Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

9. Cancer

Although swollen lymph glands aren't usually a cause for alarm, sometimes swollen lymph nodes signal a more serious problem. Many cancers can cause swollen lymph nodes. Some of these cancers can originate in the lymph nodes. Other cancers that are considered metastatic spread from another organ in the body. For instance, breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes under the arm. Most people are unaware of cancer and are diagnosed when they go to the doctor because of the swollen lymph nodes. Once cancer is diagnosed, a plan of action will be put in place by a team of healthcare professionals.