Concerned

[cs0715]

This may be simply myself being irrational, but I am a bit concerned today. My past tobacco use has me a bit worried at times with health issues.

23yo male. Former dip tobacco user (quit 6mo ago), recent quit smoking (2 mo ago).  Prior to now in otherwise good health. Havent seen a doctor in years - only in past for minor issues (stitches, cold, food poisoning once).

I have the following symptoms:
- a submandibular lymph node swollen (1cm) hard as a rock but slightly movable. - occurred for approx 4 days a month ago, left, back again on same node (furthest back in jaw, right side) 2 days
- a higher level of fatigue than normal - past 2 weeks
- lower palate in mouth sore when touched from outside - 2 days
- neck pain (chronic) - might be unrelated, have back pain as well
- earaches / headaches frequently over past month - low intensity but fairly frequently
- throat has been drier than normal the past month.

I might need my wisdom teeth pulled, they are "impacted" but have been stable in the same spot for the past few years with no problem. Also my teeth do not hurt, so I do not know if that is the problem or not.

Should I go see a doctor with this? Is it most likely my wisdom teeth? Im not looking/expecting a diagnosis here, I just want to know if this is worth worrying/going to the doctor.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes it is possible for one lymph node to be enlarged if there is cancer but slowly it would spread to other lymph nodes as well. The other symptoms of lung cancer include chest pain, cough, breathlessness, blood in sputum (hemoptysis) and weight loss.
The lymph nodes due to infection will remain swollen till the infection gets resolved. The exact time will depend on the type of infection.
I would suggest you take relax and take OTC pain killers for headache and back ache. Since you do not have any other symptom for lung cancer apart from fatigue and lymph node I think the chances are minimal, but still with a history of smoking it is important to rule that out. Take care!

[cs0715]

Dr Noopur,

Thank you for the reply. Would one lymph node enlarge from lung cancer like that, without others enlarging? I am sorry to ask silly questions, however, I do not currently have medical insurance, i am a self-employed contractor, so going to the doctor could get expensive if it is something minor.

How long would a lymph node remain swollen if it is something other than cancer or another serious ailment?

My headaches and neck pain have increased considerably lately... would it be that quick of an on-set with cancer? (2 weeks pain has increased from occasional to fairly frequent)

I know I need to see a physician anyhow for this pain, but am trying to relieve my nerves a bit.

Thank you again.

[DrNoopurMD]

Swollen lymph node in the submandibular region can be due to multiple causes like a bacterial or viral infection, medications like dilantin, or even lung cancer.
I would suggest you to schedule an appointment with your physician and undergo a complete clinical examination. Since you have a history of smoking and tobacco use it is important to eliminate lung cancer as a cause of enlarged lymph node.
The fatigue , headache and dry mouth and throat are quite possibly nicotine withdarwal symptoms that you are experiencing.
http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/cravingsandurges/a/withdrawal.htm
Let me know if you need more information. Take care!