Lymphoma Warning Signs: When Swollen Glands Need Investigation

Not All Swollen Glands Are Infections

Lymph nodes enlarge in response to infection — and in Nigeria, with its high burden of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, swollen glands are common. But lymph nodes that are persistently enlarged, painless, firm, or rapidly growing deserve urgent investigation for lymphoma — cancer of the lymphatic system.

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Assessment

FXMed tip: If any of this sounds familiar, our Functional Health Analysis may be exactly what you need. Book a free assessment to find out where your health stands today.

• Lymph node swelling persisting for more than 4–6 weeks without a clear infection cause
• Painless lymph node enlargement — infected nodes are typically tender; lymphoma nodes often are not
• Nodes that are rapidly growing in size
• Multiple sites of lymph node enlargement simultaneously
• B symptoms: fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss (see our guide to weight and metabolism) alongside lymph node swelling
• Lymph node enlarged above 2cm and firm or rubbery in texture

Common Non-Cancerous Causes

Persistent lymph node swelling also occurs with: tuberculosis (very common in Nigeria — must be actively ruled out), HIV infection, EBV (glandular fever), cat scratch disease, sarcoidosis, and lupus. Investigation must distinguish between these and lymphoma.

FXMed's Lymph Node Investigation

Initial assessment: full blood count (see our guide to understanding your blood tests) with differential, ESR, hs-CRP, LDH (elevated in lymphoma), EBV and CMV serology, Mantoux test or IGRA for tuberculosis, HIV testing, and ANA screen. If initial tests raise concern, we facilitate urgent referral for imaging and biopsy.

Investigate Before It's Too Late

Lymphoma is highly treatable when caught early. Don't wait for swollen glands to "go away." Book a consultation with FXMed today — we arrange rapid investigation and specialist referral when needed.