Swollen Lymph Nodes: Which Specialist Should You See?

Start With Primary Care

Your GP/family doctor evaluates location, duration, associated symptoms, and orders initial labs/imaging. They refer based on findings.

Specialist Referral Guide

• Otolaryngologist (ENT): Neck, jaw, ear, sinus nodes; head/neck cancer screening.
• Hematologist/Oncologist: Suspected lymphoma, leukemia, or blood disorder (persistent, firm, fixed, supraclavicular nodes).
• Infectious Disease: Fever, travel history, atypical infections (TB, HIV, cat-scratch, toxoplasmosis).
• Allergist/Immunologist: Allergic/reactive nodes, immune deficiency workup.
• Rheumatologist: Autoimmune-associated lymphadenopathy (lupus, sarcoid, Still's disease).
• Dermatologist: Scalp/skin drainage basins; cutaneous lymphoma.
• Breast Surgeon/Surgical Oncologist: Axillary nodes with breast concern.

Red Flags for Urgent Referral

• Nodes >1 cm, hard, fixed, matted
• Supraclavicular location
• Rapid growth, weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever
• History of malignancy