Swollen Lymph Nodes (possibly allergy related)

[marshall92]

I am 16 years old and I noticed swollen lymph nodes in my neck and groin area about 1 year ago. I'm not even sure if they are swollen as they are pea-sized. They are rubbery and don't bother my at all. I am worried because I have one on the left side of my neck but not the right. I bike 12 miles to work every day and after the ride the nodes are not even noticeable. Even if I try to find them, I almost always can't. They have not gotten bigger since I originally discovered them, but I don't think they have gotten any smaller. I did have slight chest pains a while ago, but they receded, and I think it was all in my head. Anyways, should I be concerned? I posted this in the allergy section because I figure they could be allergy related, not sure though.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, you are having cervical lymphadenopathy which needs further evaluation. The most important causes are toxoplasmosis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Even tuberculosis is also associated with such enlargement. Lymphoma is unlikely because it usually involves all the glands in the body and hence there will be generalized lymphadenopathy.

You need to go for following blood investigations like Complete blood count with differential, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Hepatic profile, Blood culture, Tuberculin skin test, EBV, CMV, HIV serology and as well as toxoplasma (acquired from cats).

Treatment would be by incision and drainage of the lymph nodes and a course of antibiotics to control infection. Cat scratch disease can also be managed by empirical antibiotic therapy. I suggest you to consult physician. Take care and regards.

[dancer4ever]

I'm 14 & I've had a swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck for 4 weeks and it hasn't changed in size. I've been to the doctors & the specialist and am now going to the hospital on april 5th. I am allergic to cats, after I can home from a friends house, who has cats, the lymph node was there. Both the doctor & the specialist asked if I had been scrathed, but I know for a fact that I did not get scratched. The doctor said it was abnormally large and enexplainable. The specialist said it may have been because of my allergies, but it's abnormally large. When I go to the hospital, they will be doing an ultra sound on my neck & blood work. I was daft enough to research about it and I am scared I have lymphoma. Any thoughts?

[moe1914]

I've had a swollen lymph node for about a mo. on right side of my neck. Just to give you a little background I've had a trach for 11yrs. due to a gunshot to my neck. I've always had allergies and to make matters worse I work at a co. where we process uniforms and linen which makes for very dusty environment. I went to Dr. and they did a ct scan just in case he couldn't find anything. He gave me allergy meds because I always have chest congestions. I wake up in the morning having to spit up loogies. Any suggestions

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
If you do not have any problem and they have not increased in size then probably you need not worry about them. Local skin infections or even lymph flow can cause them. However since you have them please consult your PCP once.
Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!