Swollen Glands: Lymph Nodes vs. Sweat Glands

"Swollen glands" almost always refers to enlarged lymph nodes, not sweat glands.

• Lymph nodes – immune system filters; swell in response to infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Locations: neck, armpits, groin.
• Sweat glands – produce sweat; rarely swell (can become inflamed/infected, but not the typical meaning).

Swollen lymph nodes signal an underlying condition; medical evaluation identifies the cause.