Inflamed lymph nodes in more than one place.

[florencelove]

I've noticed lately that both my Epitrochlear lymph nodes are swollen in my arm. At first I thought it was a cyst because I get cysts often, but I'm now realizing they're both in the same place on both arms and are in the same location of the Epitrochlear lymph nodes. I was checking myself for other inflamed nodes and I found another one under my right armpit. I'm not sick or anything. I have been really tired lately and just plain old exhausted... but that's kind of normal for me. My joints have been sore, but that's normal for me too. Could this be lymphoma? I'm only 26 but cancer does run in my family, so I'm a little worried. Is there other causes for something like this that are less serious that doesn't cause a sore throat or cough? I've noticed that periodically throughout this year I've noticed my throat nodes would swell, but they quickly go back down. Any ideas why this could be happening? Should I wait it out until I get my insurance in April? Or is this something I need to act on now?  

Also, I remember that I had one swollen node on my arm for months, I always thought it was a cyst until the other one popped up. So I think I've had that for a while. Thanks for reading.

[mkh9]

It might just be from the skin being stretched. Or I read that some sentinel "watch dog" type of lymph nodes might have a blue tint. So it may be the type of lymph node. But I'm not really sure.
mkh9

[florencelove]

Hey, I thought I'd add some more information. I was examining my bumps on both my arms and they have a slight grayish blue tint to the ball underneath my skin, what could it be?

[mkh9]

Yes too much oil causes pimples but don't scrub them with a wash rag as this will make them worse. Oil makes them worse too. Some good topicals are Stridex which has salicylic acid 2% pads, and oxy 5 or oxy 10 which has benzoyl peroxide. There are more fancy things on the market you can get from a dermatologist that are in the form of pills but I don't like taking these things. You may get good skin but  they have side effects that can be serious. Most people get pimples. As for the cysts cutting out oils in the diet (no fried foods) and even no added oil when you cook can help with less pimples. I actually cook with water instead of oil. This is healthy and keeps you trim. There is enough fat in food. Anyway, I think the size of these things is low and probably in the normal range. Try not to worry as I think you are ok. But just get checked out when you get insurance.
mkh9

[florencelove]

I haven't gotten them checked. I first thought they were cyst... but once I found another one on the opposite arm in the exact same spot and I developed one in my armpit at the same time, I thought my lymph nodes were inflamed. Now that I found a few more pumps on my forearm, I think I'm breaking out in cyst again. I can't tell though, they're kind of deep in the skin. I can't see anything on the surface, I can just feel it ever so slightly when I rub my skin.

I am kind of oily, I think that's why I have acne cysts. Ever since I tried using coconut oil for acne treatment these cysts on my face keep popping up. They are tiny balls under my skin. I hate them. I have one that seems to a grow and shrink back down on my cheek. It actually causes the left side of my face to go numb, or I have this weird pressure on that side of my face. Anyways, It could be either one. I guess I wont know until I get it check out. I'm still not having any symptoms.  

[mkh9]

Also, cysts are smooth to the touch when rolled under the skin. They an feel like large peas. They can be caused by oil glands or infection or near earrings. You can cut down on oil in take and that may help. You may just produce a lot of oil. Some people tend to have more cysts than others.
mkh9

[mkh9]

p.s. where are they located?
mkh9

[mkh9]

Hi, are they cysts or lymph nodes?
mkh9

[florencelove]

Hey, you seem to know your stuff... I have one more question. I was just poking around my left are and I found 2 more lumps. They seem kind of deep, I can't figure out how big they are or if they are move able but there's definitely a bump going on. Is it normal to have multiple cyst outbreaks, or is this not normal and a sign of something more serious? I've never had THIS many cysts on my body at once. Thanks.

[mkh9]

The size is very small for your lymph nodes so they are probably normal. usually to be abnormal the axillary >2cm and I think most other are >8 or 10mm depending on where they are. Also the white blood cell count would be really high for the lymphocytes if you had lymphoma and leukemia the overall WBC count would be high. So I wouldn't worry but you can check with your doctor just to be sure after you get your insurance.
take care,
mkh9

[florencelove]

Thanks for your reply. The bump on my left arm has been there for more than a month, but I always thought that was a cyst ( I'm prone to cyst and acne cysts.) Until recently I noticed I had the same bump on my other arm. They don't actually feel round, in fact it's hard for me to tell how big it is. It just feels pretty small, maybe a size of a pea, or slightly larger. The one in my right armpit I'd say is the size of a small grape. They don't hurt, and it doesn't seem like I can move them much. I've had a high white blood cell count for a couple years, but it's always just borderline high, nothing they found too odd. I have a ton of nervous system issues and pain. My arms have had some pain lately and I swear sometimes they feel swollen.  

[mkh9]

This type of lymph node can be there for a variety of reasons. But, it shouldn't be underestimated either.  One thing to look for is melanoma in the area of the forearm, wrist and hand. If  you don't see that , that is good. It is kind of an unusual finding. You really need to have someone who knows what they are doing, perhaps a hematologist, take a look at it. But whether you can wait, I don't know. Have you had a complete blood count recently, or in the last few months? If so then if it was normal that would rule out a lot too. How long has the Epitrochlear lymph node been swollen and how big is it? You also have axillary lymph node swelling? How big are those? Since your insurance starts in April that isn't too long. Is it the beginning of April? I would try to make an appointment with a doctor for right after the insurance kicks in. It may be that the cysts are causing irritation if it is in the same area. But I don't know why you are getting cysts but some people do. Are you sure they are cysts?  Feel bouncy water filled and not hard. Lipomas can sometimes cause the lymphs to swell. But I would still get the appointment made since you have a history and these nodes are in a weird transitory place. You an always cancel if they go away.