat, earache, or other upper respiratory symptoms. A visit is also warranted if swelling is localized to the groin or armpit and associated with a recent minor injury or skin infection in that limb. Swollen nodes that have persisted for one to two weeks without improvement also qualify for an urgent care evaluation.
Immediate Warning Signs Requiring Emergency Care
Certain symptoms mandate a visit to the emergency room, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Swollen nodes that are hard, firm, or fixed in place—meaning they do not move when pressed—require immediate investigation. These non-mobile nodes, particularly if painless, can raise suspicion for a malignancy like lymphoma or metastatic cancer.
Swelling accompanied by systemic symptoms should not be managed at urgent care. These symptoms include unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or a high, persistent fever lasting several days. Additionally, any swelling located just above or below the collarbone (supraclavicular area) is a specific warning sign necessitating prompt emergency evaluation. Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to neck swelling also demands immediate medical attention.
What Diagnosis and Treatment to Expect
Upon arrival at urgent care, a clinician will perform a physical examination, noting the size, texture, and location of the swollen nodes. They will also take a detailed medical history, asking about recent illnesses, travel, and associated symptoms like fever or fatigue. The location of the swelling often provides a clue to the cause, such as neck swelling pointing toward a head or throat infection.
To aid in diagnosis, the clinic may perform rapid tests, such as a strep throat swab or a mononucleosis test. If a bacterial infection is suspected, treatment involves a course of antibiotics. For viral causes, the recommendation is supportive care, including rest, warm compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
Urgent care centers are not equipped for long-term monitoring or complex procedures like a lymph node biopsy. If the diagnosis remains unclear, the nodes do not decrease in size within two to four weeks, or if symptoms worsen, the provider will advise follow-up with a primary care physician for further evaluation. This follow-up may involve blood tests to check for systemic conditions or referral to a specialist.