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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Swollen preauricular lymph node
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Swollen preauricular lymph node
by pandora9049, Apr 05, 2005 12:00AM
Hello, thank you for taking my question.
What is the significance or possible cause of a unilateral painless, swollen preauricular lymph node? It is not very large, (maybe 1 cm., if that) not visible, but palpable on only one side right in front of my ear. It is soft and movable. (I'm assuming it's a lymph node) I had bad ear infections as a child, but not recently. (29 y/o male now.) This is the only symptom I have. When I search the internet for possible causes, naturally all that comes up is cancer, hiv, etc., My questions are:
1) Would this typically be a lymph node associated with a cancer or hiv infection?
2) What other diseases can cause this? I wasn't even aware we had lymph nodes over here!!
Thank you again. I look forward to your response. (Try not to scare me too much:)
Pan
What is the significance or possible cause of a unilateral painless, swollen preauricular lymph node? It is not very large, (maybe 1 cm., if that) not visible, but palpable on only one side right in front of my ear. It is soft and movable. (I'm assuming it's a lymph node) I had bad ear infections as a child, but not recently. (29 y/o male now.) This is the only symptom I have. When I search the internet for possible causes, naturally all that comes up is cancer, hiv, etc., My questions are:
1) Would this typically be a lymph node associated with a cancer or hiv infection?
2) What other diseases can cause this? I wasn't even aware we had lymph nodes over here!!
Thank you again. I look forward to your response. (Try not to scare me too much:)
Pan
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 05, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 05, 2005 12:00AM
Infection would be the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. In the preauricular area, things like an upper respiratory infection, conjunctivitis and ear infection can enlarge these nodes.
Of course, things like HIV and cancer is always possible, but less likely than infection.
I would treat any source of infection. If the nodes persist for more than a few months, then I would consider a referral to an ENT physician for further evaluation and discussion of possible biopsy.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Of course, things like HIV and cancer is always possible, but less likely than infection.
I would treat any source of infection. If the nodes persist for more than a few months, then I would consider a referral to an ENT physician for further evaluation and discussion of possible biopsy.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments
by trace156, Oct 06, 2008 02:56PM
A related discussion, lump in front of ear was started.
