Is It Normal To Be Able To Feel Lymph Nodes In The Neck?

Posted on Fri, 11 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Doctor, Is it normal to be able to feel lymph nodes in the neck? i dont think they are swollen or very hard or painful but i can feel them. I dont remember always being able to feel them. I also have one behind my ear that i can see and feel but again it isnt painful to touch. Is this fairly normally or is this an indication of infection?

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer: non significant lymphnode enlargement. keep watch Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using HCM. I went through the query and understood your concern. Relax. Lymphnodes are considered significant only if its size is more than 1-2 cm depending on different areas. Usually the lymphnodes are palpapable due to any pathology in draining areas. You have post auricular lymphnode which may occur due to any problem in external auditory meatus or pinna or scalp. Since it is not increasing size, not constant and you don't have any other problem the lymphnode is mostly insignificant. In my clinic I too see many patients with nonsignificant lymphnode enlargement. So be relaxed. Without any other clinical features this should raise concern only if the size of lymphnodes increases or if many other lymphnodes appear around it. So just keep a watch on it. I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask for any further queries. I will be glad to answer them. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar