

  • Blood tests. Depending on what your doctor suspects is causing your swollen lymph nodes, certain blood tests may be done to confirm or exclude the suspected underlying condition. The specific tests will depend on the suspected cause, but most likely will include a complete blood count (CBC). This helps evaluate your overall health and detect a range of disorders, including infections and leukemia.
  • Lymph node biopsy. Your doctor may have you undergo a biopsy. He or she will remove a sample from a lymph node or even an entire lymph node for microscopic examination.
Oct. 26, 2016
  1. Longo DL, et al., eds. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2015. http://www.accessmedicine.com. Accessed July 25, 2016.
  2. Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed July 25, 2016.
  3. Lymphadenitis. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic_disorders/bacterial_skin_infections/lymphadenitis.html. Accessed July 25, 2016.
  4. Motyckova G, et al. Why does my patient have lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly? Hematology and Oncology Clinics of North America. 2012;26:395.
  5. AskMayoExpert. Lymphadenopathy. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minn.; 2016.
  6. Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2011. http://dorlands.com/index.jsp. Accessed July 25, 2016.
  7. Litin SC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 27, 2016.