Lymph node TB is a common kind of TB outside the lungs. It usually shows up as a slowly growing lump in the neck, sometimes called neck TB or gland TB.
हिंदी में सार
गर्दन या गाँठ की टीबी में गर्दन, बगल या जाँघ के पास गाँठ बनती है जो धीरे-धीरे बढ़ती है और अक्सर दर्द नहीं करती। कभी लाली, नरमी या मवाद निकल सकता है। साथ में बुखार, वज़न घटना या रात को पसीना हो सकता है। गाँठ ठीक न हो तो डॉक्टर से जाँच करवाएँ।
Signs of lymph node TB
- A swelling in the neckmore than 1 cm, slowly growing, often painless
- Swelling in the armpit or groinin the groin, more than 2 cm
- Redness, softness or pusthe lump may break open and discharge
- Fever, weight loss, night sweatsmay come with the lump
- Coughsometimes, if the lungs are also involved
Why it is often missed
Swollen glands are common with throat infections and usually settle within a couple of weeks. A TB gland keeps growing slowly, may join with other glands, and may soften or break open. The ICMR treatment workflow for extrapulmonary TB lists a neck or armpit swelling of more than 1 cm, or a groin swelling of more than 2 cm, as a reason to suspect lymph node TB.
How it is tested
Doctors usually take a small sample of the gland with a fine needle (FNAC) or a biopsy, and test it for TB, including with rapid molecular tests. Treatment follows the national guidelines. See treatment of TB outside the lungs.
Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.
Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.
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Frequently asked questions
Is neck TB contagious?
TB in a lymph node alone usually does not spread to others. If the lungs are also affected, it can. Your doctor will check.
Is a TB gland painful?
Often not, especially early on. It may become tender if it softens or forms pus.
Will the lump go after treatment?
Your doctor will check the lump during treatment. Tell them about any change in size or any discharge, and do not stop your medicines.
What is gland TB in Hindi?
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.