Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy
Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an abscess has formed.
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes feeling your lymph nodes and looking for signs of injury or infection around any swollen lymph nodes.
A biopsy and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream.