Does an enlarged/swollen lymph node hurt when touched?

Could I have Lymphoma ?

• Hi, i am an athletic 15 year old male. About 9 months ago, I noticed a swollen lymph node on the back of my neck, when i felt it it was tender, warm, and hurt when i touched it. But now 9 months later i still have that same swollen lymph node, which is about 1 cm in diameter, its hard, painless, and fixed in one spot. When i first got this swollen lymph node i was alway squeezing it pressing it and i don't if that is the cause for it being the way it is now. The same thing happened again on a different area except it feels like two swollen lymph are stuck together. I also get swollen lymph nodes on my armpits,which are always tender, warm and hurt to touch, but go away fully after 1 week. I am really worried that i have cancer. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you and God bless!

• Answer:

  Are you getting any other symptoms associated with lymphoma such as night sweats, fevers, recurrent infection, weight loss and fatigue? If not, then the chances of it being lymphoma are much smaller. However, any lymph nodes that have been there for 9 months need to be investigated. The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is when there is some sort of infection in the body. Sometimes, they can remain enlarged for a long time, especially if you are a skinny person - they will always be more visible. Go to see your doctor and they will be able to run further tests to find out whether this is normal or not, All the best