Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the Skin Most swollen
glands or lumps under the skin are not cause for concern. The
glands (Reference lymph nodes Opens New Window) on either side
of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell
when you have a cold or sore throat. More serious infections may
cause the glands to enlarge and become very firm and tender.
Glands can also swell and become tender after an injury, such as
a cut or bite, or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth,
head, or neck. Swollen glands and other lumps under the skin can
be caused by many different things, including illness,
infection, or another cause. Swollen glands commonly develop
when the body fights infections from colds, insect bites, or
small cuts. More serious infections may cause the glands to
enlarge and become firm, hard, or tender. Examples of such
infections include: Reference Bacterial infections Opens New
Window, such as: - Strep throat, caused by the Reference
streptococcus Opens New Window bacterium. -