Are painless lymph nodes always an indication of cancer?

No no, not at all. Lymph nodes may be painlessly enlarged for a variety of reasons and if cancer is suspected by the clinician, appropriate tests like a FNAC or biopsy may be required to prove cancer. Cancer is not the commonest cause of enlarged nodes. read more

Lymph nodes that are enlarged from cancer are usually, but not always, painless. According to Merck Manual Professional Version, nodes containing Hodgkin lymphoma cells sometimes feel sore immediately after drinking alcohol. Although the reason for this is not known, it is a clue that may help diagnose the cancer at an early stage. Enlarged lymph nodes close to the skin's surface may be felt under the jaw, above the collarbones, in the under-arm areas and in the groin. read more