General Medicine · Lymph Nodes · Akoka

Swollen Glands in Lagos?
Find the Cause — Treat It.

Name: Swollen Lymph Nodes Treatment in Lagos — Neck Lumps & Swollen Glands | Mascot Healthcare
Creator: Mascot Healthcare

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. Walk-in from ₦5,000.

💬 Book Now — WhatsApp 📞 0816 586 6252

Consultation from ₦5,000FBC + throat swabWalk-in, no appointmentAkoka, Lagos

Symptoms

What to Look Out For

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Lump in neck, armpit, or groin

A palpable swelling — soft and tender usually means infection; hard and fixed requires urgent investigation.

Clinical assessment

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Tender 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 swab

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Fever with swollen glands

Fever with tender cervical (neck) lymph nodes — most commonly bacterial tonsillitis or glandular fever (EBV).

FBC + throat swab

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Persistent swelling >4 weeks

Lymph nodes that remain enlarged for more than 4 weeks without an obvious infection require further investigation to exclude malignancy.

Urgent investigation

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Following dental infection

Lower jaw and neck lymph nodes drain the mouth — dental abscess or pericoronitis causes submandibular lymph node enlargement.

Clinical assessment + dental referral

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Known HIV or TB

In immunocompromised patients, persistent generalised lymphadenopathy may indicate HIV progression, tuberculosis, or lymphoma.

Urgent blood tests + referral

Causes

Common 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.

Treatment

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

⚠️ Come urgently if a neck lump: Is rapidly enlarging over days; makes swallowing or breathing difficult; is associated with a persistent hoarse voice; or is in a person who smokes and drinks alcohol.

Questions

FAQs

How long does a reactive lymph node take to go down?

Reactive lymph nodes from acute infection typically shrink within 2–4 weeks of treating the underlying infection. Nodes that remain enlarged beyond 4–6 weeks require re-assessment.

Is a neck lump always serious?

The vast majority of neck lumps in Lagos patients are reactive lymph nodes from common infections — not serious. However, a neck lump that persists beyond 4 weeks, is hard and fixed, or is associated with unexplained weight loss or night sweats should be urgently assessed.

Should I see a doctor or go directly to hospital?

Start with a GP assessment at Mascot Healthcare. Most lymph node swellings are diagnosable and treatable at primary care level. If investigation suggests malignancy or TB, we refer you to the appropriate specialist with a full written summary.

Get Your Swollen Glands Assessed Today

Walk-in at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Consultation from ₦5,000. Same-day blood tests.

💬 Book via WhatsApp 📞 0816 586 6252

Consultation

₦5,000

Blood tests

Same day

Walk-in

Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM

Swollen Glands in Lagos?Find the Cause — Treat It.