Are Lymph Nodes Visible?

Usually, healthy lymph nodes aren't visible. If there's an infection, they become swollen and may look like hard bumps about the size of beans. As the infection progresses, more lymph nodes may swell in the body.

What do normal lymph nodes feel like?

Healthy lymph nodes are typically pea-sized. You should not normally be able to feel them. Lymph nodes that are just below the skin may be easier to feel when they become swollen as they will become larger.

What does a lymph node lump look like?

Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps, and they may be the size of a pea or a grape. They might be tender to the touch, which indicates inflammation. In some cases, the lymph nodes will also look larger than usual. Lymph nodes appear in parallel on both sides of the body.