Swollen Lymph Nodes for Months. Could it be Mono?

Question

Hi, I'd like to start out by saying im a 21 year old male, and other then what has been going on recently I've always been healthy. 

Last August I first discovered a swollen node underneath my left ear. I was given an anti-biotic but nothing happened to the node. I was schedule for blood testing, and a ct-scan. Blood testing came back normal, but my ct-scan showed a nodule over 2 cm with other enlargements in my neck. I was scheduled to see a general surgeon to perform a biopsy. When I went and saw the surgeon he said he wasn't going to perform the biopsy, because the nodule wasn't " that big " in his opinion. He turned out to be right about three weeks later after six months the nodule went away. 

However, about a week after it went down I noticed two new nodules one on each side of my neck almost in identical places on each side. These nodules are still there and have been there for five months now. I've been terrified of lymphoma but I don't show any symptoms. No night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite, or weight loss. Matter of fact I've gained 20 lbs since I first found these two nodules. 

I also am scared about whats going on in my mouth. I have two symettrical bumps on my upper gums along the palate line I suppose, that are underneath the gums not sticking out, you can only feel them. I also keep getting one or two white spots on my right tonsil only, and my throat looks like it can be pretty red sometimes. I'd like to point out that I'm not a smoker, and I rarely have a drink. 

I don't have any sore throat though thats the problem. It doesn't hurt to talk, or swallow. Everything is pretty much just there, but im not actually feeling any ill effects of whats happening. 

I was able to see an ENT and he said, he believed this was "reactive lymph nodes " due to infectious mono that I had three years ago. He said that mono never leaves the body and only becomes dormant until it becomes active again. However, he didnt give me a mono-spot test to verify, that's all he said. 

I really hope he's right, but I'm still really worried. If you go back to the first lymph node that eventually went away after 6 months, I've had nodule problems in my neck for 11 months now. Two rounds of anti-biotics haven't cleared anything. I know that I've listed alot of things here, but thats whats happening to me for almost a year now. I know lymph nodes that dont go away can be a bad sign. 

Any ideas?

PlateletGal · Answer

Oops -- I forgot to mention that there is a homeopathic product that you might be interested in. It is called "lymphatic" and made by NOVA Homeopathic Natural Remedies. It says on the label, "for one or more of the following symptoms: inflammation, swollen lymph nodes, low immune system, affects of toxins." I had an acupuncturist / homeopathy practitioner give me a bottle years ago... before I was even diagnosed with CFS !

PlateletGal · Answer

I've seen many posts from people who have had swollen lymph nodes for weeks, months and sometimes even years. There are so many things that can cause your lymph nodes to swollen. 

I don't have any answers for you, but did find this lengthy article on the subject:


http://www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands/article_em.htm


I am happy to hear that you aren't having night sweats, fevers or any other symptoms.

Best,

PlateletGal

newguy4 · Answer

All my levels are normal.

Padro46 · Answer

What has your Primary said about your bloodwork?

newguy4 · Answer

I have tried to keep thoughts of lymphoma at ease, I really have. As for the dentist I was there a little more than a month ago to have them check those out. First of all they couldnt find them, because they're not visible, they're under the gums not poking out. Once I showed them where they were, they felt them and ran a oral cancer screening. The dentist said she saw nothing suspicious. The two nodules, I don't really think have had any growth to them just been consistent in size. Also they can be moved some, so I have mobility not fixed to the skin.

As for the ENT, no he didn't say anything as a follow-up, just pretty much take him at his word, and forget about it.

ott70 · Answer

I think there are too many things out there that could cause your nodes to enlarge that it would be fairly hard to guess without further workup. I think you will just need to be diligent in getting some kind of answer for your nodes wigging out. Maybe consider seeing a dentist for the mouth issues.

For me, I have had nodes in my neck and armpits act funny for years. I have one in my neck, front right-side, that has been there for a long time. Thinking about lymphoma can be scary, but I figure I would have known by now if it were the case. It may also be my sub-something-a-rather gland which I have been told are larger than the normal person's. I have probably had that spot felt by multiple doctors and none of them have ever been concerned.

I will get some other nodes in my neck that act up once in awhile -- got one last night -- and they generally go back down. I've been told it can take weeks and months for the nodes to recess back down. Pretty much all doctors I have talked to lymph nodes about say it's got to be large and growing before they will take some actions, maybe larger than the size of a marble.

The nodes in my armpits used to be real sensitive and flare up. Had a CT scan of them a long time ago with negative results. I eventually became certain that it was my deorderant, especially the anti-perspirant kind. I now just use one of those natural crystal sticks.

It's possible your body had some type of chemical change -- you are 21 -- and maybe the nodes are flaring up due to some dietary sensitivities or the environment. Definitely persist for an answer, but keep thoughts of lymphoma at ease.