Swollen Lymph Node

[345medhelpFAN]

Hello.  I am a 31 year old male.  5 9, 160 lbs, fit.  I had my first physical in probably 5-10 years in late Feb and all results were perfect.  Sometime at the end of March or early April I got a bad cold/bad allergy, I also had an acne cyst or an ingrown hair on the center/right portion of my neck.  Sometime in all of this I noticed a lymph node was a bit swollen and a bit tender on the right side of my neck.  If it wasn't tender, I may or may not have even noticed it.  I noticed it was a bit tender when I would wash my face.  The tenderness lasted maybe a few days and went away.  This morning (a month later) I noticed some slight tenderness when i was in the shower, but a few hours later it was gone.  The node, feels like a lymph node ... rubbery, moves a bit.  I don't think its of concern, but since i noticed a little tenderness this morning, thought I would ask.


Thanks

[345medhelpFAN]

No other symptoms.

[J.M. Keyes, MD]

Hi,
It sounds like this is likely related to an infectious cause.  Tender nodes are usually from infection, which is less worrisome.  If the node is still palpable, keep an eye on it- if it is not gone in a couple of weeks, especially if it is growing, or seems hard and immobile, make sure you have it looked at by your doctor.  Other things that should trigger more concern would be unintentional weight loss, fevers/chills/sweats.
I hope it is resolved for you soon,
JMK MD