important

1) how do you know if a lymph node is swollen?
can you feel a lymph node that is not swollen?

2)how long does a lymph node usually take to go back to normal size?

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
A lymph node is swollen if it is enlarged, tender to touch, occasionally with redness of the overlying skin.  
A lymph node that is not swollen can still be palpable, especially if it is matted and located superficially next to the skin.
A lymph node that is enlarged can go back to its normal size if the cause is addressed.  However, there are times when even with treatment of the underlying cause, the lymph node size does not return to its normal size.  The exact period varies from individual to individual.