Swollen lymphnodes in neck.... Scared and worried!

[clynn17]

Hi there! I'm a 29 year old female who has been having trouble with swollen lymph nodes in my neck for the last month. I am scared of the diagnosis. I've also had a few irregular blood tests with lower than normal neutrophil and reticulocyte counts. I'm seeing a hematologist/oncologist in a month and am frightened. I've been sick off and on since Christmas so I'm not sure if maybe my body hasn't had time to repair itself. I also suffer from anxiety so I'm frasking out about this. Anyone have similar experience? I have random night sweats which i believe are due to anxiety. no weight loss etc. Thanks in advance! :(

[clynn17]

I've had an abdominal ct scan and a abdominal ultrasound as I was having stomach pain. Those were both clear. Also, weekly blood work is showing normal numbers now. I do have a few more nodes that have popped out on my neck but I feel like I also have a cold coming on as my daughter has had one for the last couple of weeks. I am on medication for high blood pressure (labetalol) and I don't think swollen nodes are a sign. What other tests should I be requesting? I'm still very frightened. I have a little girl that needs her mom to be ok! :(

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What symptoms are present and what  other diagnostic tests were done? I understand your concern regarding your symptoms. While infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes,  additional diagnostic tests may need to be done to rule this out. Other differentials include malignancy, immune or autoimmune disorders as well as medication side effects. However, definite diagnosis will depend on the results of the diagnostic tests and evaluation done. Anxiety may indeed be a factor and you can talk to your attending physician about this also for proper management. Take care and do keep us posted.