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How do I Know if I Have Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

When people have mildly swollen lymph nodes, they may not be able to tell, but occasionally the lymph nodes will swell to a point when they feel hard or can be felt with a light touch. There are several places to check to see if nodes feel enlarged: right under the jaw line and around the throat, in the underarms, and on both sides of the groin. It is advised that people not poke and prod these areas, however, since this might irritate the nodes further. If a light touch causes pain or can clearly feel hardened or swollen nodes, it's usually time to check this out with a doctor, especially if other symptoms of illness are present or if only one or two nodes are very enlarged.

The human body has more than 600 lymph nodes, and these are important disease fighting agents. They are a network of cells that contain lymphocytes and macrophages, white blood cells that attack disease in the body and break it down for disposal. When lymph nodes must go into action to fight a virus, bacterial infection or some other presence of foreign cells, they may swell. They go from being about pea-sized in diameter to slightly larger or greatly larger than this, and they can feel hard or be painful to touch.

Lymph nodes are present in the underarms.
Lymph nodes are present in the underarms.

Generally, you should contact a doctor if a lymph node feels larger than 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) across and remains so for at least a month, or if it is more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) across. If swollen nodes are present with high fever, extreme sore throat, rash, or redness over the node, this is also indication to contact a physician. Those at risk for illnesses due to an immunodeficiency or autoimmune condition may have a different protocol for when to contact doctors, and sudden swollen nodes in children ought to be cause for concern sooner.

Swollen lymph nodes that are accompanied by fever should be evaluated by a doctor.
Swollen lymph nodes that are accompanied by fever should be evaluated by a doctor.

When swollen lymph nodes exist, they can indicate minor or serious illnesses. It's common when people have conditions like mononucleosis to have lymph node swelling around the throat, and the skin over the nodes might be red in color. Mono is accompanied by extreme fatigue and usually very sore throat, and it's important to get this condition diagnosed.

Symptoms of mono may include swollen lymph glands, a sore throat, and fatigue.
Symptoms of mono may include swollen lymph glands, a sore throat, and fatigue.

Swollen lymph nodes may also indicate presence of bacterial infection like strep throat or septicemia, an infection of the blood. There are other conditions that can cause the lymph nodes to swell, including cancer of certain sorts — especially lymphatic cancer — HIV, and some parasitic infections. Conditions like cat scratch fever can lead to chronic swelling of the lymph nodes, especially in kids.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

anon111515

Greeting to all. i want to know if headache and catarrh are part of hiv/aids first symptoms. Because I'm having frequent headache but not a serious one. it's just minor but i'm not having any fever or any other illness.

PurpleSpark

@momothree: There are some other causes of swollen lymph nodes that I wanted to add. Tuberculosis, syphilis, and cat scratch fever are some more infections that lead to the swelling.

There are also some immune system disorders that cause lymph node swelling. They are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV.

You should always see a doctor if you have unexplainable lymph node swelling. There are a couple of cancers that are related to lymph node problems. Lymphoma cancer (lymph node cancer), and leukemia both can be culprits.

chrisinbama

@momothree: There are several different things that can cause swollen lymph nodes. The most common cause of the swollen lymph nodes is an infection.

Viral infections such as the common cold are the number one cause. There are, however, other infections that cause swollen lymph nodes.

Some of the more common infections are strep throat, mumps, measles, ear infections, and an abscessed tooth.

momothree

Last week, I noticed that the lymph nodes in my neck were swollen. Actually, it is just under my jawline. It is very sore when I touch it. What is the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

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    • Lymph nodes are present in the underarms.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      Lymph nodes are present in the underarms.
    • Swollen lymph nodes that are accompanied by fever should be evaluated by a doctor.
      By: nenetus
      Swollen lymph nodes that are accompanied by fever should be evaluated by a doctor.
    • Symptoms of mono may include swollen lymph glands, a sore throat, and fatigue.
      By: zinkevych
      Symptoms of mono may include swollen lymph glands, a sore throat, and fatigue.
    • The lymphatic system, shown in green.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      The lymphatic system, shown in green.
    • Lymph nodes in the head and neck.
      By: Alila
      Lymph nodes in the head and neck.
    • Right under the jaw line is one place that can be checked for swollen lymph nodes.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      Right under the jaw line is one place that can be checked for swollen lymph nodes.
    • Swollen lymph nodes are one of the first signs of illness.
      By: Shakzu
      Swollen lymph nodes are one of the first signs of illness.
    • A sexually transmitted disease may cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      A sexually transmitted disease may cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
    • Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of strep throat.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of strep throat.