Symptom guide · Oncology

Swollen Lymph Nodes

What swollen lymph nodes can point to, how urgent it is, and who assesses it in the UAE.

Also known as swollen glands, lymphadenopathy

Get checked promptly

This needs a prompt medical assessment

Swollen lymph nodes has many causes and most of them are not cancer — but it is on the list of features that doctors investigate quickly rather than watch. Getting it checked early is what makes the difference.

Go now if any of these apply

A new lump, or a lump that is growing, hard, or fixed in place
A symptom that has persisted for more than three weeks without improving
Unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fatigue
Bleeding that is unexplained — in stool, urine, when coughing, or after the menopause
A mole or skin lesion that is changing in size, shape, colour, or is bleeding

Book a doctor's appointment within the next few days and say how long the symptom has lasted. Ask specifically whether an urgent referral or a scan is warranted.

Ambulance, if symptoms worsen suddenly · 998

At a glance

Quick facts

Also known as: swollen glands, lymphadenopathy
Care area: Oncology
Conditions linked: 8

Possible causes

Conditions that can cause swollen lymph nodes

Listed alphabetically. This list is not ranked by likelihood.

These figures describe how often each condition causes this symptom — not how likely it is that this symptom is caused by that condition. Most symptoms have a common, harmless explanation.

Treatment by cause

How the causes of swollen lymph nodes are treated

Treatment follows the diagnosis, not the symptom. Each row is a linked condition and a treatment used for it.

If the cause is	Treatment used	Line
Lymphoma	PET-CT Scan	First line
Lymphoma	Chemotherapy	First line
Hodgkin Lymphoma	Chemotherapy	First line
Hodgkin Lymphoma	Fertility Preservation	First line
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma	Chemotherapy	First line
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma	Targeted Therapy	First line
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma	Chemotherapy	First line
Follicular Lymphoma	Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment	First line
Follicular Lymphoma	Targeted Therapy	First line
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia	Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment	First line
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia	Targeted Therapy	First line
Head and Neck Cancer	Tumour Removal Surgery	First line
Head and Neck Cancer	Radiotherapy	First line
Head and Neck Cancer	Chemotherapy	First line
Lymphoma	Immunotherapy	Second line
Lymphoma	Radiotherapy	Second line
Hodgkin Lymphoma	Radiotherapy	Second line
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma	Radiotherapy	Second line
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma	CAR T-Cell Therapy	Second line
Follicular Lymphoma	Chemotherapy	Second line
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia	Chemotherapy	Second line
Lymphoma	Autologous Stem Cell Transplant	Third line
Lymphoma	CAR T-Cell Therapy	Third line
Hodgkin Lymphoma	Autologous Stem Cell Transplant	Third line

Symptom relief

Treatments used to relieve swollen lymph nodes

ChemotherapySystemic Therapy

Find care

Who assesses this in the UAE

These are the specialties that treat the conditions linked to this symptom. Every listed doctor holds a UAE licence.

Questions people ask

Can swollen lymph nodes be a sign of lymphoma?

Yes. Swollen lymph nodes: very common among people with lymphoma. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.

Can swollen lymph nodes be a sign of hodgkin lymphoma?

Yes. Swollen lymph nodes: very common among people with hodgkin lymphoma. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.

Can swollen lymph nodes be a sign of non-hodgkin lymphoma?

Yes. Swollen lymph nodes: very common among people with non-hodgkin lymphoma. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.

Can swollen lymph nodes be a sign of diffuse large b-cell lymphoma?

Yes. Swollen lymph nodes: very common among people with diffuse large b-cell lymphoma. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.

Keep reading

More about swollen lymph nodes

Cancer care in the UAE

Hospitals & Medical Centers in Abu Dhabi

Most UAE cancer care is delivered inside hospital services rather than by standalone oncology clinics, so these are licensed hospitals & medical centers listed in Abu Dhabi. Confirm the specific cancer service exists before you travel, and know that asking for a second opinion is routine.

City

AL Ahli Hospital Company
Ahalia Hospital Musaffah Building - Musaffah - Musaffah Industrial - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +26 more
AL Dhannah Hospital
Al Ruwais Industrial City - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +30 more
AL Rahba Hospital
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +30 more

See every listing in Abu Dhabi Medical Oncology Reproductive Medicine & IVF

Second opinions are routine in cancer care and asking for one does not affect your treatment. How to arrange a second opinion in the UAE.

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.