Lymph node tuberculosis is a disease in which the lymph nodes (also known as lymph glands) are affected by tuberculosis. This often leads to painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes, which can occur in the neck, armpit, lumbar region or other parts of the body. Occasionally the lungs are also affected. However, swollen lymph nodes can also have other causes. To clarify this, a small amount of fluid or tissue is removed using a syringe. In some cases, the entire lymph node is removed - a procedure known as a lymph node puncture or biopsy. The removed material is then examined in the laboratory for tuberculosis and other possible diseases.

In rare cases, a swollen lymph node may rupture on its own, releasing a fluid that may contain tuberculosis bacteria and be infectious. To minimize the risk of infection, such oozing wounds should always be kept clean and carefully covered with a bandage.

Lymph node tuberculosis is treated in the same way as pulmonary tuberculosis. After completing the therapy, patients are usually completely cured.