Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands within the body’s lymphatic system. Finding a palpable lymph node can cause concern, as these structures are usually not felt. While their presence can sometimes indicate a condition needing medical attention, it is also common for them to be felt under the skin as a normal response to various bodily processes.
The Role of Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes function as components of the immune system, filtering harmful substances. Located throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin, they are connected by a network of lymphatic vessels. They trap viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders circulating in the lymph fluid.
Within the lymph nodes, specialized immune cells, primarily lymphocytes, are stored and activated. When an infection or foreign material enters the body, these cells multiply rapidly to combat the threat, causing the lymph nodes to swell and become palpable.
When Palpable Nodes are Normal
It is common for lymph nodes to become palpable, or noticeable to the touch, especially in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin. These normally enlarged nodes often feel small, typically pea-sized or slightly larger, measuring around 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter. They are generally soft or rubbery in consistency and can be easily moved under the skin.
Such benign enlargement frequently occurs after a recent infection, such as a common cold, sore throat, or ear infection, as the nodes work to filter out pathogens. A minor injury or skin infection in the area drained by the nodes can also cause them to swell. These nodes are usually not painful to the touch, or only mildly tender, and they tend to decrease in size as the underlying condition resolves.
When to Be Concerned
Certain characteristics of a palpable lymph node suggest the need for medical evaluation. Nodes that are significantly larger than normal, perhaps exceeding 2 centimeters (approximately the size of a cherry or larger), warrant attention. Of particular concern are nodes that feel hard or firm to the touch, rather than soft or rubbery. These concerning nodes may also be fixed in place, meaning they do not move easily under the skin when pressed.
Rapid growth of a lymph node or persistent enlargement without an obvious cause, such as a recent infection, should also prompt a medical visit. While some concerning nodes can be painful, many serious conditions present with painless enlargement. Accompanying systemic symptoms like unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, persistent fever, unusual fatigue, or generalized itching also indicate a need for professional assessment. Such signs could suggest more serious underlying issues, including chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, or, less commonly, malignancies.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When consulting a doctor about a palpable lymph node, the visit will begin with a detailed medical history. The doctor will ask about recent illnesses, infections, injuries, travel history, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. This information helps to contextualize the lymph node’s enlargement and identify potential causes.
A thorough physical examination will follow, where the doctor will carefully assess the palpable lymph node’s size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness. They will also examine other lymph node areas and conduct a general physical check-up. Depending on the initial findings, the doctor may recommend watchful waiting, especially if a recent infection is suspected.
Further diagnostic steps might include blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check for signs of infection or other conditions, or inflammatory markers. Imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan may also be ordered to visualize the node and surrounding tissues. In some cases, a biopsy—either a fine-needle aspiration or an excisional biopsy—may be performed to obtain tissue for microscopic examination, providing a definitive diagnosis.