swollen lymph nodes

Hi, I'm 14 years old and I am allergic to cats. I went to friends house to sleepover and came home with a VERY large lump on my neck. Two weeks passed by and the lump had not changed in size so I went to the doctors. He asked me if it hurt and if I had been scratched by the cat and I said no to both questions. He examined me for infections and for other bumps and did not find anything. He told me it was a lymph node that was abnormally large. He said lymph nodes usually are there to drain infections and they are usually right under the jaw. I have no infections and the lymph node is located at the bottom of my neck on the left side. I was sent to the specialist who bascially said the same thing and is sending me to the hospital for an ultrasound and bloodwork. I was daft enough to research about it and I am now scared that it may be lymphoma. Any thoughts aboutu what this may be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Soft nodes are most likely ginfection or inflammation, firm but rubbery nodes could be lymphoma and rock hard nodes are more likely from some other type of metastatic cancer not lymphoma.
Biopsy(FNAB) of the mass is also required. In this technique, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the mass to extract cells that will be examined under a microscope.
So please get further evaluation done.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.