Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that form a part of your body’s immune system. They function as filters, trapping harmful substances and housing immune cells that fight off infections. Occipital lymph nodes are a normal component of this system, located at the back of the head and upper neck. Understanding their role can help clarify why they sometimes swell.
Anatomy and Function of Occipital Lymph Nodes
Occipital lymph nodes are located at the base of the skull, near the occipital bone, often at the lateral edge of the trapezius muscle. They can be felt as small, movable, oval-shaped lumps, the size of a pea or kidney bean. In their normal state, these nodes are soft and not tender, making them difficult to detect.
These nodes are connected by lymphatic vessels, which transport lymph fluid. Their primary function is to filter lymph fluid draining from the posterior scalp, the upper neck, and occipital region. Within these nodes, lymphocytes identify and destroy foreign substances like bacteria or viruses. When an infection or inflammation occurs in their drainage area, these immune cells increase, causing the nodes to enlarge.
Common Causes of Swollen Occipital Lymph Nodes
Swelling in the occipital lymph nodes indicates an immune response to an infection or inflammation in the nearby scalp or upper neck. Common culprits include various types of scalp infections. These can range from bacterial infections like impetigo or folliculitis, which may present with red sores, to fungal infections such as ringworm, characterized by circular rashes.
Head lice infestations are another frequent cause of occipital lymph node swelling, as the immune system reacts to the presence of these parasites. Minor cuts or scrapes on the back of the head can also lead to localized swelling as the nodes work to filter out bacteria that may have entered the broken skin. Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp can trigger an immune response. Nodes swollen due to these common causes are typically tender, movable, and decrease in size as the underlying infection or inflammation resolves.
Serious Conditions Linked to Swollen Occipital Lymph Nodes
While less common, swollen occipital lymph nodes can be associated with systemic or serious health conditions. Certain viral infections, such as mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus) or rubella (German measles), can cause widespread lymph node swelling, including in the occipital region. These infections may present with other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or rashes.
Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, can also lead to generalized lymph node swelling. Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis are examples that might cause swollen lymph nodes, including in the occipital area. In rare instances, persistent occipital lymph node swelling may be a sign of cancer, such as lymphoma, which affects the lymphatic system, or metastasis from other head and neck cancers, including melanoma of the scalp. The swelling might be accompanied by other concerning symptoms, making medical evaluation important.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a healthcare professional if swollen occipital lymph nodes persist for more than two to four weeks. Medical evaluation is also warranted if the nodes feel very hard, are fixed in place (not movable), or grow rapidly in size. Painless swelling can indicate a serious underlying condition.
It is important to seek medical advice if the swollen nodes are accompanied by other unexplained symptoms. These might include persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or unusual fatigue. Widespread lymph node swelling in other body areas, such as the armpits or groin, alongside occipital swelling, also warrants a medical visit. A doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and appropriate management.