Feel for a lump under the skin in the neck, under the jaw, behind the ears, armpits, or groin
Check whether the lump is larger than usual or newly noticeable
Notice if the area feels tender or painful when touched
See if the lump feels soft, rubbery, or movable
Compare both sides of the body for uneven swelling
Watch for swelling that lasts more than a couple of weeks
Check for fever, sore throat, recent infection, or other illness along with the swelling
Seek medical care if the swelling is hard, fixed, rapidly growing, or unexplained
Seek medical care if you have night sweats, weight loss, or persistent fatigue along with swollen lymph nodes