Enlarged lymph node for about 15 years

I've had a hard, enlarged lymph node just under my jaw (on right side) for about 15 years. I think its appearance roughly coincided with a bout with mononucelosis in 1989.

Over the years, several doctors have looked at it, touched it, etc., all have been unconcerned. The "lump" is roughly 2cm in diameter (hard to tell, really), bean shaped, hard and moves around freely. It's hard to say if it has changed at all over the years, because I go for extended periods of time without paying any attention to it.

Here are my questions:

1. Does mononucleosis ever leave lymph nodes permanently enlarged as this one seems to be?

2. Could such this lymph node, (which is theoretically benign as it's been around for 15 years and I'm still healthy) ever BECOME malignant?

3. If I've had a recent, complete physical and all of my blood counts are normal, is it unlikely that this is a lymphoma?

Thanks.

3.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) The presentation of lymph nodes after mononucleosis can vary.  Although atypical, it may be possible for lymph nodes to present in that fashion after mono.

2) It would depend on what the cause is.  A biopsy is the only sure way to exclude cancer.

3) A normal blood count would make cancer less likely.  However, as mentioned above, a biopsy is the only sure way to tell.

This option can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with an ENT physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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