In rare cases, endometriosis may spread to the lymph nodes and cause swelling. However, if a person with endometriosis has lymph node swelling, it is more likely due to a viral infection such as the flu or common cold.

It is very rare for endometriosis to be present in the lymphatic system and reach the lymph nodes.

If a person with endometriosis experiences swelling of the lymph nodes, they should check for other symptoms of a cough or cold, as this is more likely to be the cause. They can also contact a doctor if they are worried about lymph node swelling.

Endometriosis resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on endometriosis.

A person feeling their neck for swollen lymph nodes. -2Share on Pinterest
Catherine McQueen/Getty Images

Endometriosis does not usually cause swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes likely signify that the body is fighting an infection. They are more likely to be a sign of a virus or another infection, such as the flu.

According to a 2022 reportTrusted Source, endometriosis may spread to the lymph nodes, causing them to swell, although this is rare.

Endometriosis may spread outside the pelvic organs through the lymphatic system and blood vessels. It occurs outside the pelvic organs in about 12% of cases.

Endometriosis does not usually affect the lymphatic system. It most commonlyTrusted Source affects areas around the uterus, the ovaries, and the fallopian tubes.

In rare cases, endometriosis may spread outside the pelvic area to other parts of the body. Endometriosis tissue may spreadTrusted Source through the lymphatic system, which allows it to spread outside the pelvic organs.

According to a 2020 article, the lymphatic and immune systems may play a role in the development and progression of endometriosis.

The article stated that in severe cases of endometriosis affecting the bowel, nearby lymph nodes showed a strong immune response, with more active immune cells in the area.

However, these nodes had fewer endometrial-like cells than other pelvic lymph nodes. This suggests that the lymphatic system may be involved in how the body responds to advanced endometriosis.

Swollen lymph nodes may also present with similar symptoms to endometriosis. According to a 2024 case report, healthcare professionals may commonly misdiagnose endometriosis in the groin area as swollen lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes may occur with endometriosis in rare casesTrusted Source. If endometriosis spreads through the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes, it causes them to swell.

Lymph nodes swell due to a problem within the body, such as an infection, to filter out unwanted cells.

Swollen lymph nodes are more likely to occur for reasons other than endometriosis, such as:

Endometriosis can increase the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer.

People with endometriosis have an increased risk of endometrial and breast cancer. The risk is relatively low, and routine screening may help manage it.

Endometriosis increases the risk of ovarian cancer by around four timesTrusted Source compared to people without endometriosis.

The risk is almost 10 times higher in people with more severe forms of endometriosis compared to people without endometriosis. Severe forms include ovarian endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Cancer can spreadTrusted Source from the area where it starts to the lymph nodes. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

If cancer cells travel through the lymphatic system, they may reach the lymph nodes and cause swelling. If cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it is usually to lymph nodes near the original tumor.

Learn more about endometriosis and cancer.

People can contact a doctor if they notice any lymph node swelling with endometriosis. A doctor may assess symptoms, including pelvic pain and a history of menstrual symptoms.

Deep endometriosis can cause scarring and small, hard nodules or lumps. In these cases, a doctor may examineTrusted Source a person’s body using MRI scans or ultrasound.

Surgery can help confirm a diagnosis. If endometriosis and swollen lymph nodes are present, a surgeon may removeTrusted Source endometrial tissue and the affected lymph nodes.

Treatment for swollen lymph nodes and endometriosis may depend on the severity of symptoms, but may includeTrusted Source:

Can hormonal changes cause lymph nodes to swell?

There is little evidence to suggest a link between hormonal changes and lymph node swelling.

Anecdotal reports suggest some people may experience lymph node swelling in relation to hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle and menopause.

What are the symptoms that endometriosis has spread?

Although rare, endometriosis may spread outside the pelvic area. Depending on the area of the body it affects, symptoms may include:

Endometrial tissue can spread through the blood vessels and lymphatic system. If endometriosis spreads through the lymphatic system, it may reach the lymph nodes and cause them to swell.

Lymph node swelling is rare with endometriosis. However, if someone notices swelling or abnormal symptoms, they should contact a doctor.