Check Lymph Nodes
The lymphatic system is composed of small round glands (or nodes) made up of lymphatic tissue. Lymph nodes are critical to the body's immune response, and they commonly swell in reaction to infection and other causes. If you notice that your lymph nodes are swollen, it's a good idea to go to the doctor. Being able to check your lymph nodes yourself may help you detect any problems early on.
Contents
Steps
Checking Your Lymph Nodes
- Know where the lymph nodes are located. You have the highest concentration of lymph nodes in your neck, around your collarbone, in your armpits, and in your groin.
- Lymph nodes are present in groups, and are about the size of a pea or bean.
- Lymph nodes located in the groin are also called inguinal lymph nodes.
- Hold your first 3 fingers together. You'll use the pads of your fingers to lightly press the different surface areas of your body where lymph nodes are located.
- Press your fingers against your forearm. This will give you a sense of what a normal, unswollen area of your body feels like.
- Place your fingers in your armpit and slide them down a few inches. Your lymph nodes in this area are located toward the bottom of your armpit, near the rib cage.
- Press in gently. Do you notice anything that feels out of place, or different from how it felt when you pressed your forearm? You should feel the rib cage and the muscle and fat underneath the skin. If you feel a lump accompanied by tenderness, you may have a swollen lymph node.
- Repeat this exercise under your other armpit using your opposite hand.
- Swollen lymph nodes are often the size of a pea or kidney bean.
- Check the lymph nodes on your neck and collarbone. Use the first 3 fingers of each hand to circle behind your ears, down each side of your neck and under your jaw line. If you feel lumps accompanied by tenderness, you may have swollen lymph nodes. You may also feel fullness in your throat and have difficulty swallowing.
- Move your fingers to the crease where your thigh meets your pelvis. Press your fingers into the crease and you should feel the muscle, bone and fat beneath. If you feel a lump, it may be a swollen lymph node.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
- Monitor the swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes lymph nodes swell in reaction to an allergy, but if that's the case they'll usually return to normal within a few days. If your lymph nodes remain swollen for several days, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause.
- Determine what other symptoms are present. Swollen lymph nodes could be a sign that your body's immune system is fighting off a serious illness. If you experience swollen lymph nodes in conjunction with any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Persistent fever
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Receive a diagnosis. When you go to the doctor, you'll be tested for the most common illnesses that cause lymph nodes to swell, and your doctor will devise a suitable treatment plan. These are the most common illnesses associated with swollen lymph nodes:
- Infections, either bacterial or viral.
- Immune disorders like lupus or arthritis.
- Various types of cancer.
Tips
- Lymph nodes can get irritated if you touch them a lot, so don't overdo it, or the swelling might be your own doing.
- Swollen lymph nodes are not uncommon and generally go away after several days.
- Swollen lymph nodes are often but not always signs of illness. If you feel unwell and have swollen lymph nodes, but your symptoms don't match the common cold or flu, see a doctor.
Warnings
- If you experience swelling for more than a week, or if you encounter other symptoms such as a fever or chills, consult your physician.
- If you feel a lump with no tenderness, especially around the breast or chest, consult your physician.
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