Long term swollen glands in neck area

[PGB]

I first saw my doctor in April with swollen glands in my neck I have seen him 3 times since, today being the most recient.  The swollen glands NEVER go down.  They don't always hurt but it is getting more frequent and severe.  My doctor said today that we would try one more antibiotic and steroid pack for 1 week and for me to return for a follow-up that if the "KNOTS" are still there in one week he wants to do a scan.  I asked him what he would be looking for and he said possible malignancies or to see if it is sinus related.  But he did blood work today and said it looked good at 12,000.  I had a low grade fever.  Wouldn't any of this have shown up in my blood work?  He said he doesn't think there is anything for me to worry about, but I am freeking out!  I am scared to death!  Tell me about this, what we are looking for and if it isn't cancer and is sinus related, what then?  And if it is cancer, what then?

[DebM412]

The ENT may want to biopsy one of the nodes. The only way to really obtain an accurate biopsy is if they remove a node to look at. They may suggent a fine needle biopsy but these can miss cancer cells and are not 100% accurate. It makes no sense to have the needle biopsy. I know it is scary.  

Have you had any tooth problems on the side where you have the large node? The teeth drain to those lymph nodes and usually that is not one to enlarge due to lymphoma. Have you seen a dentist or oral surgeon? You may be able to get into one of those doctors sooner.

Debbie

[Max M.]

I think I have 4 glands that are swollen in my neck area, the largest is on the left under my jaw bone about half way between my chin and jaw. It seems to be about 2 to 3 cm. The others 1 cm. or less. The largest one seems to have gotten harder over the last couple of weeks.

I'm having a hard time not constantly thinking about the possibillity of having cancer. My wife keeps telling me not to worry, it's probably nothing. But I have a 10-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter, and I worry about them and how it would impact our family, emotionally and financially. Well I better try and get my mind on something more positive.

MAX

[DebM412]

Hi,

How many nodes in the neck area are enlarged? Are they over 1 cm and where are they located? How long have you noticed them?

It is good that you do not have any symptoms such as night seats, fatigue, fever.....

Debbie

[Max M.]

Hello Everyone,

I am a 50 year old male, and new to this forum. About 6 to 8 weeks ago I noticed that the Lymph nodes in my neck, the ones under my jaw were enlarged. They weren't sore so I wasn't to concerned. Then I began reading information on the Internet, and got a little scared. Well the next day I was in my doctor's office to get it checked out. He put me on antibiotics, and ordered blood work. I went back a few days later to get the results of the blood work, and everything was fairly normal, red and white blood counts were in range, but LYMPHOCYTES were high.

My doctor is referring me to a Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist, and I'm now waiting for an appointment. He told me it could be an infection, but I don't have any other symptoms. I also have a small, hard, and painless lump behind my left ear which has been there for over a year. I am trying not to worry, but it's difficult when you consider the possibilities. I'm glad I found this forum and would welcome anyones comments.

[PGB]

Hi. I have read some info on the internet about the glands and such in the past few monthes and I remember reading somewhere that some people can have a swollen gland for a long time and it actually never returns to it's normal size.  The lymph nodes are also really sensitive so if you have a habit of touching or rubbing them, that will make them stay enlarged for even longer.  As for it being due to the piercing, I couldn't say.  I have several friends who have pierced the upper part of their ears and none of them have had this happen that I know of.  But, that doesn't mean that isn't what caused yours.  Everyone is different.  If it is concerning you a lot, I would go to doc.  Just to put your mind at ease and to be on the safe side.  Good luck.

[Sharynf]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and after trying to find information on swollen lymphnodes, I found this site. I have two swollen nodes behind my right earlobe. They are about pea sized. They don't hurt at all. I noticed them about two months ago. I don't have any unusual symptoms at all. Just normal fatique from work but nothing that prevents me from functioning. I'm somewhat paranoid simply because I have lost three people close to me from cancer in the past two years. My father in law died of colon, a friend from a brain tumor and my Mom died last year of pancreatic cancer. This may sound negative but somedays I feel like I'm just waiting my turn. Anyway, there is one thing I'm wondering if my swollen nodes could be attributed to. Almost three months ago, I got the top part of my Right ear pierced (cartilage area). It still has not fully healed. It doesn't appear to be infected but it still gets sore from sleeping on it. I'm also wondering if they initially became enlarged from the piercing itself. It was painful and I have read that you can have an inlarged node near the site of an injury. I also have heard that once you have a swollen node, it can take a long while for them to go down. I'm really trying not to freak out here. Any opinions here?
Thanks!