Health Tip: Why You May Have Swollen Lymph Nodes

What can cause this symptom?

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(HealthDay News) -- If you notice swollen areas around your neck, behind your head or ears, or under your arms, you might be feeling swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are a key line of defense against infection.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of possible reasons for swollen lymph nodes:

• An ear infection.
• The gum disease gingivitis.
• A tooth that is impacted or abscessed.
• Mononucleosis.
• A sexually transmitted disease, including HIV.
• Tonsillitis.
• Sores in the mouth.
• Tuberculosis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Certain cancers, such as leukemia, Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

-- Diana Kohnle