Should you be able to feel lymph nodes in your head? Understanding bumps and immune health

September 29, 2025 •

3 min read

The lymphatic system is a vital part of your body's immune defense, containing hundreds of small, bean-shaped lymph nodes designed to filter out germs. Under normal circumstances, you should not be able to feel lymph nodes in your head or neck, but they can become enlarged when your body is fighting an infection or inflammation.

Quick Summary

Healthy lymph nodes in the head are typically too small and soft to feel, but they often become palpable during an active infection. These enlarged nodes are usually a harmless sign that your immune system is working properly; however, a doctor should evaluate persistent, hard, or fixed lumps.

Key Points

Normal vs. Palpable: You should not feel healthy lymph nodes in your head; they only become enlarged and palpable when the body is fighting an infection or inflammation.
Common Causes: Most swollen lymph nodes are harmless and caused by viral or bacterial infections, dental issues, or skin irritations in the head and neck area.
Warning Signs: Seek medical advice if a lump is persistent (over 2 weeks), growing, hard, fixed, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss.
Proper Self-Check: Gently feel key areas like behind the ears, at the base of the skull, and under the jawline to check for swelling, comparing both sides.
Distinguishing Bumps: Unlike fixed, hard, or slow-growing cysts and lipomas, swollen lymph nodes are often softer, tender, and appear quickly in response to illness.
See a Doctor: A healthcare professional should evaluate any lump you are concerned about, especially if it doesn't resolve after an illness or presents with other worrying symptoms.

What are lymph nodes and how do they function?

Part of the body's expansive lymphatic system, lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that act as filters for harmful substances. They contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried into the fluid. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, but clusters are located in the neck, armpits, and groin, as well as several specific areas in the head.

When your body detects an infection or foreign invader, the lymph nodes nearest to the site of the problem spring into action. They begin producing a large number of white blood cells to combat the threat. This increase in immune activity and fluid buildup is what causes the nodes to swell, making them feel like palpable, tender bumps.

The main lymph node groups in the head and neck

Occipital: Located at the base of your skull, along the hairline.
Post-auricular: Found behind the ears.
Pre-auricular: Positioned in front of the ears.
Submandibular: Located under the jawline.
Cervical: A large group of nodes running along the side of the neck.

Why you might feel a lymph node in your head

Feeling a lump that you suspect is a lymph node doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. In many cases, it is a normal and temporary reaction by your immune system. Common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Infections: Viral infections like the common cold, flu, and mononucleosis are frequent culprits, as are bacterial infections like strep throat or an ear infection.
Dental Issues: An infected or abscessed tooth can cause nearby submandibular lymph nodes to swell.
Skin Infections: Folliculitis, cellulitis, or even a head lice infestation can trigger a localized immune response.
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes cause widespread lymph node swelling.
Allergies: In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may cause lymph nodes to swell.
Physical Characteristics: In thinner individuals, or those with less body fat, it may be easier to feel a lymph node even when it is not swollen.

When to be concerned about a swollen lymph node

While most cases of enlarged lymph nodes are benign, certain signs warrant a visit to a doctor for further evaluation.

Warning signs of a potentially more serious issue:

Persistence: The node remains swollen for more than two weeks.
Growth: The node continues to grow larger over time.
Texture: It feels hard, rubbery, and fixed in place rather than soft and movable.
Accompanying Symptoms: You also experience other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a persistent fever.
Absence of Illness: Swollen nodes appear without any other obvious signs of a recent infection or injury.
Supraclavicular Location: A swollen lymph node just above the collarbone can be a specific cause for concern.

How to tell a lymph node from other bumps on your head

It can be tricky to distinguish a lymph node from other types of lumps that can appear on the head, such as cysts, lipomas, or even pimples. Here is a simple comparison to help you differentiate.


Feature	Swollen Lymph Node	Cyst (Epidermoid or Sebaceous)	Lipoma
Texture	Soft, movable, and sometimes tender, especially when infected.	Firm, smooth, and often fixed. Can feel like a small pea.	Soft, doughy, and movable under the skin.
Location	Follows predictable immune pathways (e.g., behind ear, under jaw).	Can form anywhere on the body, not tied to a specific location.	Can form anywhere with fatty tissue.
Growth Rate	Appears quickly during an immune response and resolves as illness clears.	Tends to grow slowly over time.	Grows very slowly over months or years.
Pain	Often tender or painful to the touch when swollen.	Generally painless unless infected or inflamed.	Typically painless.

Conclusion

Feeling a lymph node in your head is most often a benign sign that your immune system is hard at work. However, paying attention to its characteristics, such as size, texture, and duration, is crucial for determining when it's time to see a doctor. If you notice any of the warning signs or have any persistent concerns, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and peace of mind. Keeping up with routine health check-ups is one of the best ways to monitor your overall well-being. For more detailed information on lymphatic system function and related issues, you can consult authoritative health resources like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can potentially feel swollen lymph nodes in several areas of the head and neck, including at the base of your skull (occipital), behind the ears (post-auricular), in front of the ears (pre-auricular), and under the jawline (submandibular).

A swollen lymph node typically feels like a pea-sized to bean-sized bump. It may feel soft and tender, and might move slightly when you press it gently. If it feels hard, fixed, or rubbery, it's advisable to see a doctor.

In most cases, swollen lymph nodes caused by a viral or bacterial infection will return to their normal size within one to two weeks after the illness resolves. If the swelling persists longer, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.

While stress doesn't directly cause lymph nodes to swell, it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Anxiety may also increase your awareness of your own body, causing you to notice your lymph nodes more easily.

A painful or tender lymph node is often a sign of an active infection or inflammation, and is generally considered a good sign that your immune system is working. More concerning lumps are often painless.

You should be concerned about a lump behind your ear if it is hard, doesn't move when touched, is significantly growing, or persists for more than a few weeks. These can sometimes be signs of more serious conditions, and a medical evaluation is recommended.

Yes, in some cases, a severe allergic reaction can trigger an immune response that causes nearby lymph nodes to swell. This swelling is usually temporary and will subside once the allergic reaction is under control.

Yes, some vaccines can cause a temporary swelling of lymph nodes, particularly those near the injection site, as the immune system is activated to build immunity.

If a lump is not a lymph node, it could be a benign growth like a cyst or lipoma, or something more serious. A doctor can help determine the nature of the lump through a physical exam and, if necessary, further diagnostic testing.