Swollen Occipital Nodes & burning ear

Hello,

I'm 39 and a week ago, I found three large painful lumps on the back of my head and behind my left ear, which are apparently swollen occipital lymph nodes.  Since then my ear has become red, swollen, hot and itchy and  I have more lymph nodes up on my neck, which are also quite itchy.  I have no fever (haven't had a fever since I was a child) and the doctor barely looked before prescribing me penicillin which so far hasn't had any effect (three days later).

There is now a small rash behind my ear and the pain is centred on the top, where strangely, it looks like I've been bitten (although it's winter here and there was no bite when all this kicked off!)

I'd be grateful for any advice/suggestions.  

Stella

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Lymph nodes are small (1-2cm) and bean-shaped nodes. they are very important to your body keeping you healthy. 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).

Since you are having swollen lymph nodes and now this sudden rash, so I would suggest you to consult a physician and get fine needle aspiration cytology of the lymph nodes done to confirm the diagnosis. Soft nodes are most likely infection 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.

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.