Lymph nodes can only be felt in the areas listed: These lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and cells from the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the blood stream. They are grouped like “beads on a string” both deep in the body and near the surface (see previous diagram). Lymph nodes are small oval clumps of lymphatic tissue found at intervals along the vessels. The fluid (lymph) that accumulates firstly drains into larger lymph vessels, then into ducts in the neck, before emptying into the blood stream. On its journey more tissue and waste material is collected. One way of describing this is to imagine a river that starts as a small stream, which then weaves its way between the cells and small blood vessels of the body’s connective tissue. Lymph is a fluid that contains proteins and waste materials, which is collected from around the cells in the body, eventually draining into larger vessels. This system consists of lymphatic vessels and tissue. Your doctor or nurse will show you how and which lymph nodes to check. This is why you have been given this information. Some people express a wish to check their own lymph nodes between clinic appointments. The aim is to detect any enlargement of the lymph nodes and undertake investigations at an early stage. The lymph nodes examined depend on the location of your skin cancer, eg: if your skin cancer was on your leg then the lymph nodes in your inguinal area (groin) will be felt or if on your face then the nodes in your head and neck would be examined. That is why, as part of your examination, your nodes are examined by your doctor or specialist nurse at your follow-up appointments. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.You have been diagnosed with a skin cancer that on occasions can spread into the lymphatic system. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. Links to other sites are provided for information only – they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Most lumps in adults are not cancers.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. This is particularly true for people who smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. Treatment should start quickly to prevent complications or the spread of infection.Īs adults age, the likelihood of the lump being a cancer increases. In children, most neck lumps are caused by infections that can be treated. They are often cured with surgery, even if they have been present for several years.Īll neck lumps in children and adults should be checked right away by a health care provider. Most cancers of the thyroid gland grow very slowly. This can be due to thyroid disease or cancer. The thyroid gland may also produce swelling or one or more lumps. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts, such as sebaceous cysts.
These lumps are often at the front of the neck. Lumps in the muscles of the neck are caused by injury or spasm of the neck muscles ( torticollis). Swollen salivary glands under the jaw may be caused by infection or cancer. These can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, cancer ( malignancy), or other rare causes. The most common lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes. There are many causes of lumps in the neck.