It depends on the location of the swollen lymph nodes and the patient’s related symptoms to determine the department. If a patient presents with swollen lymph nodes in the neck along with fever, cough and sputum, the patient should usually be referred to a respiratory department because it is considered to be caused by a respiratory disease. If the patient simply presents with swollen lymph nodes, then it is usually necessary to see head and neck surgery or general surgery to see if the lymph nodes are caused by a thyroid disorder. If the patient has swollen lymph nodes in the inguinal region, general surgery is indicated. If the patient has swollen lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa, orthopedics or general surgery is often indicated. If the patient has swollen lymph nodes in the axilla, he or she may see breast surgery. If the patient sees the disease outside of normal working hours, or on a holiday, he or she will need to see the emergency department, where the doctor will complete the relevant tests and give treatment, and may refer to other departments for further treatment if necessary.