There are hundreds of tiny, bean-shaped lymph nodes located throughout your body. These nodes form part of the lymphatic system. This is a network that includes tissues and organs which help filter harmful bacteria, viruses and other substances out of your body.
It is often referred to by some as the “security alarm system” of your body because it can detect and respond to threats. You can also think of it as your “trash collectors”, “sewage system”, or the “sanitation service” that removes waste from your tissues.
How to feel your lymph nodes
Lymphnodes can be found in the neck, armpits and groin.
When they aren’t swollen you can’t feel them.
You can check for swelling by running your fingers over the following areas on your body.
- Down your jawline, from your ear to your front.
- Behind your ear and down your neck
- Underneath your jawline
- Neck area
- Between the collarbone and your neck
- Gently squeeze your armpits together with your chest
- Under your armpit on the underside,
- On the inside of your upper leg, near your groin area
You won’t feel anything if your lymph nodes do not swell. If they are swollen they can feel like beans or peas under the skin. It’s possible that they are not all swollen at the same moment. They might also feel different sizes. Some might be bigger than others.
Why Are My Lymph Nodes Swollen?
Infections by bacteria or viruses are the most common causes of enlarged lymph nodes. They can be caused by any infection, including:
- The common Cold
- The Flu
- COVID-19
- Strep throat
- Pink eye
- STI’s
- Tooth infections
As a result, the lymph nodes swell. They are doing their best to track down and eliminate germs.
Lymph Nodes & Cancer
Swollen lymph glands can sometimes be related to cancer.
Cancer cells can break away from a tumor, and then use the lymphatics to spread to different body parts. This is known as stage three cancer.
Your healthcare team might instruct you to regularly check your lymphnodes for changes if you’ve been diagnosed at an earlier stage of cancer. This can help your healthcare team track the progress of your treatment and detect any cancer cells before they spread.
Cancer can sometimes start in the nodes. This is called lymphoma.
The lymph nodes can swell up to the size of grapes. Other lymphoma symptoms include:
- unexpected weight loss
- fatigue
- night sweats
- Frequent or long-lasting Infections
- itchiness
If you notice that your lymph nodes have become very enlarged, or if you experience these symptoms in addition to the ones listed above, you should consult a doctor.
Before you panic, keep in mind that swelling lymph nodes is usually caused by something more common like a cold, or flu.
