Can feel lymph nodes in neck 2 years

[appreciatehelp]

Hi everyone

I've had 3 lymph nodes in my neck which have been palpable for at least 2 years.

My doctor felt them about 2 years ago and said they were fine and that's been that.

However since having my son 6 months ago I've become very anxious about them. They are about 1cm in size possibly ever so slightly smaller. The last 2 weeks I've had a few night sweats where I've had big wet rings on my nightdress.

I suffer from bad anxiety for which I take medication so it may be my anxiety taking over.

Can anyone help?

[Ken_PA]

test

[Ken_PA]

It's difficult to accurately measure just by feeling. But what you want to really be concerned about is if it gets bigger and bigger. However, small fluctuations up and down don't matter.

[appreciatehelp]

Thanks so much for your answer. I can feel the lump possibly nearer 2cm when I turn my head as far as I can to right (lump is on left) . Is this the correct way to feel nodes?  Not sure if I'm worrying myself unnecessarily incase this is not the correct way and I should feel them facing forward

[Ken_PA]

..and bean shaped is the correct shape, as you likely know. A doc will be alarmed if a node is too big or if it takes a bad shape such as long and thin, but yours are relatively small and the correct shape.

[Ken_PA]

Hi, there is probably internal scarring (fibrosis) in the nodes. That'd be especially likely if you have an overactive immune system.

Another possible aspect of overactive immunity is excess histamine. Histamine is an immune chemical but it is also a neurotransmitter and is associated with a more hyped up state. E.g., diphenhydramine is sold as an antihistamine for allergies (Benadryl) but also as a sleeping pill (Sominex). So your enlarged nodes might have a common causation with your anxiety.

[appreciatehelp]

Should also say they are ovally shaped like a grain of rice or bean