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Discovering a swollen mass or lymph node in the neck, back or near the ear may be a cause for concern. In most cases, however, these changes are harmless and are related to the immune system's response to infection or inflammation. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures spread throughout the body that play a key role in defending the body against pathogens.
They are generally palpable or visible, but when an immune response is activated, they may increase in size and become sensitive to touch.
