Ho i linfonodi gonfi.

I have swollen lymph nodes.

Pronunciation

lin-fo-NO-di — four syllables, stress on third. Also called 'ghiandole' colloquially.

When to use it

Report swollen lymph nodes to a doctor, especially if they are hard, painless, and persistent for more than 2 weeks.

What it means

'Linfonodi gonfi' = swollen lymph nodes (formal). Colloquial: 'ghiandole gonfie' (swollen glands). 'Linfoadenopatia' = medical term. Common locations: neck ('collo'), armpit ('ascella'), groin ('inguine'). Most swollen nodes are benign (viral infection, dental infection). Persistent, hard, painless nodes warrant investigation for lymphoma or other conditions.

Variations

Ho le ghiandole gonfie al collo da tre settimane.

I have swollen glands in my neck for three weeks.

Duration matters — more than 2-3 weeks without obvious cause needs investigation

I linfonodi sono duri e non fanno male.

The lymph nodes are hard and painless.

Hard, painless lymph nodes — more concerning than soft, tender ones

Ho mal di gola e i linfonodi al collo gonfi.

I have a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in my neck.

Together — classic picture of tonsillitis or mononucleosis

Mini Dialogue

— Ho i linfonodi gonfi qui al collo da un mese. — Fa male quando li tocco? — No, non fanno male. Sono duri. — Ha avuto infezioni recentemente? — No, mi sento bene per il resto. — Un linfonodo duro e indolente che persiste va investigato. Le chiedo un esame del sangue e un'ecografia.

— I have had swollen lymph nodes here in my neck for a month. — Do they hurt when I touch them? — No, they do not hurt. They are hard. — Have you had any recent infections? — No, I feel well otherwise. — A hard, painless persistent lymph node needs investigating. I will order blood tests and an ultrasound.

Cultural Note

Lymphoma ('linfoma') — cancer of the lymphatic system — has increasing incidence in Italy, particularly Hodgkin lymphoma in young adults. The Italian Lymphoma Foundation ('FIL') promotes research and awareness. Hard, painless, persistent lymph node enlargement ('linfoadenomegalia') triggers the Italian '2-week wait' referral pathway for suspected cancer. Early diagnosis significantly improves lymphoma outcomes.

← Previous

Ho un dolore al petto.

Ho difficoltà a inghiottire.

← All phrases: Describing Symptoms