Kimura Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Kimura Disease?
A primary care doctor is usually the first stop and often refers patients to specialists. An allergist and immunologist or a rheumatologist may help manage it, and a nephrologist joins the team if the kidneys are involved. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Kimura disease?
Kimura disease is a rare, long-lasting condition. It causes painless lumps under the skin of the head and neck, along with swollen lymph nodes, which are small glands that help fight infection. It also often raises the level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. Doctors in Asia first described it. It remains rare in the United States.
Kimura disease is not cancer. It is a long-term inflammatory condition in which the immune system becomes overactive in certain tissues, causing lumps that grow slowly and are usually painless.
Symptoms
The most common sign is one or more soft, painless lumps under the skin, often near the ears or in the neck. Lymph nodes may swell, and many people have a high eosinophil count. Less often, the kidneys become inflamed, causing protein to leak into the urine.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know what causes it, though the immune system seems to play a role. It is much more common in men and most often affects young and middle-aged adults of Asian descent.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no single test. Doctors examine the lumps, order blood tests, and use ultrasound or MRI to show their size and location. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment aims to shrink the lumps and protect the kidneys, since there is no cure. Steroids are often the first choice, given by injection or as pills. Other immune-calming drugs, radiation, and surgery have been used, though lumps sometimes come back.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a lump in your neck or near your ears lasts more than a few weeks. Get care sooner if you have leg or facial swelling, foamy urine, or unusual tiredness, which can point to a kidney problem.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can spend extra time ordering tests, monitoring kidney health, and coordinating care between specialists.
Common questions
Is Kimura disease cancer?
No. Kimura disease is a long-term inflammatory condition, not cancer. However, because lumps can look like cancer on an exam, doctors usually do a biopsy to be sure of the diagnosis.
Can Kimura disease go away on its own?
Some lumps may shrink over time, but the condition often lasts for years and can come back after treatment. Results differ from person to person, so regular follow-up with a doctor is common.
Is Kimura disease contagious?
No. There is no evidence that it spreads from person to person. Doctors do not know exactly what causes it, but no germ has been proven responsible.
Does Kimura disease always affect the kidneys?
No. Kidney problems happen in some patients but not all. Doctors often check urine and blood tests over time to watch for kidney trouble early.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Kimura disease
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - Kimura disease - National Organization for Rare Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
