Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the body’s immune system. They filter harmful substances and house immune cells. It is common to feel lymph nodes in certain areas, and this does not always indicate a problem.
Understanding Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are structures found throughout the body, integral to the lymphatic system. This system is a network of vessels that carry lymph fluid, containing white blood cells, throughout the body. These nodes filter foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and damaged cells, including cancer cells, from the lymph fluid. Inside, specialized immune cells called lymphocytes destroy these invaders.
Lymph nodes cluster in various regions, particularly where they are easily felt, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Other clusters are behind the ears, under the jaw, and deep within the chest and abdomen. When healthy, these nodes are typically small, often pea-sized or smaller, usually less than 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter. They continuously defend the body against illness.
Feeling Your Lymph Nodes Normally
It is common for individuals to feel their lymph nodes, particularly in superficial areas like the neck, armpits, or groin. This is especially true for thin people or those with less fatty tissue, as nodes may be closer to the skin’s surface. When healthy and not reacting to infection, a normal lymph node typically feels small, soft, and movable under the skin. They often resemble the tip of your nose in consistency.
Feeling these small, mobile structures does not automatically signal a health issue. Lymph nodes change size as they perform their filtering function. They can temporarily become more noticeable due to minor, everyday immune activity. Feeling a small, soft, and movable node that is not tender generally falls within normal findings.
Reasons Lymph Nodes Swell
Lymph nodes often swell, known as lymphadenopathy, as a natural response to the body fighting off illness or infection. This swelling occurs when immune cells accumulate within the nodes to combat pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Common causes include viral infections such as the common cold, flu, mononucleosis, or strep throat. Bacterial infections, including those affecting the skin or throat, can also lead to noticeable swelling.
Inflammatory conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, can also cause lymph nodes to enlarge. Examples include autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Minor injuries near a lymph node cluster can also cause localized, temporary swelling. Less commonly, certain medications or allergic reactions may also result in swollen nodes.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most swollen lymph nodes are harmless and resolve on their own, certain characteristics warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if a lymph node remains swollen for an extended period, typically more than two to four weeks. Nodes that are rapidly growing or feel hard, rubbery, or immobile when touched should prompt a visit. Unlike soft, movable nodes, those fixed to underlying tissue can signal a more serious concern.
Additional symptoms accompanying swollen lymph nodes that suggest seeking medical advice include unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or night sweats. Swelling in lymph nodes above the collarbone (supraclavicular nodes) is also more concerning. Even if a swollen node is not painful, which can sometimes be the case with more serious conditions, it is important to have it checked. A professional evaluation helps determine the underlying cause and ensures appropriate care.