Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck

[robbb0]

I am 43yo male, and recently had US and CT scan of the neck to investigate two swollen lymph nodes which were present for longer than a year in my left neck. Several nodes were found on the jugular(mid) chain, many sub-centimeter and 5 >= 1 CM the largest ones were 2.26, 1.65 and 1.55 CM. They are on both sides of the neck and under my chin as well. Nothing else was found in CTs of abdomen and groin. I have a biopsy scheduled for next month, but have read myself into anxiety attacks. I have read that anything above 1 CM is abnormal. I have no pain in the nodes themselves but have developed pain in the neck which seems like a stiff neck, and pain exists with any pressure from straining or lifting, also movement related pain in neck, chest and spine in the same region. No signs of infection at all, but do have extreme fatigue, back pain, some weight loss, among other varied symptoms. My Primary Dr said since no other enlarged nodes were found in other regions, he is not concerned about lymphoma.



Are there other conditions that could cause lymph nodes to be swollen for this length of time? Should I be as concerned as I feel about this, or is it more likely not related to something  serious? Is it possible to have lymphoma without nodes in other regions showing signs? Are biopsies only done when cancer is suspected? Any other info or suggestions are welcomed, I am not usually one to worry about such things, but for whatever reason this has me having some anxiety waiting for the biopsy.

[DebM412]

I have a few questions for you; You mentioned that you have had two nodes on the left side of your neck for approx one year. How big are these nodes and how did you discover them?



You said you are experiencing fatigue and have other symptoms. What are the other symptoms? Do you have a fever?

[robbb0]

Thank you for your questions.



Those two are the larger of the nodes, the 2.26 one is mid point on the neck the 1.65 is just below the back of the jaw. Initially I thought I only had the one behind the jaw, which I just happened to notice one day as it is easily felt. I had noticed some enlargement in the mid neck but did not know it was a lymph node, because it is very hard and fixed. It was not until initial Dr. visit that he said it was a lymph node. There was also some popping and clicking in the middle of my neck and when I swallow it feels/sounds like tiny bubbles are traveling back up my throat.



Sometimes I have low grade fever which comes and goes but never for very long.

Other symptoms include:



Pain in the neck which feels like stiff neck (left side)

Pain in my chest and back on the left side just below the collar bone through to just below the shoulder blade. Pinched nerve like feeling on the left side of my spine just above the trapezoid muscle.



Extreme Fatigue

Dizziness/Vertigo

Nausea

Lower Back Pain

Gastrointestinal problems.

Trouble swallowing, (feeling of food stuck in my upper chest)

Spontaneous vomiting/sudden nausea.

Small red dots in various locations, but not densely in any location

Increased taste sensitivity to spice (everything tastes spicey)

Extreme sensitivity to cold, touching ice causes severe pain in fingers.

Rash developed on elbows that does not respond to medication.

Pain in feet and lower legs, especially in the morning after waking up.



I also notice in the CT and it was later confirmed a nodule on my kidney, the radiologist believes it is a cyst, but since he didn’t even notice it the first time through I am a bit concerned.



Sorry for the length of response.

Thanks again for your interest.

[DebM412]

Have you had any blood tests done to check your liver? Also have you had a complete CBC done? If so, were results within normal limits? If not, what was abnormal?



You mentioned that you are going in for a biopsy next month. Are they removing one of the larger nodes in your neck?



I also wanted to know if you are experiencing night sweats?



Debbie

[robbb0]

Not really night sweats, as I have read of them. Some light sweating around the back of my neck around the hair line, but not drenching sweats.



Everything on CBC and Thyroid were within normal ranges, no check of the liver.



The biopsy is a US guided FNA, on the largest of the nodes in the mid-left neck.

[anclucas]

Today i woke up with so much internal pain in my left back side of my neck. I have popping/clicking when i swallow and came across this site! I am so nervous. I am the heathiest person and for the last year and a half i have had this issue. I have seen eight different ENT doctors and first it's this and then it's nothing but then it's that. When finally my dentist discovered i had eagles syndrome which was a calcified ligament