What does a soft and mobile lymph node typically suggest?

A soft and mobile lymph node typically indicates a benign process, often associated with an acute infection. When lymph nodes become reactive due to an infection, they tend to enlarge, and their consistency may change to become softer and more mobile as the immune system responds to the infection. This is commonly seen in viral infections, such as the common cold or infectious mononucleosis, where there is a typical proliferation of immune cells.

In contrast, lymph nodes that are hard, fixed, or non-mobile are more concerning for malignancy or other chronic processes, including granulomatous diseases. Therefore, the characteristics of being soft and mobile directly correlate with an active immune response often seen in acute infections, making this choice the most appropriate answer.