2 enlarged lymph nodes in jaw for 5 years?!

[JaySli]

Okay.... well on either side of my jaw... (i looked at a diagram and guess they are submandibular nodes) I have one 'enlarged' node on each side. pretty much in same place on both sides; and its only the one on each side. when I face forward I have to push under my jaw to feel them and they dont feel as though they move.... but if I look down I can easily move them and feel them much easier; they kinda sit under where my teeth are at the bottom of the jaw when i look down. They feel kinda hard and/or rubbery, dont hurt..... sometimes feel a little tender. I will point out im 18 and first found this about 5 years ago! they never seem to have gone down in this time! anyone give me any insight on what it could be?? thanks so much!! my worst fear is lymphoma :S

[Ken_PA]

For the record, the list of long lasting infections that I'd posted were simply that: examples of long lasting infections, not suggestions about any particular person. So, if those microbes can be long lasting, can an ordinary adenovirus also be? The rate of virus replication would have to be limited, and confined to a particular area, which would be unusual - so unusual that a doc would say that it doesn't happen. But my guess is that it does happen.

[Ken_PA]

Can't hurt to do that. You can increase the knowledge on this group by posting back whatever you find out. Good luck.

Btw, herpes is also the cold sore virus.

[JaySli]

It's been like it for 5 years ken, so I would have been about 13 so I can rule out hiv and herpes.... ah I should just see a doc see what he says

[Ken_PA]

I'd guess that it's a normal adenovirus. But if you get heart-area pain, I'd worry about that (possible viral myocarditis). Typical chronic viruses are EBV, HIV, CMV etc. Or maybe even consider the fungus called candida, especially if white patches are see in the mouth.

Everything is just a guess, Jay. It's all about the odds. One study I've read went like this: of every 100 people with chronically enlarged nodes who go to a doc for that, 5 get sent for a biopsy. Maybe 2 have a malignancy.

Even so, weakened immunity is also something to worry about. If your very stressed that's a possible avenue to look into.

As I'd said, a doc would likely say "I don't know". But that's just my guess :)

One thing about a doc is that they have broad clinical experience, plus they see you in person so they can catch anything that is there to be seen.

[JaySli]

Thankyou so much Ken.  Could this 'very persistent virus infection' be something bad and i should visit the doc or is it nothing to worry about?

[Ken_PA]

Hi, I'd think that tends to mean it's a very persistent virus infection. That'd be supported if you have frequent colds, sore throats or coughs.

I suppose allergy is also possible.

[JaySli]

Hey there Ken... cheers for the reply!
my throat actually is quite red!! :s
Does that indicate anything?

Thankyou!

[Ken_PA]

hi, it's not likely lymphoma - the main reason being that they are the same on both sides. But it is unusual and so a doc would likely say they don't know the cause.

If your throat is red that'd be a clue.