Night Sweats and Swollen Glands
Quick answer
Drenching night sweats with swollen glands can come from infections like TB, but also from lymphoma or leukaemia. A doctor must examine you and order the right tests. Seek urgent care for high fever, breathlessness, a rapidly growing lump or bleeding.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
Get urgent care if
- High fever
- Breathlessness or cough
- Rapidly enlarging lump
- Bleeding or severe tiredness
Possible causes
| Condition | Why it can cause this |
|---|---|
| Lymphoma | painless glands with sweats and weight loss |
| Leukaemia | sweats with bruising and tiredness |
| Tuberculosis | sweats, cough and fever |
| Hiv infection | swollen glands and sweats |
Tests a doctor may order
- Blood count and film
- Chest X-ray
- Lymph node biopsy
- PET-CT
Next steps
- See a doctor promptly
- Track fevers and weight
- Note when glands appeared
- Mention TB contact
Frequently asked questions
Are night sweats always serious?
Hot rooms, menopause and infections are common causes. Drenching sweats with weight loss need checks.
Do swollen glands mean cancer?
Usually not. Persistent, painless, growing glands should be examined. A biopsy may be needed.
Can TB look like lymphoma?
Yes, both cause glands and sweats. Tissue tests separate them.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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