Lymph Node Concern - Please Help

[turtle221]

Hi.  I am a 29 year old female.  Non-smoker, non-drinker, average weight.  I have had this lymph node in the left side of my neck for as long as I can remember.  There is a smaller, softer one just below it which is movable and about the size of a pea.  The larger one is a little less than 1.5 cm. It does not hurt and it moves freely.  It is not soft and squishy, but it is not rock hard either.  Two years ago I was evaluated by an ENT for this node.  He examined me and thought it was ok but said I could go for a CT scan if I wanted.  I went for the scan and the report said that I had some top normal cervical chain nodes on the left side.  It said that there was not definate lymphademea or mass. The ENT said that he did not see any problems and he did not suspect cancer.  I still have this node.  It has not changed since my visit with the ENT.  

Recently, I have communicated with a few forum members and I began to wonder if I should get the node checked again since I still have it.  I did not want to unecessarily run to the doc because I have had other health issues over the last few years and I am tired of docs, stress, scans and unecessary radiation from the scans.  Also, as I have already had this node examined, I don't want to put myself through all of that again for nothing.  

I have no other symptoms except, once in a great while I will sweat at night but when I do it is during the day or two before my monthly cycle.  Also, almost every time I did sweat at night so did my husband, so I think the room may have been just warm.  The sweat was never drenching or constant.  It may happen before a montly cycle once or twice every two or three months.  

Also, as a teenager, I had tonsilitis frequently for about 3 years.  Every time I would stop an antibiotic, it would come back in a few weeks.  Eventually, they were going to take the tonsils, but then the infections stopped.  Also, on the left side I had a severe infection once in a tooth.  I was wondering if these things could have contributed to the node size and if re-evaluation is necessary.

Any advice is appriciated.

[fury6]

I am going through the EXACT same thing!  I am 23 years old (female ) I have had palpAble lymph nodes for years. They are in my base of neck clavicle area. Ive had Manu blood work a full body ct scan with contrast , another 1/2 body with contrast, and than a FNA biopsy, core biopsy, and flow cytometry of the largest node which is 1.5 x 1.9cm. Ive had 3 opinions. The biopsy was benign. I worry everyday but I went to literally the number 1 hematologist in the tristate area. No one is concerned. In fact they said this is normal in some people and stop going to doctors. I have no symptoms except lately ive been getting chest pain and heart pain but my ct scans showed no masses in my chest cavity. I also had my heart checked. My hearts is good. I sufferfrom really bad anxiety so I wonder if thats wha I'm feeling. Anyway I'm sure your fine! Some people have palpable lymph nodes espcially from past infections. I think if anyone had enough practice anyone can feel their lymph nodes. Maybe just get a ultrasound every year. Ultrasound has no radiation. I'm realizing more and more everyones worried about their lymph nodes! I know what your going through if u want to all I'm here.

[carisa]

Hi there,
Just wanted to let you know I've been going through the same thing too. I have had lymph nodes in my neck that are palpable and about the size of peas. I have been checked out by a hematologist as well. I've had a bone marrow biopsy, several chest xrays, blood smear, etc. Everything has always come out ok. I know it is a scary thing but I think, at least for me, that it is just the way that I am. Like fury6, I have anxiety too, and this lymph node thing sure doesn't help.

[fury6]

I kno how you feel. Where are your nodes exactly? I hear this is very normal. How old r u anyway. I'd love to chat about this or email. Let me know!