Children have lymph nodes which may be felt in the neck, especially under the chin, as well as in other areas. As long as they are small, rubbery feeling, movable and non-tender, they are of little consequence. A lump that is rapidly enlarging, is red and tender, is associated with fever or one that does not go away after a few days should be evaluated in the office during regular office hours.



In children, enlarged lymph nodes can often cause concern, yet they do not always indicate a serious problem. It’s important to pay attention to certain characteristics and accompanying signs. For instance, lymph nodes that exceed 1 centimeter in size or that persist for several weeks should be evaluated by one of our physicians.

Commonly, nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin swell due to infections and typically are not serious. However, nodes around the collarbone, or supraclavicular nodes, are less common sites for enlargement and should prompt a consultation with a doctor. Additionally, the presence of other symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or persistent pain also warrants medical attention.

The physical characteristics of the lymph nodes themselves are important; nodes that are hard, immovable, or have an irregular shape require professional evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Furthermore, if the child generally appears unwell, shows a significant loss of energy, or undergoes noticeable changes in behavior or appetite, it’s advisable to make an appointment at our clinic with one of our physicians.