Does tuberculosis cause swollen glands?

Swollen glands are a common presentation of tuberculosis, especially when tuberculosis affects lymph nodes outside the lungs. This form is called lymph node tuberculosis, or tuberculous lymphadenitis. The nodes may become enlarged in the neck, above the collarbone, or in another area. Swelling can develop gradually and may not be painful.

Lymph nodes enlarge when immune cells respond to infection or inflammation. Tuberculosis can reach lymph nodes after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, even when lung symptoms are mild or absent. A clinician may ask about cough, fever, night sweats, weight change, tiredness, previous exposure to tuberculosis, travel, and medicines that affect immunity.

Swollen glands have many possible causes, including common viral or bacterial infections. The swelling alone cannot identify tuberculosis. Assessment may include an examination, a tuberculosis blood or skin test, a chest X-ray, and imaging or a sample from the node when the diagnosis is uncertain. Testing choices depend on the node's location and your symptoms.

Arrange a medical appointment if a gland remains enlarged, keeps growing, or has no clear explanation. Record when you first noticed it, where it is, whether it is tender, and any fever, cough, sweating at night, or unplanned weight change. Tell the clinician if you have been close to someone with tuberculosis or have had tuberculosis before.

Do not start, stop, or share tuberculosis medicines without medical advice. If tuberculosis is confirmed, treatment usually uses a combination of medicines for a planned course, with follow-up to check response and manage side effects. If lung tuberculosis is suspected, the care team may also give advice about reducing spread to household contacts.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling in the neck, confusion, severe weakness, or coughing up blood. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent fever, drenching night sweats, ongoing cough, or unexplained weight loss, particularly after tuberculosis exposure or if your immune system is weakened.

You could ask: Could this swelling be a lymph node, and what other causes should be considered? Do I need tuberculosis testing or a chest X-ray? Would a scan or sample from the node help? Should people I live with be assessed? Which symptoms should prompt me to seek help sooner?