how can you tell if your lymph nodes are swollen?

I was wondering how can you tell when your lymph nodes are swollen.is it something you can visually tell,or do you have to feel around,or would they hurt? I am asking because i can feel a node in my neck,it does not hurt but i can feel it.and at times it seems i can feel the lymph nodes in my arm pit or groin,almost like they are expanding,but not hurting,but when i try to feel them,i cant feel anything.If they are swollen or swelling would you be able to feel them? ,thanks

[Toomanyadvil]

If your lymph nodes are swollen you can feel them or you may realize they are swollen because they start to feel uncomfortable. A lymph node can feel small or large depending on what is happening in your body.

When I had an infected molar my lymph nodes swelled up to golf balls in the back of my neck.  It could happen from many types of infections including an ear infection. I believe feeling a node in the back of your neck is normal.  If it begins to swell and hurt you may then have an infection.

But I am talking from personal experience on that.

Hope your able to ease your concern:)