You can also lie down on your back. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you’re doing the exam on someone else, support their arm with your free hand.
If you’re palpating someone else’s axillary nodes, use your right hand to check their left armpit, and your left hand to check their right armpit. [2] X Research source
Move your hand up and towards your chest, feeling underneath where your chest muscles (pectorals) reach your armpit. Move across your armpit horizontally towards your back, and feel under where your scapula (shoulder blade) reaches your armpit. Move up and to the middle of your armpit to where your arm joins your armpit and feel for nodes with the palm of your hand facing the bottom of your arm.
The size: estimate to the closest centimeter, or use a ruler to measure from one side to the other. The shape: is it round, oval, or irregularly shaped? The firmness: is it soft when you gently press it, or firm and rubbery?[4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Roll your fingers over the node with slight pressure. The mobility: if you try to wiggle it gently, does it move around a bit or is it firmly fixed in place? Tenderness: is the lymph node sore or tender at all?
Fixed (not moveable) Firm Persistent (it’s normal for nodes to get big for under a week then go back to normal) Swollen, enlarged, or sore to the touch Causing you concern or discomfort for any other reason
