Size and shape changes: Lymph node size depends partly on location. They’re usually oval-shaped and about 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) across.
Pain or tenderness: This is a common sign of lymph node inflammation.
Consistency changes. Your provider is checking whether your lymph nodes feel hard or rubbery.
Matting: That can make clusters of lymph nodes feel stuck together.
Location: The condition you have can affect which lymph nodes swell.
The distribution of lymph node swelling also matters. Some examples of this include:
Localized swelling: This is when swelling affects a single node group or nodes in neighboring groups. This usually means the infection is nearby — like swollen neck nodes in your neck with strep throat.
Generalized swelling: This means having swollen lymph nodes in two or more non-neighboring groups, like in both your neck and groin. This often means something’s affecting multiple body systems at once. An example would be the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.
Possible Causes
What are the most common causes of swollen lymph nodes?
Your lymph nodes swell when immune cells meet up before your body sends the cells where they’re needed. The immune cells all essentially pile in, causing pressure and swelling. Upper respiratory infections are the leading cause of swollen lymph nodes.
You can also have swollen lymph nodes with:
Common colds and the flu
Sinus infections or sinusitis
Minor skin infections
Bacterial infections like strep and staph
Other causes of swollen lymph nodes
Less commonly, swollen lymph nodes can happen with serious conditions like:
