How can I find my lymph nodes and tell if they're swollen?

Finding and assessing your lymph nodes in the neck is a simple self-check you can do at home. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that filter fluid and trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. When they swell, it often means your body is fighting an infection or, less commonly, a more serious condition.

Where are lymph nodes located in the neck?
According to Gaddey and Riegel (2016), there are several key groups of superficial lymph nodes in the neck. You can feel them by gently palpating (pressing) with your fingertips:

• Preauricular (in front of the ears)
• Posterior auricular (behind the ears)
• Occipital (at the base of the skull, back of the head)
• Tonsillar (angle of the jaw)
• Submandibular (under the jawline)
• Submental (under the chin)
• Superficial cervical (along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, just under the jaw)
• Posterior cervical (along the back edge of the sternocleidomastoid, down the neck)
• Supraclavicular (just above the collarbone)

How to locate and feel your neck lymph nodes

1. Find a comfortable, well-lit spot.
2. Relax your shoulders and tilt your head slightly forward and to the opposite side of the area you’re examining.
3. Use the pads of your index and middle fingers (not your thumb) and press gently in a small, circular motion.
4. Move systematically through each nodal region (see list above). Spend a few seconds on each spot.
5. Compare both sides of your neck—many people have nodes that are slightly larger or more noticeable on one side.

What normal lymph nodes feel like

• Small (about the size of a pea, typically less than 1 cm).
• Soft or rubbery to the touch.
• Mobile (they slide under your fingers when you press).
• Non-tender or only mildly tender if you press firmly.

Signs a lymph node may be swollen (“lymphadenopathy”)

• Size greater than 1 to 1.5 cm (about the size of a grape).
• Tenderness or pain, especially if you didn’t press hard.
• Hard or firm texture (like a small marble).
• Fixed in place (doesn’t move under your fingers).
• Multiple nodes in the same area all enlarged.

Common causes of swollen neck lymph nodes

• Viral infections (cold, flu, mononucleosis)
• Bacterial infections (strep throat, skin infections)
• Allergic reactions
• Less commonly, chronic conditions (tuberculosis, HIV) or cancers (lymphoma, metastasis from head and neck tumors)

When to pay closer attention
Most swollen lymph nodes go back to normal within 2 to 4 weeks as an infection clears. However, see a doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Persistence beyond 2–4 weeks without improvement
• Rapidly growing nodes
• Hard, immovable nodes
• Nodes larger than 2–3 cm
• Associated “B symptoms”: unexplained fever, night sweats, unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Persistent pain in the neck or ear
• Widespread lymph node enlargement (nodes in multiple areas)

Tip: If you’re concerned about persistent fever along with swollen nodes, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for Fever.

What your doctor may do
If you see your doctor, they will take a history (ask about your symptoms, travel, exposures) and perform a physical exam. Depending on what they find, they may recommend:

• Blood tests (to look for infection or markers of inflammation)
• Throat swab or skin culture (if a local infection is suspected)
• Ultrasound of the lymph nodes (to assess size, shape, internal structure)
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy (removing a small sample for lab analysis)
• Imaging studies (CT or MRI) if deeper lymph nodes are involved or malignancy is a concern

Non-invasive diagnostics in other organs
While we’re focusing on neck lymph nodes, similar principles apply when evaluating other organs. For example, de Franchis and Dell’Era (2007) and Castera et al. (2008) describe how non-invasive tools like transient elastography help assess liver fibrosis in cirrhosis without a biopsy. Likewise, imaging and laboratory tests can often evaluate lymphadenopathy without surgery.

Home care for mild swelling

• Apply a warm, damp cloth to the area for 10–15 minutes a few times a day.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
• Treat any obvious source of infection (e.g., gargle salt water for sore throat).

When to seek immediate medical attention
Although rare, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of a serious condition. Call emergency services or go to the emergency department if you have:

• Severe difficulty breathing or swallowing
• High fever (over 39°C/102.2°F) that won’t come down
• Rapidly growing neck mass pressing on your airway
• Sudden onset of severe neck pain after trauma

Speak to a doctor
Self-examination is a useful first step, but it can’t replace a professional evaluation. If you have any worrying signs—persistent swelling, hard or fixed nodes, systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, or weight loss—speak to a doctor as soon as possible. They can guide diagnostic tests and treatment to address any potentially serious causes.

In summary:

• Learn the nine nodal areas in your neck and use gentle finger-pad palpation.
• Normal nodes are small, soft, and mobile; swollen ones feel tender, larger, or fixed.
• Most mild swelling from infections resolves in a few weeks with home care.
• Persistent, hard, or rapidly enlarging nodes warrant medical evaluation.
• For severe symptoms (airway compromise, high fevers), seek emergency care.
• Consider a free, online symptom check for Fever.
• Always speak to a doctor about anything that could be life-threatening or serious.