Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Gland, fever

Has anyone any information? I've had a swollen lymph gland in my neck for over 3 months, the FNA (biopsy) showed a 'reactive' gland, MRI scan showed no other glands swollen in the neck. Blood test all normal except a slightly raised white cell count - 13.5. But it still hasn't gone any smaller.  also I've had a low grade fever for over 2 months, I'm loosing weight and have poor apetite. Has anyone any info that could help?? Thanks
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
125112 tn?1217273862
With MRI, FNA and bloodwork...would think it would clearly show Lymphoma but certainly would be good to monitor.
Here is a nice site for labs: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/lymphoma.html

The spleen, if swollen (which can occur with Mono, for example), should be detected by the doctor in palpitating it.

I wouldn't worry too much but yes, you do need to get down to the bottom of your symptoms, elevated wbc & temps. Try not to think the worse, just do your best to keep your health up.

Don't be afraid to tell your doctor your concerns.

Prior to tonsil removal (April of last year)I had a very swollen node in my neck. It remained so until just a few months ago. I was told that it can take some time (didn't expect that long!)and in some instances, the gland never goes down to pre-infection size.

I do think you have some infection but again, wouldn't worry about the worst case scenario.




Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have some further advice, that I thought I'd share with you.

My husband works in a hospital, so he managed to chat with one of the specialists there.  She's suggested we chase up the physician, and recommends that I have a chest xray and scan of the stomach area, to see if the thorax and splean are also affected, and also to look for possible infection there.

Additionally, she's recommended that I request that the gland is taken out to be biopsied, since she says that it is impossible to get a difinitive answer with only a needle biopsy.

I didn't know this, so thought that they had been able to rule out Lymphoma.

Any information about any of this would be really helpful.

Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for all of that.

I'll try the diet ideas, sounds like a good plan, thanks.  Also, I agree that stress could cause wight loss, but with the other symptoms, suggests there is a link.

Yes the Doctor checked for anything related to the mouth, throat and sinuses before doing the biopsy.  The reason for the biopsy was because the gland is very enlarged and with the other symptoms, it suggested a virus/infection of some kind, or may have been lymphoma.  No infection/virus was found, and he's now fairly confident that it isn't Lymphoma, but said there is still a chance, so he's reviewing the gland in 3 months.

Hopefully, the physician will shed some further light on this.

If you have any further insight or advice, please post again.  Your imput is really helpful.

Thanks again.

Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862
You're welcome. Did the doc check your throat & mouth. Issues regarding tonsils or thrush (thrush-from antibiotics)? Possibly sinuses?

I have heard that those with chronic allergies, can have slightly swollen glands but with your slightly elevated WBC and temperatures, I'd wager an infection.

As for weight alone, if you are worried about losing more: try to force yourself to eat.
Outside of nutritious foods, high cal. snacks (hagen daiz ice-cream has lots of Calories as well as Marie Calendars entrees), drinking such things as Boost and Slim Fast (which contains both vitamins & calories.) Try to keep well hydrated. Take a vitamin/w mineral supplement.
The goal here, while not fixing the possible infection, is trying to keep you as healthy as you can be.

Loosing weight too quickly can throw off your hormonal balance as well.

Under usual stressors, I don't think we lose weight. I have lost weight when under extreme, constant stress. The kind of stress that feels like you are in a vice, from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. Illness, worry and the frustration from it (what is it and why won't it go away!?)...can cause the kind of stress that will produce weight loss.
I don't know if it's your case, of course.

I would think your upcoming appointment, with the new doctor...may have him wanting to see where your WBC is, if not a CBC. I would gather your records (copies) from the specialist and give them to your doctor. If you think it may help him/her.

I hope you find relief, soon.





Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Other symptoms...

3 months ago I had an infection that wouldn't go away, did clear up with repeated antibiotics.

Also, as I mentioned - temperature for the last 2 months, and generally feeling unwell.  This is getting progressively worse.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for posting.

All tests for infection and virus have come back negative.

I've been seen by a Head and Neck specialist and now waiting for appointment with a physician.

So far I've lost 10 pounds (about 8% of body weight).  Stress has never caused me to loose weight in the past.
Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862
Didn't the doctor have any ideas? It sounds to me that you have an infection going on, somewhere. What other symptoms are you experiencing?

If you are not eating as you normally do, that will cause some weight loss. If you are really agonizing over this, that can cause weight loss too. How much have you lost?


Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ear, Nose & Throat Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
Discover the common causes of and treatments for a sore throat.
Learn about what actually causes your temperature to spike.
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
Family medicine doctor Enoch Choi, MD helps differentiate between the common cold and more threatening (bacterial) infections
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life