When is a lymph node considered swollen, how big does it have to be?

Im asking because i have a very slight bump behind my ear, and nothing behind the other ear. it is very slightly raised and defenatly less than a centimeter, closer to half a centimeter wide. but its not raised up very much at all. Is this enough for concern? not about cancer but that there is an infection or possibly HIV? I didnt notice it until i searched my body for swollen nodes. I have read that a normal range for a unswollen lymph node is up to 3cm, but i couldnt imagine having a 3cm lump behind my ear and not being concerned.

Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.

The glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. Glands can also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.

Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the underlying cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Any swollen lymph nodes that don't go away or return to normal size over about a month should be checked by your health professional.

Get yours checked out - if you are that concerned, better safe than sorry. Good luck!

I honestly don't know because I have never searched my body for swollen nodes (but I should now!). I do know that when you are sick (or have a cold), your lymph nodes will swell. If I were you, I would call your doctor because they would know for sure. Hope it turns out okay!

That doesn't sound like a lymph node to me. Lymph nodes in that area are located behind and below your earlobe and definetly bigger than a centimeter when swollen. It doesn't sound like anything to be too worried about but go see a doctor to ease your mind.

it cant be hiv isnt that an std?

i have that too

but mine are always swollen

ive been to like 3 speciallist doctors

theyve done exrays and everything

they are just like we dont know blah blah blah

i get pain in that spot sometimes too

its like a sharp pain for like 5 to 10 seconds

but it gets pretty hurtish

then i found out that a swollen lymph node means that there is an infection or bcteria in your body and its just fighting it off... thats why when you have a cold they tend to be more swollen

id say go to a doctor if your worried but i didnt really find luck with those stupid dr.s

go to one just incase

... i was concerned only bc it was all the time

and it couldnt have been an std for me since im 15
and yeah

its probably jjust your bodys way of saying its fighting off somethign bad in your body

Lymph node sizes vary person to person and if you are sick or not. Sometimes you can get mumps on one side, do you feel sick otherwise? Usually if it's swollen it means something is going on in the body, like allergy, cold, infection, flu, some type of germ, virus or bacteria. I'm wondering how you came to be just checking for swollen nodes, I'm thinking maybe you suspect somethings going on or felt sick. I'd watch it, if it's not better in a couple days, call your doctor and have him check it out.

The swelling lymph node might be an indication of an infection. The swollen retro-auricular lymph node may be an indication of an infection of the ear. Just check whether your ear is having an infection. If big enough, it can even push your ear forward.
If you are talking about the cancer (metastasis), the size of the node can indicate the stadium of the disease. It think you would better see your doctor as soon as possible.