###Human: What causes swollen lymph nodes and tenderness in neck with hoarse voice? ###Assistant: Hi. Lymph nodes (glands) are located in many areas all around the body, including numerous nodes in the neck and jaw area. Lymph nodes typically swell or enlarge when there is an infection close by to their drainage area as they form an important part of the bodies immune response by storing immune cells. Enlarged or painful nodes are thus often a sign that one has an infection in the area. From the symptoms, you describe some of the most likely possibilities are: 1. Tonsilitis (infection of the tonsillar glands at the back of the throat). Tonsillitis is quite common and often requires treatment with antibiotics so that the infection does not spread down the airway causing pneumonia. 2. Mumps (viral infection of the parotid gland). Mumps is most commonly caused by a virus and is treated symptomatically and monitored for complications. 3. Other bacterial or viral infection, most likely of your upper airway that might be spreading down your airway. I would strongly advise that you consult with a trusted physician so that he or she can examine you clinically and confirm or exclude any of the above and treat accordingly to prevent complications. Once treated, the glands typically return to normal within a few days.