Swollen Lymph Nodes

[Donna1821]

I have had a swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck for almost 3 years.  I first started out with antibiotics, from there bloodwork, TB test.  My dr. said that swollen glands above the neck relate to issues of the heart and lungs.  I had a chest xray that showed a small nodule on my right lung.  Had a CT, MRI with and without contrast and they all indicated that the nodule was perhaps scar tissue.  I followed up every 6 months for 1-1/2 years with Xrays and there was no growth.  I asked about a biopsy and my dr. said they couldn't - they would just remove it, but you don't want to do that, because they are there to catch infections.  Three years later and without health insurance, brochitus brought me to the doctor (a different one) and I questioned him about this gland, and my low weight.  Now I'm going for another CT, and my bloodwork showed a slight elevation in whatever a CBC tests your liver for.  I'm trying to do my research as to possible causes and like many other's keep finding "cancer" popping up on every page.  Is it possible that the lung node and lymph node are unrelated?  I haven't been having any "issues" other than the fact that I know the gland in my neck is still there, someday's smaller than others - not painful. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Lymph nodes are small (1-2cm) and bean-shaped nodes. they are very important to your body keeping you healthy. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

What is the constituency of the swollen lymph nodes? Soft nodes are most likely infection or inflammation, firm but rubbery nodes could be lymphoma and rock hard nodes are more likely from some other type of metastatic cancer not lymphoma.

It is possible that the lung node and swollen lymph node are unrelated because lymph nodes can swell up in a variety of conditions other than infections.The lung nodule as it has not grown in size can be an old scar tissue as the doctors are saying.However anything can be said with confirmation only after biopsy of the lymph node.I sincerely advise you to get it done.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.

[cuddles53]

I would say demand a CT scan, pay for it yourself if you have too and then see an attorney, you have the right to be checked out, I have lung cancer because they didn't and wouldn't let me get a chest xray it is at the late stage, your symptoms sound like what mine were so please have it checked out, iot may not be serious but because of what happened to me i would demand you get that scan done. Do you have any history in your family of lung cancer? If yes then it is likely you could get it too. have it checked byu the docs.