Can oral ulcers cause swollen lymph nodes?

There is a certain association between oral ulcers and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes). Oral ulcers are usually caused by local factors such as trauma or infection, which can lead to an inflammatory response in the oral mucosa. When oral ulcers become secondarily infected—particularly when signs such as redness, swelling, raised edges, and increased pain occur—lymphadenopathy may be triggered. However, not all oral ulcers lead to swollen lymph nodes; for example, recurrent aphthous ulcers do not always cause this symptom. Additionally, oral ulcers may arise from abnormal immune system activity, in which case lymphadenopathy may also occur. Therefore, whether oral ulcers lead to lymph node swelling must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If oral ulcers are accompanied by lymphadenopathy, prompt medical consultation is recommended to determine the underlying cause.