Swollen Glands in Lagos?
Find the Cause: Treat It.
A lump in the neck, armpit, or groin, most commonly a reactive lymph node from infection. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we assess, test, and treat lymph node swelling in a single visit. Consultations by appointment, see prices.
What to Look Out For
Lump in neck, armpit, or groin
A palpable swelling: soft and tender usually means infection; hard and fixed requires urgent investigation.
Clinical assessmentTender swelling after infection
Lymph nodes near an infection become enlarged and tender as immune cells fight the infection, the most common cause.
FBC + throat/wound swabFever with swollen glands
Fever with tender cervical (neck) lymph nodes, most commonly bacterial tonsillitis or glandular fever (EBV).
FBC + throat swabPersistent swelling >4 weeks
Lymph nodes that remain enlarged for more than 4 weeks without an obvious infection require further investigation to exclude malignancy.
Urgent investigationFollowing dental infection
Lower jaw and neck lymph nodes drain the mouth, dental abscess or pericoronitis causes submandibular lymph node enlargement.
Clinical assessment + dental referralKnown HIV or TB
In immunocompromised patients, persistent generalised lymphadenopathy may indicate HIV progression, tuberculosis, or lymphoma.
Urgent blood tests + referralCommon Causes
Reactive lymphadenopathy (most common)
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system. They swell when fighting infection. The most common cause of swollen neck glands in Lagos patients is bacterial tonsillitis or pharyngitis (Group A streptococcus), upper respiratory viral infection, dental abscess, or skin/scalp infection in the drainage area of the lymph node.
Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever)
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes prominent cervical lymphadenopathy with sore throat, fever, and profound fatigue. Common in young adults. Diagnosed with a monospot test or EBV serology.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Cervical lymph node TB (scrofula) is common in Lagos and may present as a neck swelling without other symptoms. A lymph node that is rubbery, matted, and not acutely tender in a patient with TB risk factors requires investigation.
When to suspect malignancy
A lymph node that is: hard and fixed, painless, enlarging over weeks, located in the supraclavicular (above collarbone) area, or associated with unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fever, warrants urgent investigation to exclude lymphoma or metastatic cancer.
How We Treat It
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we assess clinically, request appropriate tests, and prescribe specifically.
- Bacterial infection: Appropriate antibiotic (amoxicillin for streptococcal tonsillitis; co-amoxiclav for dental origin)
- Viral infection (including EBV): Supportive: rest, adequate hydration, analgesia. Antibiotics are not indicated.
- TB lymphadenopathy: Referral for DOTS programme TB treatment + fine needle aspirate for diagnosis
- Persistent/suspicious lymph node: Same-day referral letter for specialist assessment, haematology or surgical oncology as appropriate
FAQs
How long does a reactive lymph node take to go down?
Is a neck lump always serious?
Should I see a doctor or go directly to hospital?
Get Your Swollen Glands Assessed Today
By appointment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. See prices. Same-day blood tests.
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Last updated 16 October 2026.